Hiking and exploring backcountry locations of the Western United States.
Death Valley National Park and Surrounding Region
Jean François de Lamoignon (shortened to Jean or John Lemoigne), was a black-bearded Frenchman who differed from most of the other early Death Valley prospectors; he was a well-educated mining engineer. He came to Death Valley around 1879 to supervise the Eagle Borax Works. Unfortunately, by the time he had arrived in Death Valley, his partner who brought him out there, Isidore Daunet, had committed suicide. Lemoigne turned to prospecting.
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Back in early 2019, I met up with Dale and Brian to explore some slot canyons in the southern reaches of Death Valley – namely in the Owlhead Mountains.
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As is often the case, I know about a ton of places but never have the time to visit them. This backcountry cabin out in the Death Valley area falls into that category. Recently, I finally had the chance to get out and search for it.
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I stumbled across this remote mining prospect and cabin site in the wilds of Death Valley. I’ve looked through my books but I couldn’t find any information on this place. Judging by the debris, the cabin dates from the 1950s or earlier but I’m only guessing. Someone lived here for a while though and developed this prospect. No one has been here for a long time. I certainly didn’t see any modern trash or even any footprints.
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Also known as the Salt Basin Cabin, Bob and Ward’s cabin is a little wooden cabin that is all that remains of a 1920s mining camp in this isolated valley.
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