Gold was discovered here in 1894 by Frank L James. In those times, it was easy to get the ownership transferred. In the case of the Desert Queen Mine, it was with murder, robbery, other illegal tactics and payment for back wages amongst other things.
Frank James worked for the Lang family at Lost Horse Mine and would prospect on his days off. After discovering the strike, a group of cattle rustlers and claim jumpers, known as the McHaney gang, shot James dead, enabling them to take ownership. It was then known as the McHaney Mine. There were rumours at the time that they made over two million dollars, although this is unsubstantiated.
James’ remains apparently are buried in a plot in a small cemetery on the Ryan Ranch.
Even Bill Keys had the mining title in 1917. He took ownership as back payment for wages along with the homestead known at Desert Queen Ranch aka Key’s Ranch.
The ore was then hauled to the Wall Street Mill for processing, along with the lead ore from Eagle Cliff.
AND ONTO THE TRAIL
We parked in the parking lot and got on our way. The trail we needed is to the right of the loos. The one to the left is for Pine City.
The trail itself was pretty easy with a slight incline. Heading up, we passed a path to the right with no signpost.
STONE CABIN
Before turning onto that trail, we continued up the hill and came across one of those old miners cabins, complete with an iron bed frame.
Continuing further up the stony mining road we came to the lookout and an old cyanide tank.
There is an excellent view of the wash, Gold Dust Gulch, and the remains of Desert Queen Mine.
Retracing our steps, we went back down the trail and turned onto the offshoot trail which we had passed earlier (this is now on the left).
Zig-zagging along the trail, it eventually descended into the wash. We decided to explore before continuing along the steep path the other side, which leads to the mine operation.
exploring the wash at desert queen mine
Washes are interesting places, especially around historic sites. You never know what you may discover. “Desert Gold” as my blogging friend Elliot (Cali49) says.
There are remains of mining artefacts scattered here and there.
We even found this huge rock with some scrawlings on the side. I believe they are claim markings.
Another cyanide tank is perched precariously on the side of the rocky hill along with some mining machinery.
And additional mines shafts which appear to go horizontally into the rock. We managed to scramble up to take a peek in one. Even though pretty much all mine shafts look the same, something is fascinating to us which makes us want to explore.
Obviously, mines are incredibly dangerous. What with the chances of cave-ins, lose and rotten timbers. Not to mention the possibility of getting tetanus if you happen to catch yourself on rusting metal. But also toxic gasses and unstable explosives!
The wash – slide show
No wonder the Park Services do their utmost to gate the entrances.
We could have spent several hours exploring, but our objective today was to hike up to the abandoned miner’s cabin at Eagle Cliff.
back to the trail of desert queen mine
We made our way back along the wash and continued the steep ascent to the remains of the Desert Queen Mine.
During operation of the mine – 1895 to 1961, it happened to be the most profitable mine in the area — a total production of 3,845 ounces of gold.
Having countless shafts, a stamp mill, housing and office amenities, Desert Queen Mine was one of the largest gold quarries within Joshua Tree. Although the mine was worked at irregular intervals from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, the final production report was in 1941.
There’s no actual buildings or structures at Desert Queen Mine, but still, lots to see. Deep mine shafts are secured, preventing people from falling in, and there are many artefacts interspersed along the way.
options
Option 1. Retrace your steps back to the car park
Option 2. Continue on an unmarked trail to Eagle Cliff Mine.
desert queen mine in a nutshell
- Park at the trailhead at the end of Desert Queen Mine Road
- Same car park for Pine City backcountry registry
- An easy trail just under a mile
- Pit toilet at the start of the trail
- Continuing straight takes you to an overlook where you can view the mine and its tailings; turning right leads you down into a ravine to the mine’s ruins
- Extreme heat in summer
- Best time to hike is in the colder months – October through April
- Take plenty of water with you
- Sunscreen, hat, suitable clothing and footwear
- Watch for snakes, scorpions, black widows and other bities
- Leave no trace. Pack it in – pack it out
- Please leave all artefacts where they are and NO graffiti. Preserve this site so others can enjoy this piece of history
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