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Hermes Mine and Cinnabar Camp
In 1942, while other mining camps slowly faded into obscurity, Cinnabar Camp was bustling with new construction: a three-story bunkhouse, a dozen cabins, and a mill rising from deep in the central Idaho mountains. This wasn't gold fever or silver dreams driving the activity. The United States needed
Boundary Island Petroglyphs
In a far-flung corner of Joshua Tree, there is an isolated boulder outcrop with a few dozen petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are generally abstract in design and could be of Serrano or Chemehuevi origin.
Livingston Mill
We got a tour of this mining camp in central Idaho from the caretaker who lives on-site. He was very generous with his time and was happy to show us around. I asked him why the name “Trump” was painted on the mill buildings, and he said: “You never know.
Pipes Canyon
Pipes Canyon is a pleasant and easy hike. The trail heads out from the visitor center at the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve and follows the canyon up into a riparian habitat. The canyon is usually dry, but water does occasionally surface to support this isolated oasis.
Sun Sword and Whale Rock Petroglyphs
With a tip from a friend, I went out searching for a remote set of petroglyphs in the backcountry wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park in early 2020. I had a few clues in my search. I was looking for petroglyphs that were near an old campsite and hidden on
