Mesquite Canyon ...El Paso Mountains...has a dark history...

Today, a nice plastic marker identifies the road ("EP100," also known as Mesquite Canyon Rd.) into Mesquite Canyon.  The area is now the domain of off-roaders, and part-time prospectors.  The trail into Mesqute Canyon is a relatively easy four-wheel drive trail, and the only real dangers facing the modern traveler are the usual and very real hazards associated with entering a remote area unprepared,

This has not always been the case.

This trail was originally a Native American foot-path, that, by the early 19th century, was being followed by prospectors in search of gold.  During the 1850's, the trail was being used as a burro/pack route, with the animals hauling gold out of the mines and returning with supplies for the miners.

The area wasn't quite as barren as it is today.  A clump of mesquite trees once grew at the entrance to the canyon, and spring water once supported these trees, as well as grass.

This sounds somewhat idyllic.  But, during the mid 1800's all sorts of renegades and outlaws preyed on the miners.  There was no law enforcement, so the miners had to protect themselves-if they could.  Sadly, most of what happened in Mesquite Canyon, "stayed" in Mesquite Canyon, with very little news of the goings-on reaching the outside world.

Once in a while, though, a freighter would carry news of a tragedy to a nearby town.  One of these tragedies was the murder, in 1864, of the owner of the Yarbrough Gold and Silver Company.  The man was killed at Mesquite Springs, while he waited for a shipment of gold to be picked up.

Indeed, many travelers-some just passing through, found themselves looking down the barrel of a gun, merely for being in the canyon.  These types of confrontations, along with "high grading" (sneaking on to another miner's claim and stealing the "highest grade" gold) were occurring through the middle of the 20th century.

Now, though, the Canyon is quiet, save for the grumble of an occasional vehicle.

EP100 is a relatively easy trail.  Although sandy in spots, it is mostly a dirt road.  Recently, my wife and I took our Subaru CrossTrek on this trail, and we encountered no difficulty whatsoever.  We had no need to use low-range, which is good, because the CrossTrek doesn't have low-range.  However, we did encounter some sand, which necessitated the use of the Subaru's "X-Drive" button-which locks the transfer case in order to provide equal power to all four wheels.

EP100, looking south toward Randsburg-Red Rock/Garlock Road.

EP100, looking north, toward Mesquite Springs (which were dry during our visit.)