Eureka Mine & Aguereberry Camp - Image 1
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Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp

4.9
·9 reviews·, United States

Explore atmospheric mining ruins and abandoned homesteads in a secluded, remote desert landscape. A photographer's dream.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Cooler temperatures for exploring

CrowdLow
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Eureka Mine & Aguereberry Camp - Image 1

Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp

Best Time

Early morning

Cooler temperatures for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore atmospheric mining ruins and abandoned homesteads in a secluded, remote desert landscape. A photographer's dream.

4.9
(9 reviews)

"The coolest ruins I’ve seen at Death Valley because the buildings have so much character and they’re so secluded."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eureka Mine Ruins

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

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

Secluded Desert Landscape

Surrounding Eureka Valley

Experience the profound solitude and stark beauty of the remote Eureka Valley, a photographer's dream.

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Planning Your Visit

Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice

Accessing Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp requires navigating unpaved roads, often described as rough. A high-clearance vehicle, preferably 4WD or AWD, is highly recommended to avoid getting stuck or damaging your rental car. Check road conditions before you go, especially after rain.

Timing Your Visit for Exploration

While the mine itself is welded shut, the surrounding ruins and camp offer fascinating exploration. Visit during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to make wandering through the ruins more comfortable and enjoyable, especially for photography.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Cooler temperatures for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photography
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I had the entire dunes to myself! Deep in the mountains, at a elevation of 7000 feet, lies the Eureka valley sand dunes. This super remote and often treacherous location has some of the best stargazing in the country if weather permits because this is the second time in a row clouds rolled in right as the Milky Way rose .🤣🤣 This time though the Milky Way showed its face just in time for clouds to ...
@patslogic
4.5K likes • 29.4K views

🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed

Unpaved roads can be rough. AWD/4WD is best to avoid getting stuck. Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Ruins and secluded landscapes offer unique photo ops. Visit during golden hour! Reddit

reddit.com

Eureka Dunes

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Mine

Wander down the road to find abandoned cars and houses for more ruins. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed

Unpaved roads can be rough. AWD/4WD is best to avoid getting stuck. Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Ruins and secluded landscapes offer unique photo ops. Visit during golden hour! Reddit

🔦 Mine is Welded Shut

Don't bring flashlights expecting to enter the mine; it's inaccessible. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Mine

Wander down the road to find abandoned cars and houses for more ruins. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

This is a remote desert location with no services. Stay hydrated! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.9
(9 reviews)

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

Atmospheric ruins
Secluded location
Unique photography opportunities

What People Dislike

Mine is welded shut
Rough road access

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Expect very limited to no cell service in this remote area. Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans before you depart. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Death Valley National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online in advance. Reddit

Typically, there are no official guided tours specifically for Eureka Mine or Aguereberry Camp. Exploration is usually self-guided. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🚶 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

The terrain around the ruins is generally easy for strolling. However, wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and rocky. Reddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp can be an engaging experience for families, offering a unique blend of history and adventure. The abandoned cars and houses at Aguereberry Camp are particularly fascinating for children, sparking their imagination about past lives in the desert. Reddit It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about mining history and the challenges of living in remote areas. However, due to the rough roads, ensure your vehicle is suitable and that children are prepared for a bumpy ride. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp are a dream destination. The atmospheric ruins and the eerie beauty of abandoned vehicles and structures at Aguereberry Camp offer endless creative possibilities. Reddit Plan your visit around the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting, which will enhance the textures and shapes of the decaying buildings and vehicles. Reddit

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. TikTok 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. Reddit

🚗 Adventure Seekers

If you crave off-the-beaten-path adventures, Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp deliver. The challenging unpaved roads leading to the site are part of the thrill, requiring a capable high-clearance vehicle and a sense of preparedness. Reddit The journey itself is an experience, testing your driving skills and rewarding you with access to a truly remote and historic location. Reddit

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. Reddit Be sure to carry all necessary supplies, including extra water, food, and a first-aid kit, as you'll be far from any services. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Rough Roads

The journey to Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp is an adventure in itself, primarily due to the road conditions. Visitors consistently emphasize the need for a high-clearance vehicle, with many recommending 4WD or AWD for navigating the unpaved sections, particularly South Eureka Road. Reddit Rental car agreements can be tricky; ensure you understand the terms regarding off-road driving. Maps may show routes that are more challenging than they appear, and it's wise to check with park rangers for the most current road status, especially after any inclement weather. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

Photography Opportunities

For photographers, Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp are a treasure trove of unique subjects. The atmospheric ruins of the mine, though inaccessible from the inside, provide a compelling foreground against the stark desert backdrop. Reddit The real photographic gems, however, are the abandoned cars and houses scattered around Aguereberry Camp. These remnants of a bygone era, set against the vast, empty landscape, create a sense of isolation and history that is incredibly photogenic. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. TikTok

A Glimpse into the Past

Eureka Mine and Aguereberry Camp offer a tangible connection to the hardy individuals who sought their fortune in this harsh desert environment. The Eureka Mine itself was part of the mining boom in Death Valley, though its current state means visitors can only appreciate its exterior and the surrounding structures. Reddit The real story for explorers often lies a short walk away at Aguereberry Camp, where the remnants of a homestead, including abandoned vehicles and buildings, paint a vivid picture of life in a remote outpost. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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