Exploring an Abandoned Nevada Mine

While I was working my way toward northern California, I made a number of stops to explore old ghost towns in western Nevada. It was getting late so I was figured I should find a good place to camp. After seeing a dirt road to veer off of highway 95 from, I made my way east into a vast open area surrounded by nearby mountains (bordering Area 51 I think). There were rugged roads in many directions and I just let the truck lead the way, eventually ending halfway up a hillside providing outstanding views of the vistas below.

There was old mining equipment strewn around the site, and so I thought this would be an exciting area to explore after I set up my camp. There was not a soul in sight. The weather was perfect (at least at the moment. Hours later the wind was quite fierce.) and the views majestic.

I began to investigate the the area, working my way up the hillside when I happened upon an opening in the mountain. After a quick glance I went back to my truck to get some supplies…namely, a good flashlight and my gun. I went back up to the shaft (or perhaps more accurately, a cave tunnel opening). I noticed narrow gauge train tracks, so I figured this tunnel must go quite a long way. Have a look at the video below to see my experience.

Nevada’s abandoned mines are found throughout the state. According to the The dangers might not be obvious at first inspection, so here are some things to consider…

Mines can have unstable openings and walls.
Toxic gas and/or a lack of oxygen.
Decayed timbers can cause cave-ins.
Unstable explosives and toxic chemicals can be left behind.
Shafts filled with water…if you fall in you could drown.
Poisonous snakes, spiders and other critters.
Bats and rats may carry diseases.

Click the following link to see more of my Abandoned Nevada Mines and Ghost Towns pictures. If you enjoyed this post and video, please hit the “like” button and share with friends and family, it really helps.

If you’d like to explore this particular mine, here are the coordinates: 37 32’23.5 n, 117 10’18.5 w. Note: If you go, watch out for nails near the site…I would recommend not parking your vehicle near the site, but rather walk up.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.

6 Comments

Jenn @therebelchick says:

May 28, 2012 at 1:20 am

This is pretty cool, but I would be afraid of some crazy people hiding in the mines…the Hills Have Eyes freaked me out! ha!
1. Mike's Road Trip says:
  
  May 28, 2012 at 1:29 am
  
  Hi Jenn…lol, that’s why I went in armed. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to post a comment.
Nancy Megyesy says:

June 2, 2012 at 3:11 am

I love Mike’s road trips. This one inside the abandon Nevada mine was something else. I am glad that no one was hiding out in there.
Be careful on that road, Mike.
Nancy
1. Mike's Road Trip says:
  
  June 3, 2012 at 7:49 pm
  
  Thanks so much Nancy! Appreciate your support and stopping by and posting a comment. Ciao, Mike
randy dedeker says:

January 28, 2018 at 4:04 am

how can i find out where some of these mines are ? is there any books that list old abandoned mines ?
1. Mike Shubic says:
  
  February 3, 2018 at 1:29 am
  
  Hi Randy! I’m not sure if there is a resource, but I can tell you this…I just drove down highway 95 through the state and found all kinds of dirt roads that lead to mines and other treasures. I would suggest taking some camping gear with a 4-wheel drive and just go exploring. You’ll be amazed at what you discover.