When we decided to head out on this hiking adventure, we were excited about the well-hidden Eagle Cliff Miner’s Cabin almost nobody knows how to find!
Parking at the trailhead for Desert Queen Mine and Pine City, our venture began.
After exploring Desert Queen Mine for about an hour or so, we continued into the mountains, following quite a well-worn trail.
We had read that there was no real path to get there, so to find it you need to have a keen eye, replica Indiana Jones Whip and Satchel, the strength of the Hulk and the wisdom of Gandolf. Plus, water and sunscreen as there is very little shade.
You won’t find this trail on any map, but it’s there, and our destination was approximately three miles from Desert Queen Mine.
Not sure if we were going in the correct direction, we persisted with our quest.
HISTORY OF EAGLE CLIFF MINER’S CABIN
Not a great deal is known about this remarkable feature.
From our research, it appears that a mining claim was filed around 1895 by a Robert Muir and it was a lead mine having two shafts.
Bill Keys also had a claim to this mine for some time. It was then known as “Black Eagle”. Pack mule transported the ore to the Wall Street Mill which was quite a feat.
OUR HIKE CONTINUED
There were so many people on the trail; we wondered if we were on the correct one. Everything I had read by other bloggers implied that you need GPS co-ordinates (which, I might add, are not reliable out here in Joshua Tree National Park). Some had even given wrong directions leading you into the unknown. Not particularly smart, seeing as you can die out here!
As we persevered, the trail did disappear, then reappear a little further.
It was hard to follow in spots, is steep in places with switchbacks, loose rocks and gravel. There are also a few boulders to scramble over and a steep elevation gain towards the end. We saw several people turning back before accomplishing their goal.
After passing an exploratory mineshaft, which looked more like a cave, we finally reached the top.
A little further we came across a deep mine shaft which angled steeply beneath the earth — now gated for safety purposes.
We did scramble in, making sure we didn’t disturb the humongous spider’s web and got a few photos.
Beyond that lies a flat area, with towering rock faces and a large oak tree.
And the views are incredible!
The cabin is just there, well hidden within the rocks.
eagle cliff miner’s cabin
How in the world did the miners find these places? Let alone building a cabin as fantastic as this? Even by today’s standards, this is a very remote location.
The creator has used natural boulders, incorporating them into the structure, building rock walls, a fireplace, a wooden framed doorway, and even adding a window for light.
Walking into this small homestead, it is surprisingly large and light.
The cooking stove sits at the back, with pots still on it, as if the owner is going to return at any moment to continue cooking.
A hand-made wooden shelf unit stocked with glass jars and tins of varying sizes is adjacent to the six paned glass window.
To the right, is situated a natural rock formation cave. Somewhere to sleep, perhaps? Or maybe once utilized for storage. There are no clues that we could see to tell us what it had been for.
The roof is constructed of wood and flattened out tin cans. The architecture is amazing and took excellent skill to assemble.
The shelter is well intact with many original artefacts and appears that someone is still inhabiting it and has just stepped out.
WHAT WE THOUGHT OF EAGLE CLIFF MINER’S CABIN
Finding this cabin was well worth the hike. Situated high in the mountains and hidden within the rocks gave us a real appreciation for how this miner lived and his ingenuity.
IN A NUTSHELL
- 3-mile hike on an unmarked trail on uneven ground
- Some bouldering is required
- There is no shade on the trail
- Old miner’s cabin built in the late 1890s between boulders
- Original artefacts from the mining era
- Take plenty of water, sunscreen and wear suitable clothing
- Watch for rattlesnakes and other bities
- Leave no trace. Pack it in – pack it out
- Please preserve this unique piece of mining history for others to enjoy.
- Leave all artefacts exactly where they are
- If you wish to “make your mark,” you can sign the visitor’s book
Due to the continuous tagging, vandalism and theft, we have chosen not to give a detailed description of the trail. If you would like to see this fantastic piece of desert mine history, then you will need to do your research.
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