A Return to the Nikolaus Eureka Mine: Seven Years Later

The abandoned Nikolaus Eureka Mine is precariously perched high on the side of a rugged mountain outside Death Valley. I explored this former talc and soapstone mine back in 2014 with Jeremy and Tony. Much of the underground workings were collapsed or partially collapsed, and we deemed it as one of the most dangerous underground explorations we had undertaken. The risk was worth it, though, because we found a trove of mining artifacts!
Seven years later, I found myself wondering if anything had changed at the Nikolaus Eureka Mine. In the intervening years, people relayed unsubstantiated reports to me that said some of the equipment and items were no longer there that I had shown in my initial video. So once again I set out to hike back up the steep mountain trail and down the backside to revisit the amazing, extraordinary, spectacular Nikolaus Eureka Mine.
If you missed my original 2014 exploration of the Nikolaus Eureka Mine with Jeremy and Tony, it can be found at the link below. In it, we descend the 300-foot inclined shaft and find a lot of amazing artifacts on the lower levels. Here is the link: • Ghosts in the Nikolaus...
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#AbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#UndergroundExploration

[@FrontSideBus]

"Why don't I remember this"? After 7 years, Lol. I don't remember why I walked into the kitchen sometimes...

[@AbandonedMines11]

I really do have a pretty good memory, but I just am unable to remember going into this particular tunnel. When I watched my video from 2014, I don’t show footage of it either for some reason. I’m thinking maybe there was a lock on it back in those days. As you saw in the video, that door was pretty sturdy and solid and there was no way around. So if it was locked, we probably decided to skip it. But I can’t remember if it was locked or not! LOL

[@zacharynik]

It’s pretty cool to see inside my families old mine. Thanks for being safe and respectful of my families history.

[@AbandonedMines11]

When we went there seven years ago, we descended the inclined shaft and explored two levels. We had heard that there was a third level but it looks like that caved in. There was no further access down the shaft when we got to the second level. Do you know how many levels there were in this mine to begin with? Who in your family worked this mine? And when did they work it? There doesn’t seem to be any written history of this mine anywhere online which is often the case with these more obscure, remote mines. Hope you can shed some light on this remote, desolate, abandoned talc mine!

[@zacharynik]

@@AbandonedMines11 I’m not exactly sure how many levels there are. I’d have to ask my grandfather. My great grandfather took it over well before I was born and it’s remained in the family ever since. We would make yearly trips to it when I was younger but we never went down inside due to safety risks. I do know that my great grandfather was the one who purchased the radio/record player for the employees to have something to listen to while working. He would tell us stories about how dangerous the road was when the trucks would go back and forth up and down the hill. When I have more info about it I can let you know.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your reply! I’ve hiked up to that mine now a total of three times since 2016. The most recent two times were last summer. That road is pretty rugged and steep! I can only imagine the big trucks having a difficult time with that. Just the fact that people actually built that road in the first place is also amazing. That is definitely some rugged and dangerous terrain! Near the top and partway down the backside, it looks like the road had been paved at one point but most of that has broken up and has fallen apart. Very cool to know the detailed history on that radio/record player that your great grandfather provided so the workers could have some enjoyment up there. If you haven’t seen it already, check out my original video of this mine from December 2016 when we went down the inclined shaft. Lots of miners graffiti in there that we saw as well as a lot of artifacts like blasting cap boxes, old bottles, and an old Coca-Cola thermometer. If you come up with any more information about the site, please post a reply here and let me know.

[@philjones6054]

I ALWAYS enjoy your videos very much indeed, and this is no exception. You provide first class narration, superb locations and exceptional video footage every time. Thank you from Wales UK.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you for the feedback, Phil! I appreciate it. Sounds like you are enjoying the videos I put up on here, so thank you for that. Nice to have a fan over in Wales.

