Three Days In Joshua Tree, Part III...

After breaking camp on Friday, we drove out to the site of the Virginia Dale Mine.  The mine is located well outside the park boundaries, on lands administered by  Bureau Of Land Management.

Although it is not known exactly when mining first started in the general vicinity, the Dale mining district came to life in 1881 after gold was found in the nearby Pinto Mountains.

Mining activity here continued sporadically until the beginning of World War  Two, and today, a few rusting relics maintain a silent vigil over the site.

Rusty remains of tanks, at the mine site.

Photo by Scott Schwartz.

All rights reserved.

                                One of the old shaft entrances.  Note the person walking along 

                                ridge.  Prospectors and explorers can still be found here; this gentle-

                                man was not in our party.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.  All rights reserved.

                               The Virginia Dale Mine sits in the heart of the Pinto Mountains.

                               In this view, the drone was facing west, toward Joshua Tree 

                               National Park.  Photo by Scott Schwartz.  All rights reserved.