Mojave Underground USA Wiki - User contributions [en]

Lowell, AZ

2008-08-18T16:10:40Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 31.432539° -109.883896° ---- <googlemap lat="31.432539" lon="-109.883896" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 31.4...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
31.432539° -109.883896°

----

<googlemap lat="31.432539" lon="-109.883896" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
31.432539,-109.883896, Lowell, AZ
</googlemap>

Jerome, AZ

2008-08-18T15:49:14Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 34.746909° -112.107888° ---- <googlemap lat="34.746909" lon="-112.107888" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 34.7...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.746909° -112.107888°

----

<googlemap lat="34.746909" lon="-112.107888" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.746909,-112.107888, Jerome, AZ
</googlemap>

Humboldt, AZ

2008-08-18T15:43:11Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 34.502931° -112.244327° ---- <googlemap lat="34.502931" lon="-112.244327" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 34.5...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.502931° -112.244327°

----

<googlemap lat="34.502931" lon="-112.244327" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.502931,-112.244327, Humboldt, AZ
</googlemap>

Gold Road, AZ

2008-08-18T15:33:13Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 35.193601° -113.759730° ---- <googlemap lat="35.193601" lon="-113.759730" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 35.1...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
35.193601° -113.759730°

----

<googlemap lat="35.193601" lon="-113.759730" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
35.193601,-113.759730, Gold Road, AZ
</googlemap>

Gleeson, AZ

2008-08-18T15:31:29Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 31.734305° -109.830535° ---- <googlemap lat="31.734305" lon="-109.830535" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 31.7...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
31.734305° -109.830535°

----

<googlemap lat="31.734305" lon="-109.830535" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
31.734305,-109.830535, Gleeson, AZ
</googlemap>

Fairbank, AZ

2008-08-18T15:28:06Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 31.722007° -110.188382° ---- <googlemap lat="31.722007" lon="-110.188382" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 31.7...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
31.722007° -110.188382°

----

<googlemap lat="31.722007" lon="-110.188382" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
31.722007,-110.188382, Fairbank, AZ
</googlemap>

Ehrenberg, AZ

2008-08-18T15:23:16Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 33.626172° -114.498440° ---- <googlemap lat="33.626172" lon="-114.498440" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 33.6...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
33.626172° -114.498440°

----

<googlemap lat="33.626172" lon="-114.498440" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
33.626172,-114.498440, Ehrenberg, AZ
</googlemap>

Dos Cabezas, AZ

2008-08-18T15:21:28Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 32.174923° -109.612817° ---- <googlemap lat="32.174923" lon="-109.612817" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 32.1...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
32.174923° -109.612817°

----

<googlemap lat="32.174923" lon="-109.612817" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
32.174923,-109.612817, Dos Cabezas, AZ
</googlemap>

Crown King, AZ

2008-08-18T15:02:19Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 34.205559° -112.337577° ---- <googlemap lat="34.205559" lon="-112.337577" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 34.2...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.205559° -112.337577°

----

<googlemap lat="34.205559" lon="-112.337577" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.205559,-112.337577, Crown King, AZ
</googlemap>

Courtland, AZ

2008-08-18T14:15:15Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 31.770769° -109.808296° ---- <googlemap lat="31.770769" lon="-109.808296" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 31.7...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
31.770769° -109.808296°

----

<googlemap lat="31.770769" lon="-109.808296" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
31.770769,-109.808296, Cortland, AZ
</googlemap>

Cordes, AZ

2008-08-18T14:14:02Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 34.303704° -112.166388° ---- <googlemap lat="34.303704" lon="-112.166388" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 34.3...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.303704° -112.166388°

----

<googlemap lat="34.303704" lon="-112.166388" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.303704,-112.166388, Cordes, AZ
</googlemap>

Congress, AZ

2008-08-18T14:12:38Z

74.220.195.115:

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.162727° -112.850200°

----

<googlemap lat="34.162727" lon="-112.850200" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.162727,-112.850200, Congress, AZ
</googlemap>

Congress, AZ

2008-08-18T14:12:14Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 34.162727° -112.850200° ---- <googlemap lat="34.162727" lon="--112.850200" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 34....

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.162727° -112.850200°

----

<googlemap lat="34.162727" lon="--112.850200" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.162727,-112.850200, Cochise, AZ
</googlemap>

Cochise, AZ

2008-08-18T14:09:52Z

74.220.195.115: New page: This location needs an article written for it. ==Location== 32.113054° -109.912724° ---- <googlemap lat="32.113054" lon="-109.912724" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 32.1...

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
32.113054° -109.912724°

----

<googlemap lat="32.113054" lon="-109.912724" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
32.113054,-109.912724, Cochise, AZ
</googlemap>

Cleator, AZ

2008-08-18T13:56:43Z

74.220.195.115:

This location needs an article written for it.

==Location==
34.278361° -112.233108°

----

<googlemap lat="34.278361" lon="-112.233108" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.278361,-112.233108, Cleator, AZ
</googlemap>

Cleator, AZ

2008-08-17T13:49:03Z

74.220.195.115: New page: ==Location== 34.278361° -112.233108° ---- <googlemap lat="34.278361" lon="-112.233108" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small"> 34.278361,-112.233108, Cleator, AZ </googlemap>

==Location==
34.278361° -112.233108°

----

<googlemap lat="34.278361" lon="-112.233108" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.278361,-112.233108, Cleator, AZ
</googlemap>

Clarkdale, AZ

2008-08-17T12:47:49Z

74.220.195.115: New page: Unlike other company towns of the period that grew haphazardly, Clarkdale was designed and built from a unified master plan. The main town site was located on a ridge overlooking the indus...

Unlike other company towns of the period that grew haphazardly, Clarkdale was designed and built from a unified master plan. The main town site was located on a ridge overlooking the industrial smelter complex and was developed with residential homes, including upper and lower-income housing, a commercial area and administrative center, schools, recreational and cultural facilities and parks. They intended to include all the parts typically found in a small town within a comprehensive planned design. Today, the original town site of Clarkdale is recognized as an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Clarkdale remains a model of good urban planning today. The estimated population in 2005 was 3,680. The original rail line that served the smelter is now host to a scenic excursion train, the Verde Canyon Railroad, which allows travelers a four-hour round trip to view the protected ecosystem of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area and Verde River firsthand. In addition to the excursion branch, the Arizona Central Railroad (the parent company of the Verde Canyon Railroad) ships materials by rail to Salt River Materials Group, a local cement manufacturer. Clarkdale’s historic Downtown Business District boasts many treasured historic assets, and is the center of Clarkdale’s government, cultural, and historic core.

The town and the business owners in the downtown area have invested heavily to keep the town core thriving. Approximately $1.5 million in streetscape improvements in the Downtown Business District were completed in March, 2005. The Downtown Business District provides a little of everything from a business perspective: a restaurant, taverns,coffee house, service station, light manufacturing, a Laundromat, and several internet based businesses. Two museums and the Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce information center will also open in the downtown district in 2005. The Verde Valley Theatre perform community theatre in the Clark Memorial Clubhouse.

==Location==
34.767674° -112.047247°

----

<googlemap lat="34.767674" lon="-112.047247" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
34.767674,-112.047247, Clarkdale, AZ
</googlemap>

Chloride City, AZ

2008-08-17T12:25:20Z

74.220.195.115: New page: Much like Oatman, AZ, Chloride has revived itself from near death by promoting tourism. It is the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in the state, Chloride is called home toda...

Much like [[Oatman, AZ]], Chloride has revived itself from near death by promoting tourism. It is the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in the state, Chloride is called home today by about 150 full time residents.

During the 1840s, miners and prospectors began to canvas the area for any sign of precious minerals and in the early 1860s, they found several rich silver veins on a site they called Silver Hill. Later they would find other riches including gold, lead, zinc, copper and turquoise in the area.

The mining camp of Chloride was founded around 1863, but despite the vast riches of the district, it grew slowly due to the hostile Hualapai Indians. However, the Butterfield Stage Line began to service Chloride and the surrounding area in 1868. In the late 1860s the U.S. Army began to subdue the Hualapai and by the early 1870s a treaty was signed with the Indians, clearing the path for extensive mining.

It was during this decade that the population began to escalate and in 1873 a post office was built. At some point the post office was closed, but reopened in 1893, never to close again. Today, it one of the oldest continuously operated post offices in the state of Arizona.

Soon, all manner of new business began to spring up in Chloride. The stage stop and repair station for the Butterfield Stage Line was located in the building that currently houses Yesterday’s Restaurant.

In 1898, the Sante Fe Railroad extended its tracks from Kingman to Chloride, dramatically reducing the costs for ore and supply shipments. Just two years later the town boasted a population of 2,000, supported primarily by two major mines, the Tennessee and the Schuykill. Both these mines would produce gold, silver, lead and zinc on a major scale up into the late 1940s.

Chloride’s peak years were between 1900 and 1920, when some 75 mines were in operation in the area. In 1910, the railway was again extended directly to the Tennessee Mine, the largest in the area.

With the coming of the railroad, Butterfield’s Stage Line finally discontinued service in 1919.

By the 1930s, the richest mine in the area was the Golconda, located between Kingman and Chloride. It has been estimated that the Golconda produced six and a half million dollars in ore. Later on, the Tennessee Silver Mine surpassed the Golconda in total ore produced.

Alas, the Santa Fe Railroad, which had provided both passenger and cargo service since 1898, decided to close its station in Chloride in 1935. This was just the first of many events that led Chloride to a near death.

By 1944, the cost of materials and labor had increased to such a degree, it became too expensive to extract the precious minerals from the nearby hills. The mines closed and though the population declined dramatically, the post office remained open. Within just a short period of time, Chloride was considered a ghost town.

During the counterculture period of the 1960s, a band of hippies led by a man named Roy Purcell made their home in the hills just east of Chloride. During their stay, Roy painted what are now known as the "Chloride Murals." Forty years later, on the anniversary of their painting, the artist returned to repaint the art, so the murals are bright and vibrant today.