[@ronniecardy]

Some parts of this mine I think I recall it from 2014. Hard to say i know I have been watching you for a really long time ⌛ Just stay safe for the next 99 years 🙏

[@AbandonedMines11]

Some of it should look familiar, Ronnie, because some of the things were in my older video. However, the tunnel I explored this time around is NOT in my older video of the mine. And I don’t remember going into it. There may have been a lock on the door back then which kept us out. I really can’t remember why I have no footage of that tunnel from 2014. So I’m glad I went back up there recently because I was able to film that part of the site that I apparently never got to see the first time around. Nice hearing from you again, by the way!

[@ronniecardy]

Just glad I am still enjoying your Videos, even more they have been so much better.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Good job, Frank. Best to trust your gut, especially when you're alone. Good to see the radio is still there. I remember seeing that in your older video. Didn't someone you know and love hold that claim at one time? lol

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, I was glad the radio and record player were still there. You must be referring to a couple of losers and snitches known as Daniel Dull and Guy Starbuck. Yes, they had a claim on this mine for some reason. They only held it for a year or two at most. They made an anonymous false report (one of many) to KZbin and said I was illegally trespassing at this mine and demanded that my video be deleted. KZbin investigated and found that their claim of trespassing was unfounded and baseless. They didn’t have a legal leg to stand on, and that video has become one of my top performing ones. Fast-forward a few years later and I caught them both on video digging out a patented mining claim in Nevada! Go figure! Sounds like loser material to me. Trust me - they are.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@AbandonedMines11 That's what I remember you telling me. Too bad it's like that with mine explorers.

[@john.wick1]

That white powder is likely Boric Acid, or compound B(OH)3) - (hydrogen borate). It had long been used as an Antiseptic / blood coagulant, or even when strongly diluted with clean water, it would make an excellent eye-wash to remove compounds, particles and chemicals from the eyes without causing additional damage. It can even be used as a fire retardant when mixed with water and allowed to soak into wood surfaces. It has even been used as a welding flux, or a soldering flux that would help reduce sparks. So as you see, it has a large versatility of wide-spread uses, and therefore very practical uses within the mining industry.

[@RockerRed]

Richmond, California, my hometown! Born and raised there. Another great video Frank! Thank you! Thank you!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Looks like that barrel is an artifact from your town! Thanks for your comment! Sounds like you enjoyed the video. Thank you for taking the time to watch it.

[@RockerRed]

I'm now in a new county near old mines. Just driving around one can see mining equipment around. I'm near Kennedy & Jackson mines. I'm not physically able to visit places like that now. Which is why I love to go mining with you in your videos! 💙🙂💚

[@AbandonedMines11]

I’m not familiar with those two names of the mines you mentioned. You must be up in Northern California, I’m assuming. Glad you’re able to follow along underground in my videos since, as you mentioned, you can’t explore mines anymore. Thank you very much for the support!

[@RockerRed]

@@AbandonedMines11 Yes, those mines are in Amador County NorCal.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Wow! That’s way up there! I have never been north of Yosemite.

[@Dsdcain]

I have a radio record player of that vintage. They're surprisingly fairly light to be honest. The cabinet that surrounds the tubes and such are pretty much decorative so the weight is less than it appears at a glance. I think you made the right choice no going down there, especially since you were alone. Thanks for the cool location videos. Stay safe out there man. 😎

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the additional info on that record player/radio. Now that you mention it, it probably would be rather light in terms of weight. That’s pretty cool that you have a similar radio/record player of the same era. I really like the art deco look of the radio controls and of the record player in general.

[@WTP_1776]

yes we know what a record player is. thank you for making these videos.

[@AbandonedMines11]

More to come!

[@tinas4838]

I can just imagine the music playing!

[@AbandonedMines11]

I wonder what kind of records the miners listened to while sitting in the hoist house and operating the winch?

[@rachelr3113]

I found the hoist house so interesting. All those bits and pieces just left behind and forgotten. What a cool place to be at. 😀

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it! Must've been a cool place to work. Was probably pretty noisy when the hoist was running, but after quitting time, it was probably just as quiet and peaceful as it was when I was there. Thanks for the comment, Rachel!

