What's Left Of This Deserted Mining Camp In California Is Hauntingly Beautiful

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Death Valley National park is one of the most unique destinations in North America, and it’s home to some pretty amazing abandoned spots. Eureka Mine is one such enigmatic site, and also one of the few deserted mines in the park that is safe to explore. The mine has a fascinating history that only adds to the eerie beauty of its rusted remains.

Read on for a glimpse into this hidden desert spot, and how to explore it yourself.

Eureka Mine was actually once part of a thriving desert town of more than 300 people.

Incredibly, most residents of the small community of Harrisburg lived in tents. This is why only a small number of wooden structures remain at the site.

Eureka Mine is located in Aguereberry Point, named for the area’s most famous miner, Pete Aguereberry.

Born in France in 1874, Pete sailed for America at the age of 16. In 1905, he struck gold in Death Valley.

Eureka Mine was actually primarily built by Pete alone. He led mining operations in Harrisburg until the early 1930s, when his health began to fail.

He died in 1945, but Eureka Mine has remained as a monument to his truly American spirit of exploration and industry.

Today, the ruins of the mine offer one of the most dramatic views in the park.

Visitors can actually step into Aguereberry's old home, which has been left exactly as it was in Pete’s time. It contains the original old stove and refrigerator.

Old machinery and retro vehicles are also scattered about.

Read below for instructions on how to visit this incredible place.

Courtesy of the National Park Service:

To reach the area where Pete Aguereberry lived and worked for over 40 years, take Hwy. 190 past Stovepipe Wells and up Emigrant Campground. Turn left following the signs to Wildrose. In about 10 miles there will be a turn off for Aguereberry Point. When you turn here you will come to the Aguereberry camp a mile down the road.

Special thanks to photographer Thomas Hawk for many of these stunning images.

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What's Left Of This Deserted Mining Camp In California Is Hauntingly Beautiful

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