==Location==
35.413350° -114.197947°

----

<googlemap lat="35.413350" lon="-114.197947" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
35.413350,-114.197947, Chloride City, AZ
</googlemap>

Cerro Colorado, AZ

2008-08-17T11:27:40Z

74.220.195.115:

In the 1860s, one of the Cerro Colorado mines near Arivaca was the largest silver producer in Arizona. It was in the middle of no-where, but miners are always attracted to the payload, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Later in the mine's activity was an unexplained hard-rock cave in. Death was common on the frontier that would become a state, but this was an unexplained tragedy with racial overtones.

Mine supervisors separated Mexicans and native Americans to help relieve racial tension and overcome language barriers. Unfortunately, when the walls of the silver mine came tumbling down, more than a dozen native Americans were trapped and killed in one of the two main shafts. Their bodies were never recovered, and the unmarked wreck of a mine stands as a gruesome monument to those who died in the unexplained incident. Their bodies are still interred there.

The surviving native Americans, who apparently suspected their Mexican counterparts of having a hand in the fatal incident, vowed revenge and slowly drifted back into the desert toward their villages or outposts to watch for opportunity.

Morale deteriorated steadily and hit an all-time low when the mine foreman was called away and his younger, allegedly meaner, brother was left in charge. Soon after, most of the workforce that had remained had deserted to the relative safety of the cantinas south of the border.

One fateful afternoon a Mexican shift supervisor was caught smuggling silver out of the mining camp red handed. He was made an example for the other workers, who were lined up and forced to watch as he was executed.

Within the next few weeks the remaining Mexican workers, fearing for their safety, fled across the border. The only people who were left in the once-busy town of Cerro Colorado were the foreman, John Poston, brother of the so-called "Father of Arizona" Charles Poston, and two German supervisors.

==Location==
31.671477° -111.267596°

----

<googlemap lat="31.671477" lon="-111.267596" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
31.671477,-111.267596, Cerro Colorado, AZ
</googlemap>

Cerro Colorado, AZ

2008-08-17T11:27:12Z

74.220.195.115:

In the 1860s, one of the Cerro Colorado mines near Arivaca was the largest silver producer in Arizona. It was in the middle of no-where, but miners are always attracted to the payload, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Later in the mine's activity was an unexplained hard-rock cave in. Death was common on the frontier that would become a state, but this was an unexplained tragedy with racial overtones.

Mine supervisors separated Mexicans and native Americans to help relieve racial tension and overcome language barriers. Unfortunately, when the walls of the silver mine came tumbling down, more than a dozen native Americans were trapped and killed in one of the two main shafts. Their bodies were never recovered, and the unmarked wreck of a mine stands as a gruesome monument to those who died in the unexplained incident. Their bodies are still interred there.

The surviving native Americans, who apparently suspected their Mexican counterparts of having a hand in the fatal incident, vowed revenge and slowly drifted back into the desert toward their villages or outposts to watch for opportunity.

Morale deteriorated steadily and hit an all-time low when the mine foreman was called away and his younger, allegedly meaner, brother was left in charge. Soon after, most of the workforce that had remained had deserted to the relative safety of the cantinas south of the border.

One fateful afternoon a Mexican shift supervisor was caught smuggling silver out of the mining camp red handed. He was made an example for the other workers, who were lined up and forced to watch as he was executed.

Within the next few weeks the remaining Mexican workers, fearing for their safety, fled across the border. The only people who were left in the once-busy town of Cerro Colorado were the foreman, John Poston, brother of the so-called "Father of Arizona" Charles Poston, and two German supervisors.

==Location==
31.671477° -111.267596°

----
<googlemap lat="40.734765" lon="-109.567939" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
40.734765,-109.567939, Dyer Mines
</googlemap>

Cerro Colorado, AZ

2008-08-17T11:26:09Z

74.220.195.115:

Cerro Colorado, AZ

2008-08-17T11:23:27Z

74.220.195.115: Created Page

During the 1860s one of the Cerro Colorado mines, near Arivaca, was the single largest silver producer in southern Arizona. It was in the middle of nowhere in the frontier, but miners are always attracted to the payload, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Then came the unexplained hard-rock cave in. Death was common on the frontier that would become a state, but this was an unexplained tragedy with racial overtones.

Mine supervisors routinely separated workers into Mexican and native American groups to help relieve racial tension and overcome language barriers. Unfortunately, when the walls of the silver mine came tumbling down, more than a dozen native Americans were trapped and killed in one of the two main shafts. Their bodies were never recovered, and the unmarked wreck of a mine stands as a gruesome monument to those who died in the unexplained incident. Their bodies are still interred there.

The surviving native Americans, who apparently suspected their Mexican counterparts of having a hand in the fatal incident, vowed revenge and slowly drifted back into the desert toward their villages or outposts to watch for opportunity.

Morale deteriorated steadily and hit an all-time low when the mine foreman was called away and his younger, allegedly meaner, brother was left in charge. Soon after, most of the workforce that had remained had deserted to the relative safety of the cantinas south of the border.

One fateful afternoon a Mexican shift supervisor was caught smuggling silver out of the mining camp red handed. He was made an example for the other workers, who were lined up and forced to watch as he was executed.

Within the next few weeks the remaining Mexican workers, fearing for their safety, fled across the border. The only people who were left in the once-busy town of Cerro Colorado were the foreman, John Poston, brother of the so-called "Father of Arizona" Charles Poston, and two German supervisors.

==Location==
31.671477° -111.267596°

----

Colorado

2008-08-08T20:15:50Z

74.220.195.115: /* Locations */

{| style="width:100%; background:#fcfcfc; margin-top:1em; border:1px solid #ccc;"
|style="width:56%; color:#000"|

{| style="width:280px; border:solid 0px; background:none;"
|style="width:280px; text-align:center; white-space:nowrap; color:#000;"|
<div style="font-size:162%; border:none; margin:0; padding:.1em; color:#000;">Welcome to the Colorado Mojave Underground Wiki</div>
<div style="top:+0.2em; font-size:95%;">The free Location Library that [[New Topic Help|anyone can edit]]!</div>
<div id="articlecount" style="width:100%; text-align:center; font-size:85%;">We have[[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] locations.</div>
|}
----
Thank you for visiting. We have provided a [[Mine Safety]] Article and the [[Mojave Underground:General disclaimer]] for yours and our protection. Check back frequently, as we (and others) update this wiki often.

'''Feel free to create new locations you feel other users could use and benefit from.''' [[New Topic Help]]

==Locations==

{| style="size:small;color:black;background-color:#FFFFFF;" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1"
!Springs
----

!Towns
----
[[Alta, CO]]

[[Animas Forks, CO]]

[[Buckskin Joe, CO]]

[[Como, CO]]

[[Creede, CO]]

[[Crystal, CO]]

[[Guston, CO]]

[[Hancock, CO]]

[[Howardsville, CO]]

[[Ironton, CO]]

[[Ludlow, CO]]

[[Marble, CO]]

[[Montgomery Mill, CO]]

[[Ouray, CO]]

[[Silverton, CO]]

[[South Park City, CO]]

[[St. Elmo, CO]]

!Urban Speleology
----

!Mountains
----

!Mines
----

[[Creede, CO]]

!Caves
----

!Other
----


!<googlemap version="0.9" lat="39.215231" lon="-105.644531" type="map" zoom="6" width="300" height="400" controls="large">
(G)37.8766, -107.861, Alta, CO
(G)37.9316, -107.5709, Animas Forks, CO
(G)39.2912, -106.0857, Buckskin Joe, CO
(G)39.3168, -105.8934, Como, CO
(G)39.0591, -107.1045, Crystal, CO
(G)37.915, -107.6958, Guston, CO
(G)38.6406, -106.3612, Hancock, CO
(G)37.8368, -107.5957, Howardsville, CO
(G)37.9332, -107.6798, Ironton, CO
(G)37.3328, -104.5829, Ludlow, CO
(G)39.0706, -107.1898, Marble, CO
(G)39.3577, -106.0839, Montgomery Mill, CO
(G)38.0238, -107.6716, Ouray, CO
(G)37.805, -107.671, Silverton, CO
(G)39.2264, -106.0009, South Park City, CO
(G)38.7035, -106.3453, St. Elmo, CO
</googlemap>
|}
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Wyoming

2008-08-08T15:05:12Z

74.220.195.115:

Wyoming

2008-08-08T15:04:22Z

74.220.195.115: New page: {| style="width:100%; background:#fcfcfc; margin-top:1em; border:1px solid #ccc;" |style="width:56%; color:#000"|  {| s...

Washington

2008-08-08T15:02:16Z

Hidden Treasure Mine

2008-07-28T15:28:06Z

74.220.195.115: /* History */

[[Image:hiddent1.jpg|thumb|Rail system inside the mine]]
In 1865, the Hidden Treasure Mine was opened and the mining camp of [[Jacob City]] was established. It produced more profit than any other mine in town. For more than a century, the Hidden Treasure Mine in Tooele County, Utah, was the source of legends and dreams as it yielded silver, gold, and lead worth millions of dollars. It's 21 miles of tunnels, caves, and faults, were of great profit to miners, and a great adventure to those who explored through the veins of the Oquirr Mountains.

==History==

The Hidden Treasure Mine is owned by a family in Utah County, and has a chain and lock on the upper entrance, preventing any access to inside the mine. The main adit has been plugged by cement to hold people out. There are several ways into the Hidden Treasure from far below, in the old semi-ghosttown of [[Ophir]], and via the upper Ophir mine, The Buckhorn Mine (a cave in is preventing current access into the hidden treasure via this route, and would requite digging out) The entire mountain range is interconnected via the tunnels of the Hidden Treasure, Ophir Hill, and Buckhorn mines. Many artifacts still remain, and much is yet to be discovered within.
[[Image:hiddent2.jpg|thumb|Sweating Dynamite inside storage room]]

==Lost Scout==
September 22, 1989, Joshua Dennis, a 10-year old Blazer Scout, explored the mine with his scout troop. He was not given his own light to explore with, and while returning to the exit, some 2000' feet from the portal, became separated from his father, Terry, when he left Joshua to take another scout out of the mine. Finding himself alone, he sat a ledge and remained on there for four days. Search and Rescue teams searched for those four days and were not able to locate Joshua, who refused to answer the calls of the Search and Rescue team. S and R and the DOGM refused to allow anybody to help search for the boy outside their "professional" team. On the start of the fifth day, the mine owner, who tried back entrances to the mine, was allowed entrance and came out with the boy, alive, within 20 minutes of entering.
[[Image:hiddent3.jpg|thumb|Ore Bins withing large opening in mine]]
In 1996, a road was plowed from Stockton to Jacob City to allow for drilling rigs to gain access to the area. Since this time, the area often sees several visitors a day through the summer months. The main entrance to the Hidden Treasure Mine has been dug out several times, and each time, refilled and cemented. It is only a matter of time, and somebody with the equipment, that somebody will re-open the entrance for those who explore it once more.

