I've posted on the Eagle Cliff cabin previously (Eagle Cliff Mine (part 1) and Eagle Cliff Mine (part 2)), but since it's one of my favorite hikes and places to visit in Joshua Tree National Park, I don't feel too guilty about posting again! This time it wasn't a solo hike. I had my cousin from Chicago with me. He loves to hike and is a fellow photographer, so the perfect hiking companion.
The old miner's cabin is in a somewhat remote area of Joshua Tree. It's not on any of the JT maps, and the trail going to it is unmarked and in places hard to follow. It's one of those "secret" places that not too many people know about. Perhaps best of all, the cabin is well preserved... no graffiti and hikers respect it and leave it as they found it for other hikers to enjoy.
 |
| Photo of yours truly; photo credit S. Wessel |
One of a number of old mines (this one is in the Desert Queen mining area). Note the old tracks used for moving the ore.
Along the way, my cousin found this old rusty can with "Union Carbide Co." on the bottom. An internet search revealed that the Union Carbide Company sold calcium carbide which was used in "carbide lamps" by miners in their lanterns and helmet lamps. By slowly adding water to calcium carbide, you produce acetylene, which produces a bright flame for the lamp. Basic chemistry, right? When the can was new, it might have looked like the one in the photo below. After taking the photo, we put the can back exactly as we found it.
 |
| Photo credit S. Wessel |
Just before reaching the miner's cabin, you will see the opening to the Eagle Cliff Mine. It's actually easy to miss because of the bushes partially obscure the opening. Like all of the mines in this area, there is a gate a little ways inside the mine so you can no longer go inside and explore.
Let's take a look inside the cabin...
And from the outside...
The area around the cabin (Eagle Cliff) is worth the hike all by itself. Beautiful rock formations and spectacular views! Look closely at the photo below and you will see my silhouette up in the rocks.
 |
| Photo credit S. Wessel |
 |
| That little speck of a person in the flat area is cousin Scott! |
Hope you enjoyed joining us on our hike to the Eagle Cliff miner's cabin!
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Click on the link to check out great skies from around the world, and thanks for stopping by!!
Hello, the cabin is cool. Love the shots of the windows and the cliff. Fantastic views. Have a happy day and weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Fun to visit, then read about it and see the pics.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! And as always, great pictures. I sent you an email, by the way.
ReplyDeleteWlooks wonderful to explore with a camera. Thanks for showing.
ReplyDeleteIntriguing views of the old mine area. And, as always, the skies are a wonderful blue.
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to get out to places familiar. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day for a hike & you had a fello enthusiast to share it with! Just fantastic scenery & history there!
ReplyDeleteThat whole area looks very rugged. it is interesting to see the scenery and also how people lived in those rustic cabins back then.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read. Amazing pics.
ReplyDeleteGreetings.
Very interesting shots of the hike.
ReplyDeleteAwesome cabin! In the event of a zombie apocalypse, you've got it covered!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot from the cabin outside, complete with a reflection in the window! Interesting about the union carbide Co. Wonder If they still make it - and I'll look it up:) Nice to have a fellow photographer with you this time!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed everyone of your photos but I found the miner's cabin to be the most fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking me along. You make me miss my desert Southwest.
ReplyDeleteWhat an Awesome walk , love the first ones you showed an dloved this one, such great views to soo.
ReplyDeleteeasy to forget the sky when you visit a place like that :) It seems they took good care of the place when living there. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a place , what a journey and what wonderful photography ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy and Peaceful weekend ~ ^_^
What views. Peaceful. Beautiful. No snow! I'm not a hiker, so thank you for the virtual visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat an other worldly place. That can photo is a keeper. Big time.
ReplyDeleteThis place is worth revisiting and revisiting and revisting. It is like turning back the clock for a this moment in time. Hope you have a wonderful week-end.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery. It's impressive how well preserved the cabin is.
ReplyDeleteHi SP&P, What a wonderful hike and a fascinating cabin you found! Of course, your excellent photography makes me want to go and see the place in person. :-) I do think it is amazing how folks have left the cabin as is. It seems like these days most folks want to take home a souvenir which ultimately ruins it for the rest of us, but that cabin has sure been respected. Love to see that! Thanks, as always, for sharing. Have a great weekend and best regards from Seattle!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking me! Interesting place and great captures!
ReplyDeleteSUch an interesting hike indeed! Love the miners' cabin and look at that sky!
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't mind hiking there again. Great place and it is encouraging that it hasn't been picked clean nor vandalized.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful country and great to have the perfect companion Nice to see pictures of you as well and your cousin did the same thing you do, used the person in the picture to enhance rather than distract from the beautiful natural scenery.
ReplyDeleteI would hike along with you virtually any time at all (and wish I could do it for real -- but that would actually take a couple of wishes -- being in JT first of all and second of all being about a decade younger.)
Really nice photos (by both of you). I haven't been to this spot in a long time, but it looks about the same (like I have still have the memory to know!).
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice series of photos.
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool cabin!
ReplyDelete