[@Mazda3Ota]

"Is the white powder I found at this mine flour, cyanide, or cocaine?" Good start..

[@AbandonedMines11]

This is the third or fourth time that I’ve seen such powder at an abandoned mine site. I know they used cyanide and arsenic when they were processing ore, but I’m not sure what those look like in their natural state. There are always a lot of mysteries at these abandoned mines - especially a remote one like this that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic.

[@Lennymcgra]

Bonus if its coke lol

[@SQUAREHEADSAM1912]

@@AbandonedMines11 indeed, Cyanide in its natural form is a white powder.

[@nnnnn777bbbb]

Greetings and love from india 👍🏻👍🏻

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hello! Nice to hear from a fan in India! You obviously can read and write English, but I wanted to let you know that I am now including subtitles in Hindi in my videos. I’m slowly adding the subtitles to all my previous videos, too. Thanks for your support!

[@doofsCat]

@@AbandonedMines11 majority of educated india understands english.... So it must not be a problem ig

[@murielvaillancourt3855]

You are right to refuse to go down again as you are alone. I love so much to go with you in their wonderful fading areas. Men had only their arms and their courage to survive in these old times. They deserve more recognition for their hopes and their harsh lives in solitude and heat temperature. Thank you Frank, to remind us of these times.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for stopping by, Muriel! This is a really great abandoned mine site. Definitely was worth the repeat visit. Besides, I never filmed that one tunnel in 2014 that you saw in this video! Mining back in those days certainly was a dangerous, thankless, lonesome job. I did sit in one of the chairs in the hoist house for about five minutes and enjoyed the peace the quiet. Almost wanted to camp up there overnight, but I wasn't prepared for that.

[@JeffCowan]

Those mountains are so steep and rugged. Hearty souls built those amazing places.

[@AbandonedMines11]

So true! Thanks for stopping by, Jeff!

[@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_88]

I can't believe it's been seven years! That was right about the time I found on KZbin as I haven't paid for cable since March 2014. Time sure does fly.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Benson, for hanging in there all these years! I appreciate your support. Without viewers like you sticking around for the long-haul, what would be the point in making these videos in the first place? Thanks again!

[@fractiousfauxpas1368]

@jeeze and the legacy of these mines. Doing a lot of documentation on this channel, nice to see people prolonging history for a change.

[@lakefromeshippingcompany]

That timbering in the entrance to the first tunnel looked impressive. Whoever did that knew what they were doing.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I agree with you! It certainly looks brand new and in very good condition considering how old it is. I would guess that it dates back to the 1930s or earlier. It’s probably really from 1910 or something like that.

[@roberttucker8129]

That was decent size bat. Don't really blame you for having second thoughts about descending that shaft by yourself. Love watching your videos bud, always helps to make the day better. If you ever make it out to Virginia to look around, be nice to meet you if you get the chance

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Robert! Glad to hear that you are enjoying my videos. I appreciate that. Thank you very much for the support. And thanks, too, for being willing to meet up if I ever make it to the great state of Virginia.

[@williamwintemberg]

Cool Mine! That was the right decision in not going down the incline. The winch and radio are cool artifacts. Maybe the cable is at the bottom of the shaft.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting, William! I appreciate it. I don't remember if the cable was at the bottom of the shaft when we went down it in 2014. I don't think it was. Might've been removed and used at another mine. To be quite honest, now that I think about it I think that winch is the first one I've ever seen that has NOT had any cable on it!

[@mowingtrimmingedging214]

I wonder if that white powder was Borax, not particularly sure why, just a guess. I think it’s cool your returning to your old previously explored mines. Always listen to your instincts! 😎

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, listening to one's instincts is very good advice. As I mentioned in a couple other replies, what threw me off was how vertical the ladder was at the top. I didn't recall it being that vertical back when we climbed it in 2014. I thought it was more of a 45-degree angle. So that realization made me hesitate. Better safe than sorry -- especially when exploring alone!

