Exploring Saratoga Spring And Talc Mines – Death Valley, California
Exploring Saratoga Spring And Talc Mines – Death Valley, California
This video follows us as we explore the Saratoga Spring area and the Saratoga Mine group on 3-22-2019 in Death Valley National Park, California . We rode our Yamaha TW 200 from the intersection of Hwy. 127 and Ibex Spring road, to Saratoga Spring, a distance of 11 miles. We hiked to three mines which make up the Saratoga Group of talc mines and explored the area. We saw some great ore bins and entered as many underground workings as we could.
Loved everything that was kinda over built very huge lumber. One place you went down the shaft to the tunnel looked to have water Mark’s on the support timbers. Yes do you have a motorhome you travel in?
Tom, forgive me, I had several chuckles during this video. First there was This looks scary lets go in. Then you said the ladder was safe other than being old and wood and a cave in on it. When you told Julie she needed to protect her neck so the bat wouldn’t bite it, I lost it. This was an awesome hike but some of those mines were very sketchy to be going in. Thanks for sharing and safe travels.
Tom I am not convinced it the Bat that should have the apology(30:30) but I bet Julie forgave you anyway.
I think those ore bins will be there long after the mine seals itself. I would be waiting up top as well… Spooky stuff Tom. Even vampires… lol.
EXCellent!! we’ve been to ibex spring but not much else in the area thanks for this awesoem tour!
Remember, don’t drink the water in Saratoga Springs nor swim in it’s water, that area is known to have the Amoeba Naegleria fowleri (brain eating Amoeba) in it’s water! Doubtful if the State of California has been able to eradicate it over the decades, though the pupfish seem to flourish in it’s waters! These mines were closed down due to asbestos in the talc and newer mines were opened a few miles away that supposedly didn’t contain asbestos, they were much larger and even had a railroad to transport the talc out of the mines!
Tom & Julie — Nice explore of the Southern End of the Saratoga Mines but theres a lot more Adits , Shafts , & Open Pits to the North & Northeast of the area that you explored ( Check it out on Google Earth ) . The Pond at Saratoga Springs is a lot smaller than the last time that I saw it , about 25 years ago . If you had turned Right at the first road after leaving the Springs Parking Area you would have crossed the Amargosa River and connected with the Harry Wade Road . Turn Left onto Harry Wade Road and it takes you right to Hwy. 127 at Salt Creek , where you could have relaxed in the shade under the trees alongside Salt Creek . — < Doc > .
Great adventure video Tom! Even though I know it’s going to be ok, I’m always on the edge of my seat when I see you crawl into a mine that looks so unstable. Cool shots though. How do you get your motorcycle footage, do you have a mount or do you hold the camera while riding 2 up on a trail? If so that’s impressive. Amazing scenery too!
Iv’e always wondered with talc mines, open mining would have been a better option. Never seen one yet, that wasn’t way too sketchy.
The Yammagobbler is a great tool for this kind of trekking. Nice!stay hydrated!
Those are fun to explore. I haven’t been in there in years.
We’ll just call this one the "Lumber Jam" Mine. Looks perfectly engineered, without bugs will probably last another 100 years.
I have watched like five of your videos today because YT has failed to notify me of your new content even though I have everything correct, love watching your adventures.
A great video you too. Stay safe out there in your ventures.
great little mines thanks for sharing.
Very brave going down there, those mine shaves, great video