Hole-in-the-Ground Hike

Driving east on the lower half of Geology Tour Road along the south-facing Hexie Mountains, there are clear signs of mining activity. I carefully checked out the area on Google Maps, and yes, signs of mining are all over the area. I planned my route and added coordinates to my GPS.

See the disturbed soil at the top of the hill in the middle of the photo (above)? That's an example of an easy to spot area that's been mined. If you were to hike up there, you might find an old mine. Or perhaps just a hole in the ground. Or perhaps nothing. The authorities (BLM, NPS, etc.) have done a good job (many would say too good) filling in and fencing off old mines. It takes some of the fun out of exploring these areas when they are filled in with little left to see. You have to get pretty remote to find intact mining areas.

I started my hike going up this old mining road. Doesn't look much like a road, does it? Those old miners and their vehicles must have been tough and gutsy, or perhaps downright crazy!!

I made this hike back in April when things were a little cooler and some of the cactus were in bloom.

This area has abundant red barrel cactus. This shot is at the top of the old mining "road" before it veers off to the right.

One of the many areas of mining activity that turned out to be simple holes in the ground (likely much more extensive back in the day, but since filled in).

The old mining road as it turns and parallels the mountain. I would not want to drive this road! I decided to follow it further up the mountain.

Hey, this looks more promising! To this point, everything I've come across has been holes in the ground.

Turns out this was just a shallow exploratory mine, and ended after about 30 feet or so.

The view looking out.

One of my favorite shots from the hike... a hedgehog cactus next to a red barrel, both in flower.  Nice colors in an otherwise rocky and barren environment!

More sign of past mining activity. See the heavy cable coming out of the ground? Also, a good view west toward Geology Tour Road and Pleasant Valley.

What should we call this rock formation? Dinosaur's Back? Dragon Spine?? I like this B&W version.

How about this one? Birdrock??

Time to head home. I can't resist stopping to take this photo (even though I've taken a bunch from here in the past). The exit sign and picture of the sedan out here in the middle of nowhere seem so odd and out-of-place, they always make me smile!

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