[@bTheNomad.]

Awesome!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tlcdark]

last time i saw you 8 years old with my uncle, what a time, take care mate

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad to see you’re still around! Thanks for the continued interest and support of my channel.

[@mfree80286]

White powder's probably ground talc, marking chalk, or something similar. Cyanide wouldn't ever be in an open container, and I've never heard of arsenic being used for assay (probably thinking mercury). Especially since there's a little tab of chalk sitting right next to it.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the comment and information, Michael! I don’t know if that jar of white powder was there in 2014 when we examined the hoist house. I don’t think it’s in my older video, so I don’t know what is going on.

[@ABANDONED_UNDERGROUND]

Those talc mines are something! I've found some mysterious white powder stashed away in an old Prince Albert can in an abandoned manganese mine once. We joked around saying it's a coke stash, lol, but it most likely was talc powder. The crazy things you find inside of these things! That vintage sound system was quite a find! A great video, Frank!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the comment, Justin! As I might have mentioned in the video, this is the third or fourth time that I have found an open glass jar of mysterious white powder at these abandoned mines. I wonder what it could be? Regardless, I leave things like that alone.

[@abdullahal-azmi2680]

What happens to that mine when you hear whispered in end of that mine ?

[@PHARRAOH]

a decade before I started youtube, 2 of us went to the old ghost town off the 15 freeway and below the o on the calico sign above, we went seep into a mine, we took 300' of 550 and use it all and didnt make the bottom. many tunnels, many ore carts and items. we came out dyed red from the dirt. 3 showers and it was still coming off me. destroyed my canon 35mm camera with all the dust. Fun trip tho once in a life time

[@AbandonedMines11]

Great anecdote, Pharraoh! Thanks for sharing it! I had a similar experience but on a much, much smaller scale at the Waterman Mine just outside Barstow. Came out of that one covered in red dirt. Unfortunately, most of the workings in that mine are vertical and would require the amount of rope you said you had.

[@braneythesniper6480]

Your a pretty good guy, your teaching others about history, I’ve just saw u on my recommended and I like exploration videos, keep up the good work dude👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AbandonedMaine]

Checked out that original video and the vertical shaft entrance looks exactly the same. Without a partner, yeah, going down isnt a good idea.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the comment, Drew! Yes, I just didn’t feel comfortable for some reason even though I had gone down that inclined shaft seven years earlier. It’s always best to trust one’s gut instincts like that.

[@stevetabor4447]

Such a cool area an mine I’ve watched your earlier video few things have changed that head frame is still going strong good stuff frank ,,ya I wouldn’t go down unless rope an backup thanks for sharing again,, as always be safe 👍👍👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

It’s always interesting to compare and contrast a newer video with an older video of the same location. In regards to this mine, it doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic for obvious reasons so things don’t change a whole lot. Thanks for the comment, Steve!

[@HollywoodGraham]

Probably records in the day and then listened to the Shadow and other dramas at night when radio reception was good. "Skip" worked wonders at night for AM radio.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I bet you’re right! Those old-time AM radio shows were a big deal back in the day. In case anybody is interested, you can find those shows here on KZbin in their entirety! The CBS Radio Mystery Theater was one that I remember from when I was a little kid. They’re all here on KZbin!

[@mountainmineexplorers]

Good call that incline shaft looked pretty steep but it looks to be in good shape tho I would just want a rope for the ladder just in case. Sweet video that’s definitely a cool mine!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, David! Yes, this is a really unique mine. It was worth going back to it one more time.

[@tabbyzhauls]

Hello Frank 😊 I found your channel through Mr ballen's channel he was talking about you encounters with a swinging chain or a ghost in the Horton mind. Anyways cool videos ☺️💞 be safe and always fallow you're gut feeling .

[@AbandonedMines11]

Welcome aboard! Yes, one's gut instinct is usually very accurate. Even though I had already gone down the inclined shaft in this video several years earlier, this time around something was telling me not to do it. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for checking out this video, and thanks for your comment!