Had his father not been irresponsible with his son, the mine would still be open to this day. Shortly after, the DOGM tore down all the remaining buildings, structures, and remaining history of the area, including a saloon, a boarding house, and s hotel.

==Location==
40.388074° -112.271932°

----

<googlemap lat="40.388074" lon="-112.271932" zoom="14" width='800' controls="small">
40.388074,-112.271932, Hidden Treasure Mine
</googlemap>

Provo Canyon Pipeline

2008-07-13T12:15:07Z

74.220.195.115:

The Provo Canyon Pipeline Tunnel is a small tunnel at the mouth of Provo Canyon. It was blasted long ago and a large pipe was eventually placed inside the tunnel to provide a secure means of transporting the water to Provo. The entrance to the tunnel had been closed up, but recently has again been uncovered to allow entrance.

==The Rick Jorgenson Legend==
Legend has it that a man by the name of Rick Jorgenson raped and killed a middle aged woman by the name of Stella Anderson inside the tunnel back in the 1980s. Her body was not found for years, until a small group of explorers happened upon her bones and reported them to the local police. By that time, Rick had left the area, and could not be found.

40.312299, -111.6553

The tunnel is fairly short both in distance and height, but makes for a quick adventure if looking for a local place to get underground. Recommend parking in the canyon trailhead parking lot, near the gas station.

----
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="40.312765" lon="-111.655447" zoom="16" width="800">
40.312299, -111.6553
Entrance to Tunnel

40.310849, -111.655563
Tunnel Exit
</googlemap>

Provo Canyon Pipeline

2008-07-13T12:13:56Z

74.220.195.115: Created Page

The Provo Canyon Pipeline Tunnel is a small tunnel at the mouth of Provo Canyon. It was blasted long ago and a large pipe was eventually placed inside the tunnel to provide a secure means of transporting the water to Provo. The entrance to the tunnel had been closed up, but recently has again been uncovered to allow entrance.

==The Rick Jorgenson Legend==
Legend has it that a man by the name of Rick Jorgenson raped and killed a middle aged woman by the name of Stella Anderson inside the tunnel back in the 1980s. Her body was not found for years, until a small group of explorers happened upon her bones and reported them to the local police. By that time, Rick had left the area, and could not be found.

The tunnel is fairly short both in distance and height, but makes for a quick adventure if looking for a local place to get underground. Recommend parking in the canyon trailhead parking lot, near the gas station.

----
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="40.312765" lon="-111.655447" zoom="16" width="800">
40.312299, -111.6553
Entrance to Tunnel

40.310849, -111.655563
Tunnel Exit
</googlemap>

Topaz Mountain

2008-07-06T18:52:38Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:tp1.jpg|thumb|Topaz Mineral]]
Topaz Mountain is popular for it high concentration of topaz minerals. Most of the rock is white Rhyolite and contains various minerals such as Sherry Topaz, cubed Bixbyite, flakes of Hematite, Pseudo-Brookite needles, Garnets and Red Beryl.
Topaz is Utah's state gem. It is a semiprecious gemstone that is very hard, with transparent crystals in a variety of colors. The topaz crystals are naturally amber colored, but become colorless after exposure to sunlight.
The crystals formed within cracks and openings of the Topaz Mountain's Rhyolite, a volcanic rock which erupted around six to seven million years ago (Tertiary Period) from volcanic vents along faults in the area.

BLM has set up an area specifically for rockhounding. Topaz can be spotted best during the day when the sun is out. Some prospectors use screens to filter dirt out from the topaz.

Many areas are over worked and little topaz is left. Those who take time to hike off the beaten path usually succeed in greater amounts and higher qualities of topaz. Topaz is amber colored until it is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. The more amber the topaz, the more valuable it is.
[[Image:tp2.jpg|thumb|Topaz Mountain]]
===Requirements===
High Clearance Vehicle if traveling deep into the canyon.

Extra Water - Very Dry area.

Rock Hounding Gear - Hammers, chisels, prybar, dirt screens, etc.

===Location===
Topaz mountain is located in the Thomas Range about 40 miles west of Lynndyl, UT. A high clearance vehicle is recommend.
The best way to get there is to turn right off highway 6 a few miles past Lynndyl onto the IPP power plant road. It's paved all the way until the turnoff.

39.709390° -113.103304° @6500'

----

<googlemap lat="39.709390" lon="-113.103304" zoom="8" width='800' controls="small">
39.709390,-113.103304, Topaz Mountain
</googlemap>

Nutty Putty Cave

2008-06-04T12:51:15Z

74.220.195.115: Created Page

[[Image:nutput1.jpg|thumb|Nutty Putty Caves]]
Nutty Putty Cave is a naturally formed thermal spring cave located on the west side of Utah Lake. The cave has many rooms, corridors, and tunnels. The cave is very popular to the locals and is considered a good cave for beginners. Because of this, many new and unexperienced cavers found themselves getting stuck, lost, and injured.

On April 14, 2006, the Utah State Trust Lands granted the Timpanogos Grotto the right to manage the access to Nutty Putty Cave, Blowhole, Silly Putty, and Rabbit Trap caves to improve the overall safety. On May 24, 2006, Nutty Putty was the last of these four cave gates to be completed. The Timpanogos Grotto limits access to those who agree to abide by the following regulations. The long-term goal of management agreement is to avoid future accidents that would eventually lead to the total closure of the cave. The Timpanogos Grotto holds a tight grip on who goes into the cave, and is strict on its requirement to obtain a key.
[[Image:nutput2.jpg|thumb|Nutty Putty Caves]]
==Requirements==
[http://www.caves.org/grotto/timpgrotto/NuttyPuttyAccess.html Obtain Key and agree to the Timp Grotto Standards]
Caving Helmet
Flashlight and extra batteries
Mid-High Clearnace Vehicle Recommended

==Location==
40.099350 -112.038863

----

<googlemap lat="40.099350" lon="-112.038863" zoom="10" width='850' controls="small">
40.099350,-112.038863, Nutty Putty Cave
</googlemap>

Big Brush Creek Cave

2008-06-04T12:45:06Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:bbcc4.jpg|thumb|Entrance to Big Brush Creek Cave]]
Located high in the Uintah Mountains, Big Brush Creek Cave is a popular destination for cavers. One can drive to the trail anytime there is not snow. The best access times are from January to March, but access requires a snowmobile. The entire Big Brush Creek, along with thousands of acres of snowmelt, flows into the cave during runoff. The cave sees an average of 350 visitors per year, January being the most popular time to visit. It is the deepest cave in Utah at 5.93 miles and 658 feet deep. It is the 21st deepest cave in the US.

[[Image:bbcc1.jpg|thumb|Ice Structures within BBCC]]

The cave is part of a larger caving system, and is similar to its brother, [[Little Brush Creek Cave]]. Ice crystal formation up to a foot long, and ice structures over 20' long, make this cave an amazing winter wonderland. Inside the cave, passage ways are narrow and cold. Many tunnels are plugged with logs and debris forced into it in past floods. Much of the cave is spent crawling and winding over very tight passages.

[[Image:bbcc2.jpg|thumb|Main Ice Structure]]

===Forum Link===
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63

===Requirements===
Knee and Elbow Pads

Headlamps with spare bulbs/batteries

Food and Water

Light jacket

Small backpack to carry gear

Low Profile Helmet

[[Image:bbcc3.jpg|thumb|Ice Structures]]
===Location===

40.697402° -109.583795° @ 8250'
Head north on 191 out of Vernal, UT. Go past all switchbacks and past the end of the mine property. Continue to the Red Cloud Loop turnoff. Follow Red Cloud Loop for a few miles. Look for a small turnout with a trail leading from it.
----

<googlemap lat="40.697402" lon="-109.583795" zoom="10" width='800' controls="small">
40.697402,-109.583795, Big Brush Creek Cave
</googlemap>

Big Brush Creek Cave

2008-06-04T12:39:51Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:bbcc4.jpg|thumb|Entrance to Big Brush Creek Cave]]
Located high in the Uintah Mountains, Big Brush Creek Cave is a popular destination for cavers. One can drive to the trail anytime there is not snow. The best access times are from January to March, but access requires a snowmobile. The entire Big Brush Creek, along with thousands of acres of snowmelt, flows into the cave during runoff. The cave sees an average of 350 visitors per year, January being the most popular time to visit. It is the deepest cave in Utah at 5.93 miles and 658 feet deep. It is the 21st deepest cave in the US.

[[Image:bbcc1.jpg|thumb|Ice Structures within BBCC]]

The cave is part of a larger caving system, and is similar to its brother, [[Little Brush Creek Cave]]. Ice crystal formation up to a foot long, and ice structures over 20' long, make this cave an amazing winter wonderland. Inside the cave, passage ways are narrow and cold. Many tunnels are plugged with logs and debris forced into it in past floods. Much of the cave is spent crawling and winding over very tight passages.

