“Scallywag” Mine

August 12, 2018

“Scallywag” Mine

This is a more modern mine out in Death Valley probably worked for lead or antimony. It has two tramways and a few ore buckets still on-site. Getting up to the mine is a challenge. There is one dry fall to climb up.

"Scallywag" Mine

100 photos

Hiking into the canyon

We find a broken and half buried ore car in the wash

We find a loading area for the mine in the wash.

Drake looks up at the tram tower 800 ft above us.

It's up there somewhere

If you look close you might be able to see a tiny A-frame near the center.

These stairs have seen better days.

Tram cable up to the mine

These stairs are in better condition

Back into the canyon

The canyon tightens up

We see a short dry fall ahead

It's an easy climb up

This dry fall is more challenging and requires someone with rock climbing skills.

Once up the falls, we spot the mine high above us.

In the wash, we find a drill bit pushed through a rock and bent on one end. I'm guessing it was used for a hook.

We find an ore car

Ore bin with a California highway sign that says "Scallywag Mine"

Drake checks the ore bin - it's empty.

We find another tram car

Ore bin and chute pipe coming down from the mine

Hiking up to the mine

Almost to the lower workings

Watch your step

Drake takes a break

At the lower workings

A small adit leads to a storeroom.

In to the main adit

This interesting ore chute is made from large metal pipe.

Climbing up to the upper workings is no easy task.

Almost to the upper ore bin which has a tram line.

Boxy at the upper ore bin.

Upper ore bin and view

The mine here is a set of open stopes that lead into workings.

Open stope and stulls

Old jeans and newspaper. The newspaper was being used to roll up some explosive for the drill holes.

That's a very steep 800 ft drop to the wash and loading area.

Pretty nice view from up here

Pulley wheel in the crow's nest

Looking down the tram line

It looks like they once raised the ore up a trestle to get it into the bin.

This goes down two levels

Shovel point and fuel can

That's a 55 gallon drum that a miner turned into a stove.

Stove and portal

Back down the mountain

Joshua Hendy Iron Works, S.F. Cal.

The highway sign is a mystery

Drake coming down the cliffs from the mine

At the dry fall

We brought a hand line

There are a few other small drops in the narrows

They are easy to get down

Farewell for now

Scallywag Mine

Guy Starbuck

August 12, 2018 4:48 pm

California, Death Valley

Mining, Tramways

Guy Starbuck

Administrator

Guy Starbuck has been hiking and exploring backcountry southwestern US for over 25 years.

Please don’t ask me for locations to rock art or other sensitive sites.

If a site name is in “quotes”, it is misnamed on purpose.

Many of the hikes described here visit historic mining sites. These sites are inherently unstable and unsafe. Always approach them with caution and at your own risk. The author assumes no liability or responsibility for your activities.

The wilderness is a wild and untamed place. You are responsible for knowing where you are going and what you are getting into. Stay safe! Do not put yourself or others at risk.

There are still wild places out there. Go out and explore them!