Overview

Inyo Mine Camp, operated by the Inyo Gold Mining Company, is a well-preserved mining camp operated on-and-off during about 1907 to 1940 (gold was discovered in 1905). Most of the structures in the camp date from the 1928-1940 period, with most activity in the last 2-3 years. Up the hill above camp, a string of mines march up the hillside, and surrounding areas similarly are pocked with mines and prospects. The nearby townsite of Schwaub is notable for the all-female government that presided over civil activities during a brief existence during 1906-1907.

Link to map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking and driving in the desert, ... this area is fairly safe. However, accessing the area requires a hike or a 4WD vehicle, so ensure that your spare tire is in good condition and bring plenty of water. The buildings are no longer structurally sound, so it is safer to examine them from the outside. The mines, located up the hill above camp, are never safe to enter. Camping is not permitted in this area.

While out, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, this is a short hike, so just bring what you need of the 10 Essentials. For those who wander beyond the immediate ruins area, the walk goes into the Death Valley Wilderness Area, so pay particular attention to respecting the land.

Getting to Inyo Mine Camp

Inyo Mine Camp is located off Highway 190 in the central section of Death Valley National Park, about 2-1/2 hours northwest of Las Vegas.

From town, drive out to Death Valley. From the Furnace Creek Visitor Center (Table 1, Site 0712), drive south on Highway 190 for about 3.4 miles to Echo Canyon Road (Site 0974). Drive up across the bajada and through Echo Canyon, where 4WD likely is required. At an intersection (Site 1435) 9 miles out, stay to the right for another 0.5 miles to the Inyo Mine Camp parking area (Site 1436). Camp is adjacent to the road, and the mines are up the hill. Echo Canyon Road is closed about 0.2 miles farther up the canyon.