[[Image:bbcc2.jpg|thumb|Main Ice Structure]]

===Forum Link===
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63

===Requirements===
Knee and Elbow Pads

Headlamps with spare bulbs/batteries

Food and Water

Light jacket

Small backpack to carry gear

Low Profile Helmet

[[Image:bbcc3.jpg|thumb|Ice Structures]]
===Location===

40.697402° -109.583795° @ 8250'
Head north on 191 out of Vernal, UT. Go past all switchbacks and past the end of the mine property. Continue to the Red Cloud Loop turnoff. Follow Red Cloud Loop for a few miles. Look for a small turnout with a trail leading from it.
----

<googlemap lat="40.697402" lon="-109.583795" zoom="10" width='850' controls="small">
40.697402,-109.583795, Big Brush Creek Cave
</googlemap>

Honerine Mine

2008-06-02T13:14:30Z

74.220.195.115:

The Honerine Mine is a deep mine located just west of Stockton, UT.
[[Image:honmin1.jpg|thumb|Old Photo from mine workers]]
[[Image:honmin2.jpg|thumb|Old Photo from mine workers]]
==History==
The mine was started in the 1860's as part of the Tooele Mining District, and was later abandoned in 1928 when the mine dried up. It was used again privately in the 1960's. The walls are becoming unstable, and there are various small cave-ins. The shaft the boy fell into sits about 2 miles in. This shaft eventually connect to the infamous Bauer Tunnel, which is rumored to be 35 feet around and 7 miles long running from the old ghost town of Bauer, UT southeastwards under the Oquirrh Mountains.

==Boy's Death==
The Honerine Mine has recently become a hot topic with mine closure groups. In 1996, Jeremiah Etherington of Magna, UT, 18, fell to his death while playing on the edge of a 1,300' shaft. Using a rope tied around his waist, Jeremiah and his friends repelled down into the shaft, using very improper equipment. When he reached a wooded cross bar around 50 feet in, he stopped to readjust his rope, when the cross member gave way. He fell around 650 feet down where he wedged between a fallen board. Search & Rescuer worker Curtis Allen rappelled down around 350 feet and could only see a tangled mess of debris around the 450-foot level. At that point, the shaft turned out of sight. Search & Rescue workers made a 7 day attempt to retrieve his body, but they called it off for safety concerns. Later, his uncle went down and pulled him out with the help from Jeremiah's friend who was with him, Corey, and a few other family members.

[[Image:honmin3.jpg|thumb|Inside the Mine]]
[[Image:honmin4.jpg|thumb|Inside the Mine]]

There is a secret hidden mine which is located right above the Honerine, called Galena King. The Galena King is a large mine that was filled, and can be accessed by climbing an elevator shaft within the mine. (Always use proper equipment when attempting dangerous climbs)

==Mineral Content==
Mineral Description can be found [http://www.mindat.org/ Here]
Anglesite
Apophyllite
Aragonite
Arsenopyrite
Aurichalcite
Beudantite
Cerussite
Chalcopyrite
Chlorite Group
Clinozoisite
Corkite
Diopside
Dolomite
Epidote
Fluorite
Galena
Gold
Jarosite
Limonite
Malachite
Mimetite
Nontronite
Plumbojarosite
Pyrite
Pyromorphite
Quartz
Sepiolite
Serpentine Group
Smithsonite
Sphalerite
Tetrahedrite
Wad
Wollastonite

==Requirements==
4x4 Vehicle

Headlamps and extra batteries

==Location==
40.45828 -112.34106 @ 5700'

----

<googlemap lat="40.45828" lon="-112.34106" zoom="11" width='850'controls="small">
40.45828,-112.34106, Honerine Mine
</googlemap>

Homestead Crater

2008-06-01T17:36:58Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:homecrater1.jpg|thumb|Homestead Crater]]
The Homestead Crater is a natural hot spring that holds a comfortable temperature of 95F-96F. It is used as a hot spa by the nearby resort and it is also a famous scuba diving site, one of the only warm water scuba diving destination in the continental USA. Tours are available that tell of the history, archeology and geology of the Homestead Crater. It is also possible to take a 40 min therapeutic bath or swim in the natural mineral water. It attracts many diving enthusiasts, who have the opportunity to choose a wide variety of activities within the crater. There are one-hour scuba diving introductions, 35min independent dives for certified divers, and public certification classes.

The crater is 60' in diameter, the inside is shaped like a bell and about 30' from the top to the water level. The outside looks like a sphere segment, and very symmetric. This is a result of the way it was formed.

==Formation==
About 10,000 years ago, water formed a spring at this location. This water, rain and snowmelt from the nearby Wasatch Mountains was heated when it seeped through cracks up to 5mi. deep underground. The geothermic process powered a convection which transported cold water down and hot water back to the surface. Volcanic materials, particularly sulfuric acid, came in contact with calcite and limestone, creating a chemical reaction, the byproduct being carbon dioxide. This cause the water to became aggressive and formed pressure. Eventually, it reached the surface, where the pressure could be relieved. On the surface, the water cooled, carbon dioxide vanished into the air, and the suspended limestone became hard again.

Today, the entrance is an artificial tunnel, blasted out with dynamite. The tunnel starts at the outside of crater, at the base, and is 105' long. It leads to a floating dock, which allows bathing and is the starting point for the divers.

The hot water contains a high amount of minerals and is cause for attracting many seeking healing or cures and relief from various illnesses. However, the high temperature is strenuous to the body and so hot baths and dives are restricted to 40 min.

==Location==
40.523844° -111.485189° @ 5700'

The Homestead resort is located in Midway, UT

''From the Salt Lake City International Airport'', Follow signs for I-80 East toward Cheyenne, Wyoming . Remain on I-80 East traveling approximately 25 miles up Parley's Canyon until you reach US Highway 40 East (Heber Exit 146). The Heber City exit is directly after the Park City exit. Travel South approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From downtown Salt Lake City'', take I-80 East approximately 32 miles to US Highway 40 (Heber Exit 146). Travel South approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From Ogden,'' take I-84 East to I-80 West. Take I-80 West to US Highway 40 East (Heber Exit 146). Travel south approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From Park City,'' take Kearns Boulevard (State Highway 248) East approximately 4 miles to US Highway 40. Turn South (or make a right) and travel approximately 10 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From Provo'', take University Avenue North about 6.9 miles (it changes into Provo Canyon Road ). Take Provo Canyon Road (it changes into US-189) about 16 miles. Turn left onto Charleston Road (Highway 113) and go 4 miles to Midway. Turn West or left onto Main Street turn right at the stop sign onto 200 West .2 miles follow the green directional signs for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the hill continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance.

''From Vernal'', take Highway 40 West to Heber City approximately 70 miles. Turn left at the 3 rd stoplight in Heber City onto 100 South Hwy 113. Continue on Hwy 113 approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto 200 West follow for approximately .2 miles follow the green directional signs for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the Hill continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance.

==Pricing==
Prices vary, so check main website for actual prices.
Swim - $7
Swim + Snorkel equipment - $15

----
==External Links==
http://www.homesteadresort.com/

----
<googlemap lat="40.523844" lon="-111.485189" zoom="13" width="800" controls="small">
40.523844,-111.485189, Homestead Mineral Hot Spring
</googlemap>

Ophir

2008-05-31T19:51:43Z

74.220.195.115:

'''Ophir''' Utah is a small semi ghost town just off highway 73. The Ophir Hill mine has many artifacts that have been removed from the mine and placed outside. It makes for a good tourist destination. The land owners do not take lightly finding people on their property without permission; if traveling through the area, please respect any Private Property and No Trespassing signs.

[[Image:Ophir0.jpg|thumb]]

== History ==
Named after the King Solomon's (of the Bible) mines, Ophir got its start from army men looking for mineral wealth. General Patrick Connor and his troops made some of the first claims in the area which would become Ophir in 1865. The Ophir mining district was organized in 1870 and by 1871 more than 2,500 mining claims had been staked with the town population reaching 1,200. Most of these mines help very shallow lodes, causing many to eventually leave. A drop in silver prices eventually led to the slow and stop of most production in Ophir. High amounts of silver is still held within the larger mines, and the claims are still held, showing mining might one day begin again within these hills.

Ophir's profits from silver and gold were record breaking. Within a few weeks, over $1,000,000 of nearly pure silver was dug from the Kearsage Mine. Other high producing mines included the Velocipede, Shamrock, Miner's Delight, Wild Delirium, and the massive producer, The Ophir Hill Mine. The Ophir Hill Mine boasted an average 20,000 ounces of ore per ton.

"This was the typical mining town - saloons, gambling and dance halls, red-light houses, hotels [The Pioneer, built 1870], cafes, stores, and living quarters".

==Mine Closures==
In late 2007, all of the mines in the Ophir area were gated by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Oil, Gas, and Mining. Many attempts have been used by the property owners and other to remove these illegally placed gates. When speaking to a representative about the removal of these gates, it was stated that nothing could be or would be done to stop the removal; somewhere along the lines, eventually another gate might by put back up.

==Requirements==
4x4 vehicle is exploring outside of city
Mine Exploration Gear

[[Image:Ophir.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Ophir, Utah in winter.]]

==Forum Link==
http://www.mojaveunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44

==Demographics==
As of the census of 2000, there were 23 people, 10 households, and 6 families residing in the town. The population density was 143.0 people per square mile (55.5/km²). There were 33 housing units at an average density of 205.1/sq mi (79.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.65% White and 4.35% Asian.

There were 10 households out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town the population was spread out with 8.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 8.7% from 25 to 44, 43.5% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $49,167. Males had a median income of $46,875 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,906. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

==Location==
40.369102, -112.258534

==References==

Carr, Stephen L. The Historical Guide to Utah Ghost Towns

Carter, Kate B. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 14. Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1971 Salt Lake City, Utah

Thompson, George A. Some Dreams Die: Utah's Ghost Towns and Lost Treasures

----
<googlemap lat="40.3689" lon="-112.257" zoom="10" controls="small">
40.3689,-112.257, Ophir, UT
</googlemap>

Homestead Crater

2008-05-11T02:48:48Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:homecrater1.jpg|thumb|Homestead Crater]]
The Homestead Crater is a natural hot spring that holds a comfortable temperature of 95F-96F. It is used as a hot spa by the nearby resort and it is also a famous scuba diving site, one of the only warm water scuba diving destination in the continental USA. Tours are available that tell of the history, archeology and geology of the Homestead Crater. It is also possible to take a 40 min therapeutic bath or swim in the natural mineral water. It attracts many diving enthusiasts, who have the opportunity to choose a wide variety of activities within the crater. There are one-hour scuba diving introductions, 35min independent dives for certified divers, and public certification classes.