[@pauloh3591]

Pretty cool! That was just like stepping back in time feeling the long gone miners vibe in the air.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Great comment! Yes, this mine certainly does retain a lot of its original vibe from when it was in operation. Somewhat remote and not the easiest one to get to -- that helps preserve it. Thanks, Paulo, for watching and commenting!

[@pauloh3591]

@@AbandonedMines11 👍🏻 have a blessed week Franko!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, man! You too!

[@Porty1119]

Probably a good call not descending the shaft on this trip. I don't like going underground alone unless I need to do some minor work at a mine I know well. A ladder that steep and without landings - I'd tie off and use a harness.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Jim! Thanks for the comment! Very true. I had planned on descending the shaft because three of us had gone down it seven years ago with no issues. However, when I was just there recently by myself and looking down into the shaft, something didn't feel right. It was an uncanny feeling that I've only experienced a few times over the last decade, so I took heed of it and didn't bother climbing back down.

[@Porty1119]

@@AbandonedMines11 I know that feeling all too well. Always trust your gut, often it's telling you something is wrong before you've consciously realized it.

[@tinas4838]

Funny how that door looked so new

[@AbandonedMines11]

Things are so well-preserved in the desert. That door was pretty far in the tunnel, so it isn't really exposed to rain, snow, and the searing summer heat. I'm pretty sure that door was probably there in 2014 when we first visited the place, but I didn't film that tunnel for some reason. I don't even remember going into that tunnel, either. Not sure why that is. Maybe there was a lock on the door back then. I don't know.

[@tripper3737]

Young person here! (24) records are easily one of my favourite things to collect. The science behind how they work and the depth of sound you can get is just *mwah* beautiful. That aside, I've been thinking about mine exploration for a few years, what kind/brand of meters do you use and where can I buy em?

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yeah, air monitors are really necessary if you’re going to be exploring abandoned mines. Most of us use the BW Clip oxygen meter and the BW Clip hydrogen sulfide gas detector which you can buy on Amazon. I can’t remember exact prices but they run around $100 or a little bit more. As soon as you receive a meter, you activate it and it is good for two years. It never needs calibrating or anything like that. Once the two years are up, it automatically deactivates and you have to buy another one. Thanks for the comment and question, Adam!

[@tripper3737]

And thanks for the great answer! I shall continue on bingewatching your videos

[@astralvirgin09]

Hey Frank! That is a very cool mine, I'm going to re-watch the original video again (I remember the name of the mine and a little of the video so I'm going to refresh what's left of my memory!) so thanks for posting the link to it. Again, another fun adventure and I look forward to the next one! Hope all is well and please stay safe out there!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment! Yeah, this is one of those unique abandoned mines that is easy to remember due to its spectacular location and the many artifacts still there. We have surmised that the reason we did not go into the tunnel back in 2014 was that it was most likely locked at that time. I'm glad I went back up there recently -- I had forgotten all about that missed tunnel. Always nice hearing from you! I hope your staying safe up there in northern California with all the wildfires that are raging.

[@anubhavnair2592]

New subscriber! Love ur content

[@AbandonedMines11]

Awesome! Thank you very much for subscribing! Welcome aboard!

[@Aengus42]

Looks like a car horn. Either 6 or 12 volts.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Some other viewers have said the same thing. Must've been used to signal the hoist operator what was going on down in the shaft.

[@mike-vo8im]

You know I probably wouldn't have gone down that shaf even in 2014. Me and high places are not friends.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Totally understandable. When I was just there recently, I actually got a little dizzy when I looked down into the shaft from where I was sitting at the top. I don’t like heights, either.

[@mike-vo8im]

@@AbandonedMines11 I applaud your bravery for going down the first time. I would have shook and sweated the whole way down.

[@danielfmyers]

AM and Shortwave reception might have been fine

[@Porty1119]

Absolutely. They rely on skywave propagation, you'll hear them worldwide in the right conditions. VHF FM is much more local.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the info, Daniel!

