Keane Wonder Mine
Explore a remarkably preserved gold mine in Death Valley, offering a challenging hike and a tangible connection to the Wild West.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Keane Wonder Mine
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a remarkably preserved gold mine in Death Valley, offering a challenging hike and a tangible connection to the Wild West.
"It feels like time stood still on this spot; workers one day left the place and never came back."
🚗 Choose Your Ride Wisely
An SUV or vehicle with clearance is best for the unpaved road.
💧 Bring Ample Water
No shade here! Stay hydrated, even on cooler days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mine Structures
Base of the trail
Explore the remarkably preserved 100+ year old mining infrastructure, a testament to the desert's dry climate.
+1The Hike to the Top
Upper mine area
A challenging uphill hike over rocky terrain leads to the main mining plume with stunning valley views.
+1
Historical Interpretive Signs
Throughout the site
Learn about the mine's discovery and production through well-placed signs detailing its rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Hydration and Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Choose Your Ride Wisely
An SUV or vehicle with clearance is best for the unpaved road.
💧 Bring Ample Water
No shade here! Stay hydrated, even on cooler days.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for this exposed location.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rocky and uneven, so wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Choose Your Ride Wisely
An SUV or vehicle with clearance is best for the unpaved road.
💧 Bring Ample Water
No shade here! Stay hydrated, even on cooler days.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for this exposed location.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is rocky and uneven, so wear comfortable hiking shoes.
📸 Capture the History
Great photo ops of the preserved mine structures and desert landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Keane Wonder Mine as a well-preserved historical gem with a challenging but rewarding hike offering great views. The drive, though unpaved, is considered worth it for the unique glimpse into the past. Some note the limited parking and the need for a high-clearance vehicle.
"Abandoned mine about 20 min drive over unpaved road. Would not go here in a car without some clearance. Drive is absolutely worth it. It feels like time stood still on this spot. It is like workers one day left the place and never came back, with some imagination you can feel the spot light up in front of you."
Mark Rasing
"Great views of the valley and historical mining area. Some old mining equipment and builds toward the bottom of the trail, but a challenging up hill hike with significant distance and elevation changes over rocky terrain if you want to get to the top of the plume where they were actually mining. It was fairly busy when I was there and was lucky to find parking as the parking area is extremely small and the road in is too narrow to park along."
Nick Vernon
"This place is huge, I went to the very top and my watch said 61 floors before it died. Make sure you bring lots of water, there's no shade so even when its not that hot you'll need it."
William Wallace II
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keane Wonder Mine is accessed via a 3-mile unpaved road off Badwater Road in Death Valley National Park. A vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended, though some visitors have managed with standard cars.
No, the road is unpaved and can be rough. It's best suited for SUVs or vehicles with higher clearance.
It's possible, but not ideal. The unpaved road can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. Proceed with caution.
Keane Wonder Mine is approximately a 20-minute drive from the main Furnace Creek area, depending on road conditions.
Parking is very limited. The small parking area can fill up quickly, and the road is too narrow to park along. Arrive early if possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Keane Wonder Mine is located within Death Valley National Park, which requires an entrance fee. No separate ticket is needed for the mine itself.
Keane Wonder Mine is accessible during park hours, typically dawn to dusk. Always check the official Death Valley National Park website for the most current information.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Death Valley National Park. This fee covers access to all areas within the park, including Keane Wonder Mine.
While the mine is accessible during park hours, it's best to visit during cooler parts of the day and year due to the extreme desert heat.
Visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles and respect the historical structures. Avoid climbing on unstable parts of the mine.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find well-preserved historical mining structures, old equipment, and interpretive signs detailing the mine's history. The hike to the upper mining areas offers great views. +1
Yes, there's a challenging uphill hike to the upper mining plume. It involves significant elevation gain and rocky terrain.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the lower structures and complete the hike to the upper mine area.
The hike can be strenuous for young children. Adult supervision is crucial, and it's best to assess your child's stamina and the day's heat.
The hike to the top offers expansive views of the surrounding desert landscape and the valley floor.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique abandoned mine structures, the rugged desert scenery, and the panoramic views from the hiking trails.
Absolutely. The stark desert beauty and the historical elements provide excellent opportunities for landscape and historical photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the mine and landscape.
While you can photograph the exterior and accessible areas, avoid entering unstable structures for safety and preservation.
The base of the mine with its preserved buildings and the overlook at the top of the hike are particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on exploring the well-preserved structures at the base of the mine and reading the interpretive signs. These offer a good introduction to the mining history without requiring a strenuous climb. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day to make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
This site is a fantastic stop for those interested in historical ghost towns and abandoned places. The well-preserved structures offer a unique photographic opportunity and a tangible connection to the past, making it a memorable detour on your road trip through the desert.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Keane Wonder Mine
The infrastructure you see today, including the mine shafts, buildings, and equipment, dates back to this active period. The arid climate of Death Valley has been instrumental in preserving these historical remnants, offering a tangible link to the region's mining past. Visitors can explore these structures and imagine the bustling activity that once took place here.
Interpretive signs scattered throughout the site provide valuable context, detailing the lives of the miners and the technological advancements used during that era. This makes the visit not just a scenic excursion but also an educational journey into the history of the American West.
Hiking and Exploration
For those seeking a more challenging experience, a hike up to the main mining plume is highly recommended. This trail is steep, rocky, and involves significant elevation gain, requiring sturdy footwear and plenty of water. The effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and a closer look at where the gold was extracted.
Remember that there is very little shade along the trail, so be prepared for the desert sun. The lack of humidity helps preserve the site, but it also means you need to be extra vigilant about staying hydrated.
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