Starbuck's Exploring

Sign in Subscribe

Guy Starbuck

Guy has explored the deserts and mountains of the southwestern US for more than thirty-five years. In that time, he has found a couple of hidden and remote locations that don't see many visitors.

503 posts

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley has a hidden secret: its outlaw past. The history of this area dates back to the mid-1870s when ranchers discovered it had good spring grazing and winter feed for their sheep and cattle. Around this time, a group known as the "McHaney Gang" began utilizing certain

October 2021 News

October 2021 News

Well, I took a longer break than I wanted to on the site. Some things with family have kept me busy. But I have done a few trips to northern Arizona, which I will start posting. I did get all the old trips posted. So, now it's on

Stockyard Rock

Stockyard Rock

Out in Death Valley, there is a rock a friend told me about a long, long time ago. I'd been wanting to visit it for some time but never stopped to check it out. So, in early 2021, I finally did. What's so special about this

Victorine Mine

Victorine Mine

I’ve known about this mine for a long time but had avoided it because it was so close to town. I figured everything had already been carted off and the mine reclaimed. Over the course of the last year or so, I had multiple sources bring it up. It

Chaparrosa Peak

Chaparrosa Peak

There is nothing historical here, but this is a nice hike to a peak with great views just outside of Joshua Tree. Directions * Hike: Moderate hike, 5.7 miles Out and back, 1,400 ft gain round trip. 3 hours. The trailhead for this hike is at the visitor center

Paymaster Mine

Paymaster Mine

The Paymaster Mine, also known as the Black Warrior Mine, was reported to be a good producer in the Gold Park district. Mined for gold, it had a 140-foot shaft with two levels of drifts and cross-cuts. Information on ownership and production is scarce. Bill Keys believed it was discovered

Aragonite Mine

Aragonite Mine