Silver Bell Mine - Joshua Tree National Park

Make sure to keep a keen eye on the distant hills, because you just never know what can be hiding in plain sight. When we made our way towards an exhibit ahead sign near mile marker 8, the sun was high overhead in the cloudless sky, and the air con was blowing cool air across our skin. We pulled into the lay by to read the information about the Silver Bell Mine.

Looking up into the hills we saw two large vestiges standing out amidst the rocky outcrop. Grabbing our water packs and camera, we decided that we would hike to the top.

Trail to silver bell mine photo gallery

View from the road
The trail
Getting closer

The Hike to Silver Bell Mine

The hike to the top is on very rocky steep ground and a haven for snakes. So you need to watch your footing due to loose rocks and keep a lookout for rattlers. (We didn’t see any, fortunately.)

View from the top overlooking the other side

The remains of Silver Bell Mine are two tipples which are totally accessible and still in extremely good condition. Tipples are the name of ore bins, which held and fed rock to a stamp mill which crushed the ore so that the precious metals could be extracted.

Tipples of Silver Bell

The mine operated for approximately 40 years, although the details of who owned it are unknown. However, what is known is that gold was mined in the 1930s, but gold mines were closed by the Federal Government during WWll in order to erase miners for war effort work. Lead was mined in the 1940s and copper in 1950s, but the mine closed in approximately 1962. Although named Silver Bell, very little, if any, silver was found.

Places like this are an absolute treasure so if you do visit please don’t leave any graffiti or trash. It’s totally unnecessary. Let everyone enjoy these places in their ghostly state of existence. That tells a much better story than some simpleton scribbling “I was here!”

This is not a difficult hike, although you need to keep in mind that it is uphill all the way and there is no shade. So take plenty of water along and wear appropriate clothing.

silver bell mine – In A Nutshell

Silver Bell Mine – not on any map. Located behind the exhibit sign mile marker 8
Located on the east end of the Hexie Mountains.
This can actually be seen from the road.
The mine shafts may be filled with toxic gases.
2-mile round trip
Uphill over uneven surfaces
No shade – dress appropriately
Take plenty of water
And above all, stay safe

Remember: Take only photos, and leave only footprints. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve this site for others to enjoy.