Ghost Towns / Mines
  •   Sage, CA is a small sparsely populated rural suburb of Hemet. While not technically a ghost town, it does have elements of abandonment and ghost town like features. The corner of Benton Road and Sage Road is a testament to this. The most prominent historic ruin is the ruins of a late 1800′s, early 1900′s adobe building. The story...0June 9, 2013

    Sage, CA

      Sage, CA is a small sparsely populated rural suburb of Hemet. While not technically a ghost town, it does have elements of abandonment and ghost town like features. The corner of Benton Road and Sage Road is a testament to this. The most prominent historic ruin is the ruins of a late 1800′s, early 1900′s adobe building. The story…

  • I had the pleasure of visiting the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House during their Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, June 1st, 2013. Save Our Heritage Organisation purchased the building in early 2012, sighting the Ranch House as one of the most important unprotected historic places in San Diego County. The ranch house dates back to 1857. Doña Vicenta Sepúlveda Carrillo, a well-to-do...0June 3, 2013

    Warner-Carrillo Ranch House

    I had the pleasure of visiting the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House during their Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, June 1st, 2013. Save Our Heritage Organisation purchased the building in early 2012, sighting the Ranch House as one of the most important unprotected historic places in San Diego County. The ranch house dates back to 1857. Doña Vicenta Sepúlveda Carrillo, a well-to-do…

  • ROUND TRIP DISTANCE: 3 MILES TIME TO HIKE: ALLOW 3-4 HOURS TRAIL RATING: MODERATE   The only way to reach the Eagle Cliff Mine is by foot. There are a couple of options for the trek, you can either leave from the Split Rock Back Country board, or from the Pine City Back Country board. I opted to use the...0May 30, 2013

    Eagle Cliff Mine (Joshua Tree National Park)

    ROUND TRIP DISTANCE: 3 MILES TIME TO HIKE: ALLOW 3-4 HOURS TRAIL RATING: MODERATE   The only way to reach the Eagle Cliff Mine is by foot. There are a couple of options for the trek, you can either leave from the Split Rock Back Country board, or from the Pine City Back Country board. I opted to use the…

  • The Virginia Dale Mine and the Dale Mining District are located roughly 18 miles east of Twentynine Palms, and 8 miles north of Joshua Tree National Park. Virgina Dale is accessible via a 7.5 trip down Gold Crown Road from Highway 62. Gold Crown Road has a tendency to be sandy in places, so be mindful of this. The road...0May 10, 2013

    Virginia Dale Mine (Dale Mining District)

    The Virginia Dale Mine and the Dale Mining District are located roughly 18 miles east of Twentynine Palms, and 8 miles north of Joshua Tree National Park. Virgina Dale is accessible via a 7.5 trip down Gold Crown Road from Highway 62. Gold Crown Road has a tendency to be sandy in places, so be mindful of this. The road…

  • The Noonday mines are located in the Alexander Hills, roughly 7 miles Southeast of modern-day Tecopa. The Noonday mines refer to a number of silver-lead mines, which include the Noonday, War Eagle, Gunsight, and Columbia. The mines had originally been discovered in 1875 by the Brown brothers, they were quickly bought out by Jonas Osborne in 1877. Osbourne and company...0April 18, 2013

    Noonday Camp, CA

    The Noonday mines are located in the Alexander Hills, roughly 7 miles Southeast of modern-day Tecopa. The Noonday mines refer to a number of silver-lead mines, which include the Noonday, War Eagle, Gunsight, and Columbia. The mines had originally been discovered in 1875 by the Brown brothers, they were quickly bought out by Jonas Osborne in 1877. Osbourne and company…

  • Freeman Junctions (originally Coyote Holes) was established in 1873 by Freeman S. Raymond. Raymond, an original Forty-niner, and retired stage-coach driver built a stagecoach station to service travelers making their way to and from Los Angeles from the mines of Cerro Gordo, Bodie, as well as others. On February 25, 1874, the legendary Tiburcio Vasquez and his gang robbed several...0April 9, 2013