The crater is 60' in diameter, the inside is shaped like a bell and about 30' from the top to the water level. The outside looks like a sphere segment, and very symmetric. This is a result of the way it was formed.

==Formation==
About 10,000 years ago, water formed a spring at this location. This water, rain and snowmelt from the nearby Wasatch Mountains was heated when it seeped through cracks up to 5mi. deep underground. The geothermic process powered a convection which transported cold water down and hot water back to the surface. Volcanic materials, particularly sulfuric acid, came in contact with calcite and limestone, creating a chemical reaction, the byproduct being carbon dioxide. This cause the water to became aggressive and formed pressure. Eventually, it reached the surface, where the pressure could be relieved. On the surface, the water cooled, carbon dioxide vanished into the air, and the suspended limestone became hard again.

Today, the entrance is an artificial tunnel, blasted out with dynamite. The tunnel starts at the outside of crater, at the base, and is 105' long. It leads to a floating dock, which allows bathing and is the starting point for the divers.

The hot water contains a high amount of minerals and is cause for attracting many seeking healing or cures and relief from various illnesses. However, the high temperature is strenuous to the body and so hot baths and dives are restricted to 40 min.

==Location==
40.523844° -111.485189° @ 5700'

The Homestead resort is located in Midway, UT

''From the Salt Lake City International Airport'', Follow signs for I-80 East toward Cheyenne, Wyoming . Remain on I-80 East traveling approximately 25 miles up Parley's Canyon until you reach US Highway 40 East (Heber Exit 146). The Heber City exit is directly after the Park City exit. Travel South approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From downtown Salt Lake City'', take I-80 East approximately 32 miles to US Highway 40 (Heber Exit 146). Travel South approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From Ogden,'' take I-84 East to I-80 West. Take I-80 West to US Highway 40 East (Heber Exit 146). Travel south approximately 14 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From Park City,'' take Kearns Boulevard (State Highway 248) East approximately 4 miles to US Highway 40. Turn South (or make a right) and travel approximately 10 miles to the Midway and Wasatch Mountain State Park turnoff. Turn right at the stop light onto River Road and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the round-about. Take the first right turn onto Burgi Lane (1050 North). Follow the green directional signs approximately 2.1 miles to the Homestead entrance.

''From Provo'', take University Avenue North about 6.9 miles (it changes into Provo Canyon Road ). Take Provo Canyon Road (it changes into US-189) about 16 miles. Turn left onto Charleston Road (Highway 113) and go 4 miles to Midway. Turn West or left onto Main Street turn right at the stop sign onto 200 West .2 miles follow the green directional signs for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the hill continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance.

''From Vernal'', take Highway 40 West to Heber City approximately 70 miles. Turn left at the 3 rd stoplight in Heber City onto 100 South Hwy 113. Continue on Hwy 113 approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto 200 West follow for approximately .2 miles follow the green directional signs for approximately 1.1 miles. The road will turn into Homestead Drive at the top of the Hill continue to follow for approximately 1 mile to the Homestead entrance.

==Pricing==
Prices vary, so check main website for actual prices.
Swim - $7
Swim + Snorkel equipment - $15

----
==External Links==
http://www.homesteadresort.com/

----
<googlemap lat="40.523844" lon="-111.485189" zoom="13" controls="small">
40.523844,-111.485189, Homestead Mineral Hot Spring
</googlemap>

Fish Springs

2008-05-11T02:48:02Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:fs1.jpg|thumb|Fish Springs]]
Fish Springs is a Wildlife Refuge, has Hot Springs, and beautiful Mountains.

====Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge====
Fish Springs consists of several large springs and green marshland that is ideal bird habitat for several hundred species of bird. Before entering, read the rules. There is no swimming, fishing, shooting, camping, or driving around after dark allowed. There is a self-guided tour. This area is a bird watcher's paradise. There are several facilities available including a soda machine, bathroom, and picnic area.
[[Image:fs4.jpg|thumb|Fish Springs]]
====Hot Springs====
The hot springs are easy to find. Just look for an old bus north of the Pony Express road a few miles west of Fish Springs.
Watch where you step as you're walking out to them because what looks like solid ground can be deceiving. You may end up ankle deep in warm, stinky, black mud.

About 100 ft. north of the bus, is the first pool. The water is scalding hot, so don't jump in unless you're planning on ending it all in a very painful way. The water is crystal clear and you cannot see the bottom. The ground is undercut by the pool so the edge is not sturdy. There are two bathtubs embedded in the ground near the pool. By blocking off the flow of water into them and leaving it sitting for several hours, you could have a hot soak, but the bottom of the tubs is covered in a 3 inch thick scum of red algae and mud.
[[Image:fs2.jpg|thumb|Fish Springs]]
Just past the first pool is an area that looks like it has 2 inch deep water. There is a 2X4 laying in it for people to walk on. As you walk along the board you will find that in the middle of the shallow water was another deep, bottomless pool.

====Fish Springs Mountains====
The Fish Springs Mountain canyons are seldom visited. It will quickly become apparent that very few people visit these mountains. You can see canyons everywhere as you drive along the eastern side, but there are no roads going into any of them.
The road up Indian Creek Canyon isn't marked with a sign, but you can find it by trial and error. You definitely need a 4wd vehicle on this road due to several deep ruts, creek crossings, and large rocks. Continue until you see a fork in the road and take the right fork which will take you to the Shangri-La of all camping spots. There is a small creek with a pool for bathing, green grass, flat ground, and shade.
[[Image:fs3.jpg|thumb|Fish Springs]]
EXCERPT FROM SOME DREAMS DIE, George A Thompson; Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City ©1982 and 1999

''"The little-remembered mining camp of Indian Springs was located south of Simpson Springs, on the Overland Stage route north of Death Canyon almost on the Tooele-Juab County line. The springs there were a camping place for the Indians of Skull Valley long before the coming of Pony Express riders or miners. Some early day maps show them as Good Indian Springs, a name that leaves little to the imagination!

After silver was discovered in the Simpson Range in the late 1890's, a small but wild mining camp was established at Indian Springs. It had several well-built boarding houses, a store and a saloon where 40-rod whiskey was sold. The broken rock walls of one building still stand not far from the mouth of a caved mine tunnel. The ore veins were exposed at Indian Springs. They snaked their way across the mountain fronts for long distances, and were mined from the surface down wherever they turned or twisted, leaving dangerous shafts only a foot or two wide but hundreds of feet deep. Watch carefully where you walk, for they are a death trap for whoever falls in one".''

There is evidence of mining activity all over the mountains. The Indian Creek Canyon road is supposed to go through to the other side of the mountain range.

===Directions===
To drive to Fish Springs, take the inter mountain power plant road past Topaz Mountain. When the pavement ends, it's an additional 23 miles on a fairly good dirt road to Fish Springs. It's about 2.5 hours to reach Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge from Orem using this route.

39.8608° -113.365° @4300'

===External Links===
[http://www.fws.gov/fishsprings/ Fish Springs Fish and Wildlife Services]

----

<googlemap lat="39.8608" lon="-113.365" zoom="13" controls="small">
39.8608,-113.365, Fish Springs
</googlemap>

Crystal Hot Springs

2008-05-11T02:47:11Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:crystal.jpg|thumb|Crystal Hot Springs]]
Crystal Hot Springs, originally named Madsen Hot Springs, was used by the Native Americans as a campsite during the winter. Located along the Northern part of the Wasatch Mountain range, it provided a natural windbreak from the bitter winter winds. The hot springs also provided a much needed heating source. It is rumored that an Indian burial ground is located on the premesis.

As the Transcontinental Railroad was being built, the Chinese railroad workers learned of the hot springs, made tubs out of cedar wood and allowed the refreshing waters to flow into them.

This provided a relaxing and muscle-soothing mineral bath for them. Soon the area around the hot springs became occupied with more and more settlers. With their coming, the hot springs grew in popularity. Around this period of growth, Abraham Hunsaker, a local bee keeper, was instrumental in establishing the town of Honeyville. According to some of the locals' memories and recollections, the town was originally called "Hunsakerville". But Abraham was a humble man and asked that it be given another name. In honor, then, of Abraham's profession, it was renamed "Honeyville."

Crystal Hot Springs became a business enterprise in 1901. Because of its exceptional crystal clear waters, it is not surprising it was given this name. Crystal Hot Springs' uniqueness derives from the fact that it has a hot springs and a cold springs which come together within 50 feet of each other. Thus, by mixing temperatures and optimal relaxing conditions in each of its pools. These wonderful healthful waters offer families, campers and guests year round enjoyment.

Current cost is $6.00 for the pool, and $10 for pool and slide passes.

==Location==
41.659032° -112.087771° @ 4200'
Take exit 372 off I-15, one hour north of Salt Lake City. Turn North (left) onto Highway 38. Continue for 1.7 miles. They are located on the west side of the highway

<googlemap lat="41.659032" lon="-112.087771" zoom="11" controls="small">
41.659032,-112.087771, Crystal Hot Springs
</googlemap>

Meadow Hot Springs

2008-05-11T02:46:19Z

74.220.195.115:

[[Image:meadow.jpg|thumb|Meadow Hot Springs]]
The Meadow Hot Spring are one of Utah's rare treasures. Located just off a lava flow, this paradise makes for a wonderful stop while traveling on I-15. The spring is located on private property, and the land owner has been nice enough to open it up to the public. If you plan to bring a group down, make sure you clean up any trash or mess you make. The land owner has recently improved the area by clearing trails, putting gravel down into the stream, and creating a rock path to the main spring.

The pool is crystal clear with a slight blue hue to it. Temperature is around 100 degrees. A pipe has been strung across the deep end to sit on. The shaft is very deep, and an experienced swimmer can dive into it. The shaft opens up into a large chamber and makes a diagonal shift. Divers have run short of air and hit their heads coming up, use caution.

From the parking area you will see two gravel trails, one heading south and the other heading west. The trail that heads directly south takes you to the pool described above. The trail heading west takes you to two other pools. These two pools are not as warm as the first one, so they may be more to your liking on a hot summer afternoon, then in the dead of winter. On the western trail the first pool you will come across is clear like the main pool, however not as deep. This pool has a wooden dock constructed along one edge that hangs over the deeper end of the pool. It appears that this dock was intended to be used for jumping into the pool, however be cautious the pool does not appear very deep. To get to the third pool continue to head south on the western trail. On our visit this pool was very murky with film on top, however you could tell that it was very deep with no edges for sitting.

