• Death Valley from Aguereberry Point

    Death Valley

    National Park CA,NV

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  • EXTREME SUMMER HEAT

    Expect high temperatures of 100 to 120 degrees F on your summer visit to Death Valley. Heat related illness is a real possibility. Drink plenty of water and carry extra. Avoid activity in the heat. Travel prepared to survive. Watch for signs of trouble. More »

  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center hours to change for Summer 2013

    To better serve summer visitors, the Furnace Creek Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm beginning June 16 through October 7, 2013.

  • Furnace Creek Campground Temporary Closure

    Furnace Creek Campground will be CLOSED for construction starting April 16, 2013. Texas Springs Campground will remain open for summer camping in the Furnace Creek Area. More »

Keane Wonder Mine

Why is the Keane Wonder Mine Area TEMPORARILY CLOSED?

 
collapsing mine entrance

Unstable Ground
The Keane Wonder Mine was one of the most successful gold mines in Death Valley. Miners were following a rich vein of ore that was deposited in fractures in the metamorphic rock. Tunnels were dug, side tunnels were added, always removing as much ore as possible. Eventually the mine became a series of chambers supported by pillars. So much material was removed that the entire mountain slope above became unstable and started to collapse. Besides the obvious danger of entering a crumbling mine, just being on the surface above or near the mine has become a safety hazard.

 
contaminated soil
Toxic Waste
To extract the gold from the ore, cyanide and other toxic chemicals were used at the mill site. Not far from the parking area are the remains of tanks used in the cyanide process and fine tailings that remained after processing. Preliminary testing has shown elevated levels of lead and mercury in these tailings. Erosion is constantly exposing this material and wind blows the dust around. This would not be something you would want to breathe!
 
Keane Wonder Mill

Collapsing Structures
The historic structures of Keane Wonder Mill and tramway are suffering from rot, rust, and decay. These structures are in danger of collapse and need to be stabilized.

 
map of closed area

Closed Area
Until the site can be made safer—while also preserving the historic features of the site and protecting those areas used by wildlife—the National Park Service has decided to close the Keane Wonder Mine and surrounding area to public access. The closed area is from the junction of Keane Wonder Road and Beatty Cut-off Road east to Chloride City, and approximately one mile both north and south of Keane Wonder Mine, including Keane Wonder Mill, Cyty Mill, Big Bell and King Midas Mines. For questions or a map of the closed area, ask at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

  • Abandoned Mineral Lands in the National Parks Abandoned Mineral Lands in the National Parks

    Abandoned Mineral Lands in the National Parks Read More

  • Mining in Death Valley Mining in Death Valley

    Mining in Death Valley Read More

  • Abandoned Mines Audit Report Abandoned Mines Audit Report

    Abandoned Mines Audit Report

Did You Know?

The Mesquite Dunes in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth. In July 1913, five consecutive days of 129°F or above were recorded in Death Valley. On July 10, 1913 a reading of 134 degrees Fahrenheit was taken, the world record hottest air temperature. More...