[@john.wick1]

That white powder is likely Boric Acid, or compound B(OH)3) - (hydrogen borate). It had long been used as an Antiseptic / blood coagulant, or even when strongly diluted with clean water, it would make an excellent eye-wash to remove compounds, particles and chemicals from the eyes without causing additional damage. It can even be used as a fire retardant when mixed with water and allowed to soak into wood surfaces. It has even been used as a welding flux, or a soldering flux that would help reduce sparks. So as you see, it has a large versatility of wide-spread uses, and therefore very practical uses within the mining industry.

[@gvii]

I liked the old flathead head gaskets hanging on the outside of the hoist house. That old console radio/turntable is fantastic. I would love to find one in semi-decent shape to restore. That art deco radio face is simply awesome. And yeah, that was definitely an old car horn on the wall.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, I noticed those gaskets on the outside of the hoist house, too. Miners' decorations, I suppose. This site is really spectacular and definitely worth the repeated visit.

[@dancjr2]

Awesome video as always!!! Smart decision, I wouldn’t have gone down that shaft, you were alone and that’s when things happen, two observations, if I remember correctly the ladder, for whatever reason, looked in better shape in your 2014 video, I also noticed a rung missing a corner right a nail, better safe than sorry. It was nice to see that the bulb and stereo were still there after seven years, I haven’t seen a stereo or HiFi cabinet since I was a kid, they were really popular in the 60s and 70s. Thanks for sharing Frank, stay safe.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yeah, it was a little disappointing not getting back down the shaft to see those lower levels and how much more collapse has occurred over the last seven years. I was surprised that lightbulb was still there, too. I thought for sure some yahoo would’ve gone up there and shot it out with their gun. I did take a five minute break and sat in one of those chairs inside the hoist house and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Such a great site! Would be fun to camp up there overnight just for the experience.

[@dancjr2]

@@AbandonedMines11 It definitely looked peaceful up there, I agree, that would be a fantastic spot to camp and I can imagine the hoist operators sitting back and just zoning out in the evenings with music playing and a cold beer from the refrigerator.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think I also figured out where they slept. At the top of the mountain about half a mile away up the road is a collapsed cabin that looked pretty large. I think they lived there and worked down in the mine. There would’ve been no room in that hoist house for them to sleep.

[@dancjr2]

@@AbandonedMines11 I think even the cabin would have been peaceful, it’s definitely a serene landscape that’s away from everything and everyone. A new Toyota camping/cooking video being made in the area ? :)

[@Februaries]

Woah first time ive been this early...

[@AbandonedMines11]

Congrats!

[@davidgessin-mccully3919]

So just checked out the previous video and that ladder seemed to me to be going vertical definitely not at a 45 degree angle lmfao The danger you face even with partners is great so doing it alone has to be insanity. I’m surprised you can even get into these mines with your giant balls but I’m glad you do keep it up and keep it safe.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment! And thanks for checking out the older video from 2014. It was a pretty cool mine down there on the inclined shaft. Lots of dangerous collapses, though! It wouldn’t surprise me if all of those levels have totally collapsed by now.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Frank, my 16yr old Daughter has her own music centre with a record player, cassette player and a radio lol, records are making a big comeback here in the UK but I had records before anything like CD's were even thought of lol. I'm so glad you didn't go down that ladder beings as you were there by yourself. I bet if you took those anchors away that whole ore bin would collapse. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💞

[@AbandonedMines11]

I, too, had records before CDs were a thing. I remember buying my first CD, too! I was really surprised that CDs have fallen by the wayside in recent years and now everything is streamed. I thought the CD format would stick around forever. The biggest thing I miss about buying CDs is the booklet that came inside the jewel case. You don't get the booklets when you stream or download a CD. Records do seem to be making a comeback here, too. I kind of like that! Thanks for dropping in, Sue! I hope you're having a great weekend!

