The Desert Queen Mine
Mileage: 3miles round trip
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Start at: Pine City Backcountry Board [B]
The Desert Queen Mine is only one of the many easy day trips that start
from the Pine City Backcountry Board.
Start from the east side of the parking lot, and follow the road-trail to an
overlook of the mining works in the canyon.
From the overlook, you get a good view of the old machinery and mine shafts
that dot the hillside above the Desert Queen Wash.
This mine was one of the most profitable and longest operating mines in the
area. In its heyday, it produced almost 4000 ounces of gold, which was worth
several million dollars.
To reach the mine, head west, back down the trail, and look for a narrow trail
heading south. This
trail takes you past the ruins of a small building and down into the wash. Cross
the wash, and follow the trail back up the other side.
Many of the mine shafts have been covered with steel grates, but there is
still a lot of mining equipment to be found right by the trail. An old air
compressor provides a good spot to rest!
WARNING! Do NOT enter any mine shaft, for
ANY reason!
The Desert Queen Mine hike is a good one for beginners, and for those who would
like to add a fun, 'filler' hike to any hiking that they have done that day.
The wash is also full of suprises, and plan to add a couple of hours to your
schedule to allow you to explore this interesting, historical area.
Try out the Desert Queen Mine on your next trip into the park. You'll
dig it!!
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like to add a fun, 'filler' hike to any hiking that they have done that day.