Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp
Explore atmospheric mining ruins and abandoned homesteads in a secluded, remote desert landscape. A photographer's dream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures for exploring
Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp
Best Time
Cooler temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore atmospheric mining ruins and abandoned homesteads in a secluded, remote desert landscape. A photographer's dream.
"The coolest ruins I’ve seen at Death Valley because the buildings have so much character and they’re so secluded."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Unpaved roads can be rough. AWD/4WD is best to avoid getting stuck.
📸 Photography Paradise
Ruins and secluded landscapes offer unique photo ops. Visit during golden hour!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eureka Mine Ruins
Near the parking area
Explore the atmospheric remnants of the historic Eureka Mine, offering a glimpse into the area's mining past.
Aguereberry Camp Ruins
A short walk from the mine
Discover abandoned cars and houses, creating a secluded and almost eerie atmosphere perfect for photography.
Secluded Desert Landscape
Surrounding Eureka Valley
Experience the profound solitude and stark beauty of the remote Eureka Valley, a photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Timing Your Visit for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Unpaved roads can be rough. AWD/4WD is best to avoid getting stuck.
📸 Photography Paradise
Ruins and secluded landscapes offer unique photo ops. Visit during golden hour!
Eureka Dunes
Does it really take more than 4 hours to get from furnace Creek to eureka dunes?
🔦 Mine is Welded Shut
Don't bring flashlights expecting to enter the mine; it's inaccessible.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Mine
Wander down the road to find abandoned cars and houses for more ruins.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Unpaved roads can be rough. AWD/4WD is best to avoid getting stuck.
📸 Photography Paradise
Ruins and secluded landscapes offer unique photo ops. Visit during golden hour!
🔦 Mine is Welded Shut
Don't bring flashlights expecting to enter the mine; it's inaccessible.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Mine
Wander down the road to find abandoned cars and houses for more ruins.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a remote desert location with no services. Stay hydrated!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp to be a fascinating, secluded spot for exploring historical ruins and unique photography. While the mine itself is inaccessible, the surrounding abandoned cars and houses offer a compelling glimpse into the past. The main drawback is the challenging road access, requiring a suitable vehicle.
"If you are on your way to Aguereberry point or the charcoal kilns, definitely stop here. If you like ruins, exploring, or photography, this is a must-see. The parking lot is close to the mine, but if you walk down in the direction of the road you took up there, you will find an abandoned car and houses. These are the coolest ruins I’ve seen at Death Valley because the buildings have so much character and they’re so secluded. It’s almost creepy."
Vivian
"I am not much for history, with my focus being photography. I stopped by here on my way back from Aguereberry Point (worth it) and was VERY surprised how much I enjoyed exploring this little spot. I don't know why there are so few reviews and so little traffic. The rangers recommended it to me and the road here was easy enough and not terribly far if you have some extra time."
Nicholas Klein
"Worth a visit to wander around. I dinged it one star for the mine being welded shut, the information sign got me excited when it said to bring two flashlights when you go inside, ran back to the car for my gear only to be stymied at the entrance! Curse the lawyers."
Dennis Peery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route involves taking Eureka Valley Road from Highway 190, then turning onto South Eureka Road. This latter section is unpaved and can be challenging. Maps suggest taking Eureka Valley Rd from Oasis on 266 and traveling south, then taking South Eureka Road unpaved for about 10 miles.
A high-clearance vehicle, ideally with AWD or 4WD, is strongly recommended due to the rough, unpaved nature of South Eureka Road. Rental car companies may have restrictions on driving on unpaved roads.
Road conditions can vary significantly, especially after rain or snow. It's crucial to check with park rangers or local sources for the latest road status before your visit.
The drive from Furnace Creek to Eureka Dunes (which is near the mine) can take over 4 hours, depending on road conditions and your vehicle. The roads leading to the mine itself are particularly rough.
Expect very limited to no cell service in this remote area. Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans before you depart.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp as they are located within Death Valley National Park. However, standard park entrance fees apply.
The Eureka Mine itself is welded shut and inaccessible. The surrounding ruins and camp are open to explore during park hours, which are generally dawn to dusk.
Unfortunately, the mine entrance has been welded shut for safety reasons, so you cannot go inside. Information signs might mention bringing flashlights, but this is misleading.
Yes, Death Valley National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Typically, there are no official guided tours specifically for Eureka Mine or Aguereberry Camp. Exploration is usually self-guided.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The low-angle light creates dramatic shadows and highlights on the ruins and the desert landscape.
Aguereberry Camp offers fantastic opportunities for capturing atmospheric shots of abandoned cars, decaying structures, and the vast, secluded desert surroundings. It has a unique, almost eerie feel.
If you venture towards the Eureka Valley sand dunes, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for stunning light. The remote location offers incredible stargazing opportunities if the weather is clear.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and the landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures, especially if you plan to photograph the stars.
Yes, it is generally safe to photograph the abandoned vehicles and structures. However, exercise caution when exploring any dilapidated buildings and avoid entering unstable areas.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can explore the atmospheric ruins of the Eureka Mine, as well as abandoned cars and houses at Aguereberry Camp. The secluded desert landscape itself is a major draw.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the ruins and soak in the atmosphere. If you plan to combine it with a visit to Aguereberry Point or the charcoal kilns, allocate more time.
No, there are no facilities at Eureka Mine or Aguereberry Camp. You must bring all your own water and be prepared to pack out everything you pack in.
The terrain around the ruins is generally easy for strolling. However, wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and rocky.
While there isn't a designated campground directly at the mine, dispersed camping might be possible in the surrounding BLM land or within Death Valley National Park in designated areas, adhering to all regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. The exploration is mostly self-guided, so encourage kids to be curious but also to stay within safe viewing areas and not to climb on unstable structures. The vast, open desert landscape can also be a fun place for kids to explore (under supervision), offering a sense of freedom and discovery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the landscape and the ruins, and a tripod if you plan on shooting in low light or attempting astrophotography of the incredibly dark night skies. The remoteness ensures fewer crowds, giving you ample time and space to compose your shots without interruption. Remember to be respectful of the historical site and avoid disturbing any artifacts.
🚗 Adventure Seekers
Once there, the exploration of the ruins – from the mine site to the abandoned homestead – offers a sense of discovery. The secluded desert environment provides a feeling of true escape and immersion in nature. Be sure to carry all necessary supplies, including extra water, food, and a first-aid kit, as you'll be far from any services.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rough Roads
The remoteness of this location means services are non-existent. Be prepared with ample water, snacks, and a full tank of gas. Downloading offline maps is essential, as cell service is unreliable to non-existent. The drive can be long, with estimates from Furnace Creek to the nearby Eureka Dunes exceeding four hours, so plan your time accordingly and inform someone of your itinerary.
Photography Opportunities
The best light for capturing these scenes is during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the low-angle sun casts long shadows and bathes the landscape in warm hues. Beyond the immediate camp area, the broader Eureka Valley offers opportunities for landscape photography, with its rugged terrain and expansive skies. If conditions are right and the clouds cooperate, the Eureka Valley sand dunes nearby are also a spectacular subject, especially for astrophotography due to the minimal light pollution.
A Glimpse into the Past
The seclusion is palpable, making it easy to imagine the solitude experienced by prospectors and settlers. Rangers often recommend this site for those interested in ruins and history, noting the unique character of the buildings. While the mine being welded shut is a point of minor frustration for some, the overall experience of wandering through these historical remnants in such a remote setting is deeply rewarding for those who appreciate history and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit