Cliffs of Crosses Petroglyphs
Most East Mojave rock art sites have a mix of abstract designs, the occasional bighorn sheep, maybe a few human figures. This canyon has those too, but what sets it apart is the number of enclosed crosses pecked into the basalt cliffs. I didn't name it, but whoever
Grass Canyon Petroglyphs
Native Americans passed through Grass Canyon thousands of years ago and left their marks on the basalt. I am not sure why they picked these rocks, though. There are plenty of other surfaces around that don't have anything on them. But this spot where a basalt butte meets
Pinyon Pine and Goldstar Mine Cabins
On the eastern slope of the rugged Old Woman Mountains are the remains of two weather-beaten cabins. Unlike the area's earlier gold and silver prospects, these mines targeted barite, a mineral primarily used in oil drilling. Barite (or Baryte) is a mineral consisting of barium sulfate, generally
Lady Jeanne Mine
Nestled in the Old Woman Mountains Wilderness, the remote Lady Jeanne Mine is a challenging trek for those seeking beautiful scenery, solitude, and mining history. Surprisingly, I couldn't find any history on this gold and silver prospect. One wonders who Lady Jeanne was.
Up at the mine itself
Beacon Hill Petroglyphs
The Beacon Hill Petroglyphs are reported to have nearly 600 ancient etchings spread across 31 boulders. However, after an exhausting search of the site, which left us questioning our eyesight and sanity, we found a dozen or so at best. Perhaps the desert sun has a way of multiplying petroglyphs
Riley's Camp
Possibly one of the most well-known backcountry cabins in the Mojave National Preserve is Riley's Camp.
History