Desert Queen Mine Trail

Point Of Interest

Contact

Queen Valley Road, Twentynine Palms, California

nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/index.htm

Description

A 3.4-mile hike to what was once a thriving gold mine that involves a dramatic history of robbery and murder. Frank L. James discovered this mine in 1894, but was later killed by a cowboy of outlaw Jim McHaney to rob ownership of the mine. McHaney made a small fortune out of the mine but failed to pay obligations to the bank and eventually lose ownership of it. From then on, William F. Keys handled the operation of the mine from 1917 to its closure in 1961. Numerous shafts and tunnels, as well as housing and office facilities, stamp mill, winches, and other mining structures are still in this trail. However, shafts have been covered to ensure safety of visitors.

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Features

Location

Lat: 34.023685 Lng: -116.077728