== Location ==
38°51'51.73"N 112°30'11.59"W

Exit off in Meadow, UT. Drive through the town. Once you leave the town, take the first main dirt road on the right. It's the first with a stop sign. If you cross a bridge over the interstate after a couple mines, your on the right road.
----

'''Please be courteous of other users. Pick up your trash and make the area cleaner that it was when you arrived. The Land Owner reserves the right to close off access at any time.'''

<googlemap lat="38.8655" lon="-112.507" zoom="12" controls="small">
38.8655,-112.507, Meadow Hot Springs
</googlemap>

Meadow Hot Springs

2008-05-11T02:43:53Z

74.220.195.115: corrected grammer

[[Image:meadow.jpg|thumb|Meadow Hot Springs]]
The Meadow Hot Spring are one of Utah's rare treasures. Located just off a lava flow, this paradise makes for a wonderful stop while traveling on I-15. The spring is located on private property, and the land owner has been nice enough to open it up to the public. If you plan to bring a group down, make sure you clean up any trash or mess you make. The land owner has recently improved the area by clearing trails, putting gravel down into the stream, and creating a rock path to the main spring.

The pool is crystal clear with a slight blue hue to it. Temperature is around 100 degrees. A pipe has been strung across the deep end to sit on. The shaft is very deep, and an experienced swimmer can dive into it. The shaft opens up into a large chamber and makes a diagonal shift. Divers have run short of air and hit their heads coming up, use caution.

From the parking area you will see two gravel trails, one heading south and the other heading west. The trail that heads directly south takes you to the pool described above. The trail heading west takes you to two other pools. These two pools are not as warm as the first one, so they may be more to your liking on a hot summer afternoon, then in the dead of winter. On the western trail the first pool you will come across is clear like the main pool, however not as deep. This pool has a wooden dock constructed along one edge that hangs over the deeper end of the pool. It appears that this dock was intended to be used for jumping into the pool, however be cautious the pool does not appear very deep. To get to the third pool continue to head south on the western trail. On our visit this pool was very murky with film on top, however you could tell that it was very deep with no edges for sitting.

== Location ==
38°51'51.73"N 112°30'11.59"W

Exit off in Meadow, UT. Drive through the town. Once you leave the town, take the first main dirt road on the right. It's the first with a stop sign. If you cross a bridge over the interstate after a couple mines, your on the right road.
----

'''Please be courteous of other users. Pick up your trash and make the area cleaner that it was when you arrived. The Land Owner reserves the right to close off access at any time.'''

<googlemap lat="38.8655" lon="-112.507" zoom="11" controls="small">
38.8655,-112.507, Meadow Hot Springs
</googlemap>

Fish Springs

2008-04-17T23:31:33Z

74.220.195.115:

Fish Springs is a Wildlife Refuge that also has hot springs around it.

====Hot Springs====
The hot springs were easy to find. Just look for an old bus north of the Pony Express road a few miles west of Fish Springs.
Watch where you step as you're walking out to them because what looks like solid ground can be deceiving. You may end up ankle deep in warm, stinky, black mud.

About 100 ft. north of the bus, is the first pool. The water is scalding hot, so don't jump in unless you're planning on ending it all in a very painful way. The water is crystal clear and you cannot see the bottom. The ground is undercut by the pool so the edge is not sturdy. There are two bathtubs embedded in the ground near the pool. By blocking off the flow of water into them and leaving it sitting for several hours, you could have a hot soak, but the bottom of the tubs is covered in a 3 inch thick scum of red algae and mud.

Just past the first pool is an area that looks like it has 2 inch deep water. There is a 2X4 laying in it for people to walk on. As you walk along the board you will find that in the middle of the shallow water was another deep, bottomless pool.

====Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge====
Continue to drove to Fish Springs on the inter mountain power plant road that takes you past Topaz Mountain. When the pavement ends, it's an additional 23 miles on a fairly good dirt road to Fish Springs. It's about 2.5 hours to reach Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge from Orem using this route.

Fish Springs consists of several large springs and green marshland that is ideal bird habitat for several hundred species of bird. Before entering, read the rules. There is no swimming, fishing, shooting, camping, or driving around after dark allowed. We took the self guided tour and saw many species of birds. I was unable to name most of the birds I saw. I could name blue herons and Canadian geese. This area is a bird watcher's paradise. There are several facilities available including a soda machine, bathroom, and picnic area.

====Fish Springs Mountains====
The Fish Springs Mountain canyons are seldom visited. It will quickly become apparent that very few people visit these mountains. You can see canyons everywhere as you drive along the eastern side, but there are no roads going into any of them.
The road up Indian Creek Canyon isn't marked with a sign, but you can find it by trial and error. You definitely need a 4wd vehicle on this road due to several deep ruts, creek crossings, and large rocks. Continue until you see a fork in the road and take the right fork which will take you to the Shangri-La of all camping spots. There is a small creek with a pool for bathing, green grass, flat ground, and shade.

EXCERPT FROM SOME DREAMS DIE, George A Thompson; Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City ©1982 and 1999

"The little-remembered mining camp of Indian Springs was located south of Simpson Springs, on the Overland Stage route north of Death Canyon almost on the Tooele-Juab County line. The springs there were a camping place for the Indians of Skull Valley long before the coming of Pony Express riders or miners. Some early day maps show them as Good Indian Springs, a name that leaves little to the imagination!

After silver was discovered in the Simpson Range in the late 1890's, a small but wild mining camp was established at Indian Springs. It had several well-built boarding houses, a store and a saloon where 40-rod whiskey was sold. The broken rock walls of one building still stand not far from the mouth of a caved mine tunnel. The ore veins were exposed at Indian Springs. They snaked their way across the mountain fronts for long distances, and were mined from the surface down wherever they turned or twisted, leaving dangerous shafts only a foot or two wide but hundreds of feet deep. Watch carefully where you walk, for they are a death trap for whoever falls in one".

We set up camp, took a bath, and hiked up the road further to find an old cabin, a collapsed house, tin shed, and a root cellar. There was evidence of mining activity all over the mountains. We were feeling lazy, so we didn't hike far. The Indian Creek Canyon road is supposed to go through to the other side of the mountain range, but we took the wrong fork in the morning which took us nearly to the top of the mountain, but not over it. We did get an incredible view from up there. We were running low on gas, so we went back the way we came and drove back home.

Fish Springs

2008-04-17T23:29:34Z

74.220.195.115: Edited Text

Fish Springs is a Wildlife Refuge that also has hot springs around it.

====Hot Springs====
The hot springs were easy to find. Just look for an old bus north of the Pony Express road a few miles west of Fish Springs.
Watch where you step as you're walking out to them because what looks like solid ground can be deceiving. You may end up ankle deep in warm, stinky, black mud.

About 100 ft. north of the bus, is the first pool. The water is scalding hot, so don't jump in unless you're planning on ending it all in a very painful way. The water is crystal clear and you cannot see the bottom. The ground is undercut by the pool so the edge is not sturdy. There are two bathtubs embedded in the ground near the pool. By blocking off the flow of water into them and leaving it sitting for several hours, you could have a hot soak, but the bottom of the tubs is covered in a 3 inch thick scum of red algae and mud.

Just past the first pool is an area that looks like it has 2 inch deep water. There is a 2X4 laying in it for people to walk on. As you walk along the board you will find that in the middle of the shallow water was another deep, bottomless pool.

====Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge====
Continue to drove to Fish Springs on the inter mountain power plant road that takes you past Topaz Mountain. When the pavement ends, it's an additional 23 miles on a fairly good dirt road to Fish Springs. It's about 2.5 hours to reach Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge from Orem using this route.

Fish Springs consists of several large springs and green marshland that is ideal bird habitat for several hundred species of bird. Before entering, read the rules. There is no swimming, fishing, shooting, camping, or driving around after dark allowed. We took the self guided tour and saw many species of birds. I was unable to name most of the birds I saw. I could name blue herons and Canadian geese. This area is a bird watcher's paradise. There are several facilities available including a soda machine, bathroom, and picnic area.

====Fish Springs Mountains====
The Fish Springs Mountain canyons are seldom visited. It will quickly become apparent that very few people visit these mountains. You can see canyons everywhere as you drive along the eastern side, but there are no roads going into any of them.
We drove back to the Pony Express road and headed east toward Simpson Springs (about an hour's drive from Fish Springs). As we approached we noticed hundreds of strange creatures scattered like ants all over the road, hill, and valley. As we got closer we realized those creatures were Boy Scouts and their masters having some kind of jamboree or something. They all walked in the middle of the road unwary of our approaching vehicle. We weren't keen on the idea of camping with a bunch of stinky, noisy boy scouts, so we decided to go to Indian Springs Canyon on the West side of the Simpson Range.

The road up Indian Creek Canyon wasn't marked with a sign, but we were able to find it by trial and error. You definitely need a 4wd vehicle on this road due to several deep ruts, creek crossings, and large rocks. We went until we saw a fork in the road and took the right fork which took us to the Shangri-La of all camping spots. There was a small creek with a pool for bathing, green grass, flat ground, and shade. The only drawback was the millions of giant black Mormon crickets.

EXCERPT FROM SOME DREAMS DIE, George A Thompson; Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City ©1982 and 1999

"The little-remembered mining camp of Indian Springs was located south of Simpson Springs, on the Overland Stage route north of Death Canyon almost on the Tooele-Juab County line. The springs there were a camping place for the Indians of Skull Valley long before the coming of Pony Express riders or miners. Some early day maps show them as Good Indian Springs, a name that leaves little to the imagination!

After silver was discovered in the Simpson Range in the late 1890's, a small but wild mining camp was established at Indian Springs. It had several well-built boarding houses, a store and a saloon where 40-rod whiskey was sold. The broken rock walls of one building still stand not far from the mouth of a caved mine tunnel. The ore veins were exposed at Indian Springs. They snaked their way across the mountain fronts for long distances, and were mined from the surface down wherever they turned or twisted, leaving dangerous shafts only a foot or two wide but hundreds of feet deep. Watch carefully where you walk, for they are a death trap for whoever falls in one".

