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Death Valley-Northern

Northern Death Valley region of California, including the Cottonwood, Grapevine, Saline, and the Last Chance mountain ranges

25 posts

Mule Tack Mine Cabin

Mule Tack Mine Cabin

We knew this was going to be a challenging place to reach, mainly due to the long hike and canyon crossing. Knowing that we were in for it, we decided to backpack in. It was a good choice. "Mule Tack" is not the actual name of this mine,

Zigzag Canyon Petroglyphs

Zigzag Canyon Petroglyphs

We have made several trips to this fantastic slot canyon full of petroglyphs out in Death Valley. It is a challenge to get in to see them. There are a couple of slick dry falls that need to be scaled. You will need someone with climbing ability and rope to

Sand Flat Pictographs

Sand Flat Pictographs

The Drztgrls, Alysia, Dan, Boxcar, and I went in search of a hidden shelter with some petroglyphs and pictographs. It is on the edge of a small basin that probably held a lake in wetter times. Getting out there is a bit of a hike, but it is worth the

Fort Independence Soldier's Camp

Fort Independence Soldier's Camp

Back in 1862, Owens Valley was not quite as peaceful as it is today. White settlers were just moving in and starting up ranches. Prospectors were combing the hills in search of that elusive next big strike. The Paiute, Shoshone, and Kawaiisu people who lived here didn’t appreciate being

Marble Bath Pictographs

Marble Bath Pictographs

There is a place way out in the backcountry of Death Valley National Park called Marble Bath. Actually, it is two places. Why there are two Marble Baths is a bit of a story. The real Marble Bath is a narrow marble canyon that contains some potholes (also called tinajas

Inscription Fork of Lemoigne Canyon

Inscription Fork of Lemoigne Canyon

My friend Bill led Dan and me to a fork near Lemoigne Canyon out in Death Valley with a few historical inscriptions. It is hard to know if they are real or not, but I believe they are. This is a seldomly seen area. No directions to protect this site.

Mule Tail Mine

Mule Tail Mine

The Mule Tail was one of Shorty Harris’ mines, and the rush to the Goldbelt District started in the early 1900s. It is a small mine, and only a single ore car and lonely adit remain out in this desolate corner of Death Valley National Park. GPS