    Freeman Junction, CA / Coyote Holes

    Freeman Junctions (originally Coyote Holes) was established in 1873 by Freeman S. Raymond. Raymond, an original Forty-niner, and retired stage-coach driver built a stagecoach station to service travelers making their way to and from Los Angeles from the mines of Cerro Gordo, Bodie, as well as others. On February 25, 1874, the legendary Tiburcio Vasquez and his gang robbed several…

  • Marl Springs was an unofficial Army outpost and watering hole along the Mojave Road. At the time Marl Springs was located halfway between Camp Cady and the Colorado River, it served as one of few places in this hostile desert environment that water was consistently available. The Army unofficially established the Marl Springs outpost on October 5, 1867 after numerous...0April 9, 2013

    Marl Springs (Mojave National Preserve)

    Marl Springs was an unofficial Army outpost and watering hole along the Mojave Road. At the time Marl Springs was located halfway between Camp Cady and the Colorado River, it served as one of few places in this hostile desert environment that water was consistently available. The Army unofficially established the Marl Springs outpost on October 5, 1867 after numerous…

  • The Thomas homestead has seen better days, the old main building is nearly to it’s knees. The dug out which was likely used to keep previsions cool is still in relatively good condition and has yet to succumb to the elements and years of neglect. A large wooden corral now leans awaiting it’s final gust of desert wind before it...0April 8, 2013

    Thomas Place (Mojave National Preserve)

    The Thomas homestead has seen better days, the old main building is nearly to it’s knees. The dug out which was likely used to keep previsions cool is still in relatively good condition and has yet to succumb to the elements and years of neglect. A large wooden corral now leans awaiting it’s final gust of desert wind before it…

  •     The Holly Ash Mine is located along EP15 / Last Chance Canyon Road in the El Paso Mountains. From Red Rock Canyon State Park follow highway 14 for a little over 7 miles. Turn right on dirt road EP15 / Last Chance Canyon Road, and follow for 4.5 miles.  Do not attempt without a high clearance vehicle. The...0February 18, 2013

    Holly Ash Mine (El Paso Mountains)

        The Holly Ash Mine is located along EP15 / Last Chance Canyon Road in the El Paso Mountains. From Red Rock Canyon State Park follow highway 14 for a little over 7 miles. Turn right on dirt road EP15 / Last Chance Canyon Road, and follow for 4.5 miles.  Do not attempt without a high clearance vehicle. The…

Native American / Rock Art
  •     I came across these amazing pictograph and petroglyph sites totally by chance. I was in Homestead Valley doing some scouting for a hike that I’m planned to do in the coming week or so, this hike would take me to the top of a large lava covered butte. Rumor is, that the butte has over 500 petroglyphs on...0June 11, 2013

    “Noose Wash” Pictographs & Petroglyphs

        I came across these amazing pictograph and petroglyph sites totally by chance. I was in Homestead Valley doing some scouting for a hike that I’m planned to do in the coming week or so, this hike would take me to the top of a large lava covered butte. Rumor is, that the butte has over 500 petroglyphs on…

  • The Pleasant Valley petroglyph site is small, consisting of roughly a dozen pecked images. They are located just a short distance from the site of the Serrano village of Squaw Tank.  More than likely these petroglyphs were placed here during the time that the Serrano inhabiting the village site, thus placing these petroglyphs at around 1000 A.D.. The designs are...0June 9, 2013

    Pleasant Valley Petroglyphs (Joshua Tree National Park)

    The Pleasant Valley petroglyph site is small, consisting of roughly a dozen pecked images. They are located just a short distance from the site of the Serrano village of Squaw Tank.  More than likely these petroglyphs were placed here during the time that the Serrano inhabiting the village site, thus placing these petroglyphs at around 1000 A.D.. The designs are…

  • I had heard about two different pictographs locations in Joshua Tree National Park that depict a female in red paint. Having never come across a design of a female form in what appears to be a red dress at a rock art site, I was intrigued, so I set off to find these locations. Both The Red Lady and Brunette...0June 5, 2013

    Red Lady Pictograph & Burnette Lady Pictograph Sites (Joshua Tree National Park)

    I had heard about two different pictographs locations in Joshua Tree National Park that depict a female in red paint. Having never come across a design of a female form in what appears to be a red dress at a rock art site, I was intrigued, so I set off to find these locations. Both The Red Lady and Brunette…

