After scouting the Indian Mine in the upper reaches of Monarch Canyon of Death Valley, we turned our sights on a solitary adit in the lower part of the canyon. I couldn't find any history on this little prospect, but after heading out there, I'd guess it dates from around the 1900s.
Surprisingly, we stumbled across two prospector camps on the way to the mine. These are pretty amazing finds, considering we had no idea they were out here.
The first of the two camps has a tin-sided cabin dug into the side of a small hill. It is a curious spot. A can dump and what almost looks like a rock garden are nearby.
After wandering around a few hills, we reached the second camp against the canyon wall at the mouth of the canyon. Not much is left here either beyond parts of a stove, a few cans, a saw blade, a boot heel, and other miscellaneous items.
The mine itself is high on a slope further up the canyon.
To get out there, you'll have to park on the side of Beatty Cutoff Road, about 0.66 miles downhill from its junction with Daylight Pass Road. For reference, there is a restroom and picnic tables at the junction. The spot is lovingly marked "Hells Gate" on some park maps.
Once at the parking spot along the road, head to each of my waypoints below, which will lead you to the mine. If you try to reach the mine by hiking directly up the canyon, you will run into a series of dry falls. An old miner's trail starts near the second camp and conveniently heads directly to the prospect. Some sections of the old trail are hard to follow.