We set up camp, took a bath, and hiked up the road further to find an old cabin, a collapsed house, tin shed, and a root cellar. There was evidence of mining activity all over the mountains. We were feeling lazy, so we didn't hike far. The Indian Creek Canyon road is supposed to go through to the other side of the mountain range, but we took the wrong fork in the morning which took us nearly to the top of the mountain, but not over it. We did get an incredible view from up there. We were running low on gas, so we went back the way we came and drove back home.

Gold Springs Ghost Mine

2008-04-14T23:29:45Z

74.220.195.115:

Gold Springs Ghost Mine
Iron County, Utah
Update: October 2004

In early 2004 the Utah Division of Natural resources demolished the Jennie Mine and all buildings in Gold Springs Ghost Town. There is nothing left but a pile of trash. This site and all the history that was there is gone forever. Here are photos taken in summer 2004.

We thank Mike Jacobs for contributing these photographs. We also have a few words to say about the Utah Division of Natural resources for bulldozing the place... but we'll save that for another venue. Read below to see what Gold Springs USED to look like.

From Surweb.org: "Gold Springs is located on the Utah-Nevada border in Western Iron County. These abandoned buildings are located at the Jennie Mine in the Gold Springs Mining District. The Jennie Mine produced 4,000 ounces of gold and 21,000 ounces of silver from 1907 to 1940. The mine is located northwest of Modena". For more information on Gold Springs and the Jennie Mine, visit Surweb.org.

Please observe and honor the followng staement from the owner of the Jennie Mine: "While we don't wish to distract from the historical and cultural values of exploring old mine sites and ghost towns, we would like you to point out to your web site visitors that many old mine sites are on private land (patented mineral claims), and visitors are therefore trespassing. Our Jennie property is in fact on private land. The buildings are getting more hazardous every day, and the old shafts aren't any better. We are in discussions with the Utah Division of Minerals for a rehabilitation program. Let's keep it safe for everyone!

WARNING: Exploring mines is dangerous activity. Although many such sites in the Great Basin appear abandoned, they may be privately owned and, hence, visitors are often trespassing. Always heed "No Trespassing" signs and avoid the risk of injury and death associated with this activity. For your own safety and to protect property owners, and at the request of mine owners, we discourage people from entering mine shafts and dilapidated structures common in this region.

Excerpt from Some Dreams Die by George A. Thompson, Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City, 1982 and 1999 "Several fine mills were built at Gold Springs, including a modern 100 ton per day plant built by the Jennie Mine. In 1907 two new cyanide type mills were ordered for the mines there. That was the town's downfall, for they were hardly completed when the great financial panic of 1907 struck. Bankrupt mining companies were unable to meet their payrolls. Then store owners quit giving credit, and began boarding up their buildings. Short & Elliott used the last of their company's treasury to hire a special train to bring stockholders to Gold Springs to prove the Jennie Mine was still full of gold ore, but the bankers had no money to loan, and left the Jennie Company broke and Gold Springs a vagrant with no means of support. Out of work miners left town and by 1910 Gold Springs was deserted."

Gold Springs is on the Utah-Nevada border west or Modena. Remarkably intact, the site provides a haunting tour of times past. Exercise common sense as you look around...there are still a number of dangerous open shafts and rickety old buildings.

Don't take these warnings lightly.

These buildings were constructed with very heavy lumber which has kept them standing for more than 75 years. The ground beneath them, however, has moved, settled and eroded, causing the structures to lean and sink. Hence walking though the building is dangerous and is not recommended.

It appears that squatters occupied two of these abandoned homes until the late 1970's, when they must have become uninhabitable. Like the mine buildings, these homes are constructed of sturdy materials, but have been damaged severely by ground movement.

After a heavy rain in the desert you are likely to encounter a number of elusive creatures--like this tarantula we observed crossing the road.

Gold Springs Ghost Mine

2008-04-14T23:29:27Z

74.220.195.115: Started Page

Gold Springs Ghost Mine
Iron County, Utah
Update: October 2004

In early 2004 the Utah Division of Natural resources demolished the Jennie Mine and all buildings in Gold Springs Ghost Town. There is nothing left but a pile of trash. This site and all the history that was there is gone forever. Here are photos taken in summer 2004.

We thank Mike Jacobs for contributing these photographs. We also have a few words to say about the Utah Division of Natural resources for bulldozing the place... but we'll save that for another venue. Read below to see what Gold Springs USED to look like.

From Surweb.org: "Gold Springs is located on the Utah-Nevada border in Western Iron County. These abandoned buildings are located at the Jennie Mine in the Gold Springs Mining District. The Jennie Mine produced 4,000 ounces of gold and 21,000 ounces of silver from 1907 to 1940. The mine is located northwest of Modena". For more information on Gold Springs and the Jennie Mine, visit Surweb.org.

Please observe and honor the followng staement from the owner of the Jennie Mine: "While we don't wish to distract from the historical and cultural values of exploring old mine sites and ghost towns, we would like you to point out to your web site visitors that many old mine sites are on private land (patented mineral claims), and visitors are therefore trespassing. Our Jennie property is in fact on private land. The buildings are getting more hazardous every day, and the old shafts aren't any better. We are in discussions with the Utah Division of Minerals for a rehabilitation program. Let's keep it safe for everyone!

WARNING: Exploring mines is dangerous activity. Although many such sites in the Great Basin appear abandoned, they may be privately owned and, hence, visitors are often trespassing. Always heed "No Trespassing" signs and avoid the risk of injury and death associated with this activity. For your own safety and to protect property owners, and at the request of mine owners, we discourage people from entering mine shafts and dilapidated structures common in this region.

Excerpt from Some Dreams Die by George A. Thompson, Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City, �1982 and 1999 "Several fine mills were built at Gold Springs, including a modern 100 ton per day plant built by the Jennie Mine. In 1907 two new cyanide type mills were ordered for the mines there. That was the town's downfall, for they were hardly completed when the great financial panic of 1907 struck. Bankrupt mining companies were unable to meet their payrolls. Then store owners quit giving credit, and began boarding up their buildings. Short & Elliott used the last of their company's treasury to hire a special train to bring stockholders to Gold Springs to prove the Jennie Mine was still full of gold ore, but the bankers had no money to loan, and left the Jennie Company broke and Gold Springs a vagrant with no means of support. Out of work miners left town and by 1910 Gold Springs was deserted."

Gold Springs is on the Utah-Nevada border west or Modena. Remarkably intact, the site provides a haunting tour of times past. Exercise common sense as you look around...there are still a number of dangerous open shafts and rickety old buildings.

Don't take these warnings lightly.

These buildings were constructed with very heavy lumber which has kept them standing for more than 75 years. The ground beneath them, however, has moved, settled and eroded, causing the structures to lean and sink. Hence walking though the building is dangerous and is not recommended.

It appears that squatters occupied two of these abandoned homes until the late 1970's, when they must have become uninhabitable. Like the mine buildings, these homes are constructed of sturdy materials, but have been damaged severely by ground movement.

After a heavy rain in the desert you are likely to encounter a number of elusive creatures--like this tarantula we observed crossing the road.

Foote Resevoir

2008-04-14T23:24:33Z

74.220.195.115:

The Foote Reservoirs are located in Western Millard County about 12 miles east of the Warm Creek Ranch. The area consists of several springs and ponds containing Blue Gill, Bass and Carp. We've camped beside the main pond near the road several times on trips to this area. The site provides cool shade and soft grassy meadows for sleeping. On one such trip, we shared our campground with the owl pictured above.

Access to the edge of the water was made difficult by the trees, algae and other growth.

This owl introduced herself to us while we were fishing in the pond. Walking back to our camp, she was standing in the middle of the trail. It seemed to us that an encounter with a large owl would be one to avoid. So we stopped to discuss how best to pass her without being gored by her two-inch razor-sharp talons. It took the courage of David, our guest from Florida, to walk past her while the rest of us looked on in fear.

It turned out that she was in the trail enjoying some fish innards that had been left on the ground. She seemed content with her treat and did not present a threat to us.

During our meal, we observed her lurking about the parameters of our camp site. Everyone returned to the pond after dinner except me and my eight year-old son. Instead, Will and I decided to take a walk. To our delight, the owl followed close behind, perching on nearby fence posts.

After a restful night of light rain and cool temperatures, we awoke to the owl atop our tents. (The red eye is due to the flash on the camera).

When Ryan opened the door to his tent, she immediately flew over to say good morning to him.

Foote Resevoir

2008-04-14T23:24:18Z

74.220.195.115: Started Page

Fish Springs

2008-04-14T23:23:14Z

74.220.195.115: Started Page

We drove to Fish Springs on the power plant road that takes you past Topaz Mountain. When the pavement ends, it's an additional 23 miles on a fairly good dirt road to Fish Springs. It took about 2.5 hours to reach Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge from Orem using this route.

I'd heard about some hot springs just past Fish Springs, so I decided to find those first, and hit Fish Springs after. The hot springs were easy to find. Just look for an old bus north of the Pony Express road a few miles west of Fish Springs.

Watch where you step as you're walking out to them because what looks like solid ground can be deceiving. You may end up ankle deep in warm, stinky, black mud.

About 100 ft. north of the bus, is the first pool. The water is scalding hot, so don't jump in unless you're planning on ending it all in a very painful way. We got as close as we dared to the edge and we could not see the bottom. The water was crystal clear and we could see down a long way. It was scary standing on the edge, because the land around the pool is undercut by the water and it could break off.

There are two bathtubs embedded in the ground near the pool. By blocking off the flow of water into them and leaving it sitting for several hours, you could have a hot soak, but the bottom of the tubs is covered in a 3 inch thick scum of red algae and mud, so we decided it wasn't worth it.

Just past the first pool is an area that looks like it has 2 inch deep water. There was a 2X4 laying in it for people to walk on. As I walked along the board I found that in the middle of the shallow water was another deep, bottomless pool.