  • The Alister’s Cave Pictograph and Petroglyph site is located in the Wonderland of Rocks area of Joshua Tree National Park. Located just a short distance from the popular Barker Dam attraction, as well as popular boulder climbing spots. The cave is signed by the Park Service to prevent climbing at this particular location, but you won’t find the location on...0May 16, 2013

    Alister’s Cave Pictographs (Joshua Tree National Park)

    The Alister’s Cave Pictograph and Petroglyph site is located in the Wonderland of Rocks area of Joshua Tree National Park. Located just a short distance from the popular Barker Dam attraction, as well as popular boulder climbing spots. The cave is signed by the Park Service to prevent climbing at this particular location, but you won’t find the location on…

  • I was tipped off on this location from a friend and fellow rock art enthusiast that had previously visited the site. This is one of the more intriguing locations that I’ve had the opportunity to visit. Located in a wash near the Wonderland Ranch ruins, this giant granite boulder is hollow underneath. To view the pictographs you have to crawl...0May 15, 2013

    “High Noon” Pictographs (Joshua Tree National Park)

    I was tipped off on this location from a friend and fellow rock art enthusiast that had previously visited the site. This is one of the more intriguing locations that I’ve had the opportunity to visit. Located in a wash near the Wonderland Ranch ruins, this giant granite boulder is hollow underneath. To view the pictographs you have to crawl…

  • I stumbled upon this small pictograph site while on the search for the Alister’s Cave Pictographs in the Wonderland of Rocks area of Joshua Tree National Park. The pictographs are located on the lower part of a boulder that has a small overhang, which has protected the pictographs somewhat from the elements. The pictograph designs are painted in red, and...0May 15, 2013

    “Bloody Hands” Pictographs (Joshua Tree National Park)

    I stumbled upon this small pictograph site while on the search for the Alister’s Cave Pictographs in the Wonderland of Rocks area of Joshua Tree National Park. The pictographs are located on the lower part of a boulder that has a small overhang, which has protected the pictographs somewhat from the elements. The pictograph designs are painted in red, and…

  • Nestled in a sandy wash just a few short miles from downtown Joshua Tree is a treasure that is hidden from the thousands of tourist that traverse the area on any given week. An estimated 50-75 Serrano petroglyphs line the tall stone walls of the canyon, as well at least one nice sized barely visible pictograph. A majority of the...0May 12, 2013

    Coyote Hole Petroglyphs & Pictograph

    Nestled in a sandy wash just a few short miles from downtown Joshua Tree is a treasure that is hidden from the thousands of tourist that traverse the area on any given week. An estimated 50-75 Serrano petroglyphs line the tall stone walls of the canyon, as well at least one nice sized barely visible pictograph. A majority of the…

  • Joshua Tree National Park is a place known around the world for its abundance of Joshua Trees, massive boulders, and beautiful landscape. Long before white settlers discovered the beauty, the Cahuilla Indians inhabited the area. The Cahuilla left their mark on the land in a number of ways, the most visible of those being petroglyphs (carved designs in rock) and...0May 12, 2013

    “Disney Pictographs” (Joshua Tree National Park)

    Joshua Tree National Park is a place known around the world for its abundance of Joshua Trees, massive boulders, and beautiful landscape. Long before white settlers discovered the beauty, the Cahuilla Indians inhabited the area. The Cahuilla left their mark on the land in a number of ways, the most visible of those being petroglyphs (carved designs in rock) and…

  • The Red Rock Canyon Pictograph and Rock shelter site has eluded me up until this point. I had heard of it, but wasn’t able to locate it. When I finally found it, it was completely coincidental as I was just out for a short hike, when I recognized the rock shelter in the distance from photos that I had previously...0April 24, 2013

    Red Rock Canyon Pictographs and Rock Shelter

    The Red Rock Canyon Pictograph and Rock shelter site has eluded me up until this point. I had heard of it, but wasn’t able to locate it. When I finally found it, it was completely coincidental as I was just out for a short hike, when I recognized the rock shelter in the distance from photos that I had previously…

