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| Hiking | 3.85 Miles |
523 AEG |
| | Hiking | 3.85 Miles | 1 Hour 44 Mns | | 2.22 mph |
| 523 ft AEG | | 10 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I made a trip out to the mine finally. I've looked at it from below and maps but had not ventured onto the mesa yet. The most difficult part of this hike is getting off an on I-17. The exit is between sunset point and badger springs. You could walk from either of these exits but that would add a few more miles. It is directly across a turn around point and behind a big bush. You'll probably miss it twice just like I did  Once I was parked at the gate right off the freeway I noted that the gate was locked. I promptly hopped the fence and ripped my pants on the barbed wire. Awesome!
The walk in is relatively flat. I passed by a corral and small office which seems to have been out of service for some time. The office had some junk in it and mouse poop. Did not explore further.
Along the road I was looking out for signs of petroglphs but I didn't see anything. I was told there were some out here but didn't get clear directions until after my trip.
When I made it to the main drag of the mine you could tell something had happened here. There was debris all around. I would not recommend walking around with no shoes on. There were a few structures I explored but nothing that was really all that exciting. The view of the canyon bottom was pretty cool. I have been told there is a way down from here but didn't not attempt on this day. I worked my way around to everything I could see taking a few pictures along the way. I knew there was also some more ancient ruins across the way. So after looking at the other side of the hill where the actual mine shafts were and finding a geocache I continued over to "Ruins tank". Just a note: I was not looking for the geocache and it was super obvious. Nothing spectacular at the ruins either. No pottery shards, petroglyphs or really anything of note. Basic walls and rooms for a medium sized occupation.
There were some interesting formations below the mines and I now know there are some grave sites and petroglyphs I missed so there is a reason to return when it gets cooler out. If it was not for the barbed fence I might even bring the family out on this one. This one is short and would be interested in tacking on some distance and elevation next go around to make the drive worth it. |
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