After the hot springs, we decided to take the road tour of Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge. Fish Springs consists of several large springs and green marshland that is ideal bird habitat for several hundred species of bird. Before entering, read the rules. There is no swimming, fishing, shooting, camping, or driving around after dark allowed. We took the self guided tour and saw many species of birds. I was unable to name most of the birds I saw. I could name blue herons and Canadian geese. This area would be a bird watcher's paradise. There are several facilities available including a soda machine, bathroom, and picnic area.

After fish springs the plan was to find a canyon in the seldom visited fish springs mountains. It became apparent quickly that very few people visit these mountains. We could see canyons everywhere as we drove along the eastern side, but there were no roads going into any of them. Finally, toward the South end of the range we spotted a very rocky dirt road heading toward a canyon. It was one of those roads that is traveled so infrequently that you have to pay extremely close attention so you won't lose it. We drove up this canyon until we encountered large rocks that appeared to have been deliberately pushed into the middle of the road. We moved the first few, but we finally encountered one that we couldn't move. Since we'd planned on camping in those mountains, we stopped right there with every intention of doing that.

After careful inspection of our surroundings we decided to go somewhere else because there were no flat spots without rocks to pitch a tent, there was no water or shade to be found, and it was the hottest part of the day. It was too hot to hike around or sit around. The air conditioned car was too tantalizing to pass up, so we decided to drive to Simpson Springs and leave the Fish Springs Range for Fall or Spring exploring.

We drove back to the Pony Express road and headed east toward Simpson Springs (about an hour's drive from Fish Springs). As we approached we noticed hundreds of strange creatures scattered like ants all over the road, hill, and valley. As we got closer we realized those creatures were Boy Scouts and their masters having some kind of jamboree or something. They all walked in the middle of the road unwary of our approaching vehicle. We weren't keen on the idea of camping with a bunch of stinky, noisy boy scouts, so we decided to go to Indian Springs Canyon on the West side of the Simpson Range.

The road up Indian Creek Canyon wasn't marked with a sign, but we were able to find it by trial and error. You definitely need a 4wd vehicle on this road due to several deep ruts, creek crossings, and large rocks. We went until we saw a fork in the road and took the right fork which took us to the Shangri-La of all camping spots. There was a small creek with a pool for bathing, green grass, flat ground, and shade. The only drawback was the millions of giant black Mormon crickets.

EXCERPT FROM SOME DREAMS DIE, George A Thompson; Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City ©1982 and 1999

"The little-remembered mining camp of Indian Springs was located south of Simpson Springs, on the Overland Stage route north of Death Canyon almost on the Tooele-Juab County line. The springs there were a camping place for the Indians of Skull Valley long before the coming of Pony Express riders or miners. Some early day maps show them as Good Indian Springs, a name that leaves little to the imagination!

After silver was discovered in the Simpson Range in the late 1890's, a small but wild mining camp was established at Indian Springs. It had several well-built boarding houses, a store and a saloon where 40-rod whiskey was sold. The broken rock walls of one building still stand not far from the mouth of a caved mine tunnel. The ore veins were exposed at Indian Springs. They snaked their way across the mountain fronts for long distances, and were mined from the surface down wherever they turned or twisted, leaving dangerous shafts only a foot or two wide but hundreds of feet deep. Watch carefully where you walk, for they are a death trap for whoever falls in one".

We set up camp, took a bath, and hiked up the road further to find an old cabin, a collapsed house, tin shed, and a root cellar. There was evidence of mining activity all over the mountains. We were feeling lazy, so we didn't hike far. The Indian Creek Canyon road is supposed to go through to the other side of the mountain range, but we took the wrong fork in the morning which took us nearly to the top of the mountain, but not over it. We did get an incredible view from up there. We were running low on gas, so we went back the way we came and drove back home.

Dugway Mountains

2008-04-14T23:21:04Z

74.220.195.115: Started Page

Dugway Mountains
Tooele County, Utah
Dave Beck
See additional commentary by Kevin Rey at the bottom of the page.

This past December 2002 we took a trip to the Dugway Mountains to explore a couple of mines we had heard about.� We only had time to visit the Four Metals, and the Rainbow mines.� There was no apparent road over the mountain to the Cannon mine.� In the book Some Dreams Die by George Thompson he lists the Cannon mine as part of the Bullionville (Tooele county) district.�

An old truck near the Rainbow� mine shaft. Not all of the shafts in this area are horizontal back into the hills.

The building is� north of the Rainbow shaft.� I am looking towards the west.

Further to the west from the Rainbow is the Four Metals mine.� This view is from the road looking north.� This little draw is riddled with diggings, like they were chasing snakes with a shovel.

This is the Rainbow mine.� The opening is very short, in on your hands and knees, so we did not venture in more than a few feet.

This hole is at the base of the head frame at the Four Metals mine. The hole went down a long ways judging by the rock bouncing of the sides until the sound disappeared.

From the northwest end of the Dugway range, Granite Peak rises about 2000 feet from the otherwise flat desert floor.� It is well inside the Proving grounds.

This old shack is North of Kelly�s Hole on the northwest side of the Dugway Range.

The following is an article submitted to Desertislands.org by Kevin Rey. It was originally written several years ago, but we thought its message appropriate for Desertislands.org. Thanks, Kevin, for the insights!

"Nestled away in the west-central desert of Utah is a little known gem. Relatively small and rugged is its size and terrain—measuring a mere 13 miles long by 7 miles wide and covering about 80 square miles—it runs slightly northwest on its way to meeting up with the Great Salt Lake Desert/Dugway Proving Ground. Lonely is its existence in today’s world—a world in which most people will not ever miss or even know about its existence because of its remoteness.

Of course this loneliness and remoteness is really an advantage to the few who visit there. Remoteness means that the land is unspoiled, quiet, tranquil, and above all away from the tens of thousands of tourists that visit our great state each year. The place of which I speak is the Dugway Range.

If the earth could speak with words the Dugway Range would have quite a story to tell. Forming around 15 MYA from a series of volcanic eruptions, the Dugway Range has seen many changes take place since that time. Other mountain ranges have since come into existence. Lake Boneville has lapped at its borders. Native Americans have come and gone. Riders for the Pony Express passed its southern border for 18 months. The White Man put to use his tools of industry to extract from it the treasures of the earth. Machines of war and peace will break the silence now and then from the very nearby Dugway Proving Ground. Yes the life of the Dugway Range has been an exciting one.

But what can there be of interest to us today in this desolate, remote area? For those who venture off the beaten path of civilization there awaits a rugged, majestic beauty that few places on earth can match while still remaining so close to all the daily comforts to which we have grown accustomed. There lies within its boundaries many opportunities for recreation, solitude, peace, tranquillity, and of course rockhounding.

The northern end of the range contains the remnants of many mines. The Four Metal Mine, Rainbow Mines, Cannon Mine and many unnamed others await the intrepid explorer willing to do some research and footwork. Some of the abandoned mines were worked as little as 50 years ago. Some are being worked at the present day. Of course at the southern end of the range are the famous Dugway Geode Beds. This is a very well known area that is visited by many people at all times of the year. To the south of the Dugway Range is Topaz Mountain with all its treasures. To the west is the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge that provides a temporary home to many thousands of migratory birds at various times of the year. To the east is Simpson Springs with its reconstructed Pony Express house.

Yes, the Dugway Range is one of the treasures of Utah. To those willing to leave behind the modern world, it promises an experience that is unique and addicting. I will forever be in love with the Dugway Range and plan on many more wonderful years with it as a companion in an area of desolation."

Deep Creek Mountains

2008-04-14T23:20:03Z

74.220.195.115: Started Page

The Deep Creek Mountains
Juab County, Utah

The following four photos were contributed by Dean Molen, January 2005. We thank Dean and Jim for their generous contributions to this page.

near the saddle at the south side of Ibapah--contributed by Dean Molen, 1/21/2005

Looking north to Haystack peak--contributed by Dean Molen, 1/21/2005

the summit of Ibapah (actual highest spot is at the western edge) --contributed by Dean Molen, 1/21/2005

looking south to Red Mtn from the summit--contributed by Dean Molen, 1/21/2005

The Deep Creek Mountain Range in western Juab and Tooele Counties shares more features with the Wasatch Range east of Salt Lake City than with many other Great Basin ranges. Granitic peaks, dense firs, pines and aspens, verdant meadows and clear streams are features you'll find in abundance here. The Deeps are often referred to as one of the most remote ranges in the West. Two tiny towns (Trout Creek and Callao) lie in their shadow on the east, and the Goshute Indian Reservation is on the west. There are no paved roads within several miles of the range.

Since Ryan and I have only have a few marginally good pictures of the Deep Creeks, contributions such as the ones below from Jim Drysdale are very much appreciated.

The Deep Creeks offer some of of the best exploring in Utah and show just how beautiful these Desert Islands can be.

"Here are some jpgs of the Deep Creeks from last month's Ibapah hike... We drove out the Pony Express through Callao then up Granite Creek Canyon (a considerable ways). Very rough going with obstructions in the road such as a downed aspen that we had to cut with a bone saw (we had a couple of biologists on this one). Anyway, it took some serious time but we finally made it several miles up - all the way to the trailhead/WSA boundary. Next day we hiked up, and as you can imagine had our work cut out for us. Ibapah is shown in most of these shots. The aspen shot was taken from where we car camped. We made it up the peak just in time to get a group shot and then bail because the weather was gettin' pretty gnarly. We started around 10:30-ish and made it back well into the afternoon - I'm guessing around 4:00 but my watch battery ran out on me so I'm not sure. Point being, its a long hike... Next time I go to the Deeps I'll head back up to the pass next to Haystack Pk through what I believe is near Toms Canyon. Thats an interesting backpack loop (that I did last year but only spent a brief time up). It runs you along next to a couple of old cabins, through even more stunning glacially carved scenery, and provides slightly better access up into the high summits of both Haystack and Ibapah."

Deep Creek Range
Location: Tooele County, Juab County, Utah
Highest Point: Ibapah Peak, 12,087 ft. (3,363.70 meters)
Nearest Town: Trout Creek
Access: US 6/50 from Baker, NV or Alt. 93 South from Wendover, NV (obtain a map)