Everything else
  •     America’s favorite stone age family is still alive and well, just a short distance from Grand Canyon National Park. Bedrock City was built in 1972, and once had live actors portraying the parts of Fred Flintstone, and Barney Rubble. The dynamic duo didn’t last long however, due to the remoteness of the location, which caused a lack of...0June 7, 2013

    Bedrock City (Williams, AZ)

        America’s favorite stone age family is still alive and well, just a short distance from Grand Canyon National Park. Bedrock City was built in 1972, and once had live actors portraying the parts of Fred Flintstone, and Barney Rubble. The dynamic duo didn’t last long however, due to the remoteness of the location, which caused a lack of…

  • “Pegleg” Smith, was born Thomas Smith on October 10, 1801 in Kentucky. Smith spent his early years traveling the western United States trading, and trapping furs. He even established a short-lived trading post along the Oregon Trail in Idaho. Smith lost his leg and began using a wooden stump as replacement in 1827, after being shot in the knee by...0June 3, 2013

    Pegleg Smith Monument

    “Pegleg” Smith, was born Thomas Smith on October 10, 1801 in Kentucky. Smith spent his early years traveling the western United States trading, and trapping furs. He even established a short-lived trading post along the Oregon Trail in Idaho. Smith lost his leg and began using a wooden stump as replacement in 1827, after being shot in the knee by…

  • John Samuelson was an area ranch hand and miner in the mid-1920′s at the Key’s Ranch. A citizen of Sweden, Samuelson claimed to have spent a majority of his life at sea. In 1927, Samuelson decided to homestead his own piece of property in Lost Horse Valley, south of Quail Springs. He built his humble shack on top of a...0May 19, 2013

    Samuelson’s Rocks (Joshua Tree National Park)

    John Samuelson was an area ranch hand and miner in the mid-1920′s at the Key’s Ranch. A citizen of Sweden, Samuelson claimed to have spent a majority of his life at sea. In 1927, Samuelson decided to homestead his own piece of property in Lost Horse Valley, south of Quail Springs. He built his humble shack on top of a…

  •   If you’ve driven Highway 15, you’ve likely noticed the sign along the highway for Zzyzx (pronounced zeye-zix) Road. The off-ramp is located just a few short miles from the bustling metropolis (sarcasm) of Baker. The road sign has spawned much media interest in recent years. Films have been based on Zzyzx, musicians have written songs, and authors have used...3April 18, 2013

    Zzyzx, Ca

      If you’ve driven Highway 15, you’ve likely noticed the sign along the highway for Zzyzx (pronounced zeye-zix) Road. The off-ramp is located just a few short miles from the bustling metropolis (sarcasm) of Baker. The road sign has spawned much media interest in recent years. Films have been based on Zzyzx, musicians have written songs, and authors have used…

  • The Mojave Cross is located along Cima Road in the Mojave National Preserve. Access is easy from both Highway 15th and the heart of the Preserve. From Highway 15 take the Cima Rd. exit and turn south on Cima Road for 11.4 miles.  From the ghost town of Cima you would follow Cima Road north for 6.2 miles. There is...0January 14, 2013

    The Mojave Cross (Mojave National Preserve)

    The Mojave Cross is located along Cima Road in the Mojave National Preserve. Access is easy from both Highway 15th and the heart of the Preserve. From Highway 15 take the Cima Rd. exit and turn south on Cima Road for 11.4 miles.  From the ghost town of Cima you would follow Cima Road north for 6.2 miles. There is…

  •   Kaleidoscope Canyon is located in the southern Black Mountains, just a few short miles from the Ashford Mill ruins. A relatively unknown canyon that is rarely visited by the tens of thousands of visitors that flock to Death Valley every year to enjoy its marvelous beauty and vast landscape. Previous to my visit in December of 2012 I had...0December 31, 2012

    Kaleidoscope Canyon (Death Valley National Park)

      Kaleidoscope Canyon is located in the southern Black Mountains, just a few short miles from the Ashford Mill ruins. A relatively unknown canyon that is rarely visited by the tens of thousands of visitors that flock to Death Valley every year to enjoy its marvelous beauty and vast landscape. Previous to my visit in December of 2012 I had…

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