The Grand Canyon State could also be coined the Land of Adventure. Whether you're exploring a waterfall paradise deep within the Grand Canyon or ghost towns riddled with creepy vibes, Arizona is teeming with new discoveries for all. And living in Arizona almost requires a love of hiking and exploration. The following trail, located in Saguaro National Park, is an easy and scenic hike that leads straight to an abandoned copper mine. Take a look:
If you know what to look for, the old mine is easily visible from Kinney Road as you pass through Saguaro National Park. The trail to the mine is a mere 2.3 mile loop, with an arrival at the mine in just over a mile.
Along the way, enjoy the picturesque landscape full of the park's signature Saguaros. You'll also notice a great deal of colorful piles of tailings from when the mine was in operation more than a hundred years ago.
Gould Mine opened in 1906 amid the area's 'Copper Rush." An old block building still remains from the short time the mine was in operation.
The park left it open for exploring, and since that's a specialty for most Arizonans, you'll want to explore this and any other ruins. Just be caution of loose footing, and don't remove anything from the site.
The one place you won't want to explore is the mine shaft. According to this report on the NPS website, in 1908, the shaft was a whopping 375 feet deep! If you're curious about how deep it is today, then just toss a small rock through the grate, or scuff a little sand over the opening... but don't attempt to enter.
After only two years, the mine ceased pulling new material out of the shaft, and by 1911, had finished sifting through all the tailings you still see around the area today. In total, 45,000 pounds of copper was extracted from Gould Mine in those two years.
Pack a lunch and plenty of water for this one. The views from the hilltop go on forever. Continue past the mine a short distance and you'll discover a covered shelter with picnic tables that are perfect for an afternoon feast, or siesta — take your pick!
Most people access the Gould Mine trail from the Kings Canyon trailhead located just off Kinney Road.
Park your car at this spot and then take the lower trail on the left to get to this abandoned mine.
It's estimated that in 1908, the 45,000 pounds of copper pulled from Gould Mine was valued at $9,000. According to several sources, today's value would have been a mere $145,000. In the end, Gould Mine went bankrupt because the cost to mine the copper far exceeded the value of the copper attained from mining.
Are you ready and eager to explore this abandoned mine in Arizona? Let's go!
Find your way to the parking lot for the trail to Gould Mine by clicking the 'Directions' link on this alltrails.com page. The trail is accessible year-round and is a 2.3-mile loop with no restroom facilities. The hike is considered easy by most who have hiked it.
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