[@SueGirling68]

@@AbandonedMines11 Can you not buy CD's in the USA anymore ??. xx

[@AbandonedMines11]

You can still buy CDs online through Amazon and stuff like that. I think Target and Walmart still carry them, too. They just aren’t as ubiquitous as they once were. I really miss Tower Records. When they closed several years ago, that was a big blow to the CD industry. I don’t think there are any more record stores like there used to be, in fact.

[@tinas4838]

Glad you didn't go down by yourself

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Tina! Three of us descended the inclined shaft in 2014 with no problems. I had planned on going back down the incline when I was there recently by myself, but something didn't feel right when I was there at the top of the shaft and looking down into it. It was a strange feeling that I've only had a few times before. Better safe than sorry.

[@davidbishop5731]

Few years back I was hiking in the Mojave Desert and came across a vertical shaft mine. I wasn't hiking on a marked trail. I was just hiking through the desert. I have tried finding info on the mine but I can't seem to find anything on it. I can't even find records of the mines existence. I wish I could post a photo on here so you could see. Anyways, always enjoy the content. Keep up the good work.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the comment, David! There are vertical shafts like that all over the desert. Most of them, I would think, don’t lead to extensive workings. However, there are probably a lot of cool artifacts and other things down inside most of them.

[@deadmetal8692]

"Sheev" Palpatine

[@tedfuchs9132]

Have a more of a geology question, the large boulders that's laying around you see a lot of them in old cowboy movies, if you were to cut one open do you think it'd be solid inside? Thanks for the great video!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Good question! Some might have crystals in them. There seemed to be a lot of rocks up there coated with a crystal-like, sparkling material. I don't know if that was quartz or what.

[@nielsen145]

the atlas cardbox, is properly a dynamite box, because they are also known as Atlas Powder Company, which was one of the companies that was made after Dupont was forced to split up

[@AbandonedMines11]

Excellent information! Thank you for providing it.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

You Made the right decision Not to climb Down that shaft all by your self when you are alone out there Take care stay healthy Yours Frank Galetzka

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hi, Frank! Thanks for the comment! Yes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

[@jeremymason37]

You should get in contact with ghost town living and explore his town and mines.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I do need to make another run up there. I did explore some of those mines 10 years ago or so. They were pretty extensive! Looks like he’s gotten into a lot more of them, though, in the time that he’s been up there.

[@craigbrowning9448]

STOCO Richmond, CA. Standard Oil Company, Richmond CA. Now Chevron, the Refinery still exists.

[@drunkmike6364]

No shame in not going down especially by yourself. We’ve explored many mine sites in Nevada with multiple people and we pass on the majority. I personally like the 45 inclines. The ones that just drop off vertically require a lot more planning and good rope work.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Drunk Mike! I recognize that name from the narration in your buddy’s videos - but I can’t recall his KZbin name. I watched a lot of his videos and always enjoy your explorations. Yes, the 45° inclined shafts are the best. Anything steeper than 60 degrees gets a little dicey in my book. I had gone down the inclined shaft in this video back in 2014 but I didn’t remember the top part being as steep as it was. It does turn into a 45° angle further down from what I can remember, but I just didn’t want to take the chance being that I was there by myself.

[@paulmcc1991]

How did the bat get into the first tunnel if the door was closed, Must be open somewhere I guess

[@AbandonedMines11]

I was thinking the same thing, Paul! As I was walking back out towards the door, I realized there were some pretty large gaps around that door. The bat must use those to get in and out of the mine. It’s kind of like when the BLM installs those bat gates into a mine entrance. The bats know to fly between the metal bars. The bat in this mine probably does something similar with the gaps around the wooden door.

[@metamech7383]

“I’m having second thoughts…” Careful, your age is showing 😂

[@xpan195]

Isn’t this the ghost foot mine?? Wonder if I’ll see anything paranormal in this vid!! Edit: aww thought you were going in the mine, but it’s understandable, the incline looks 90 degrees!! Plus the fact that going in might mean encountering that ghost miner, so no thanks! Love the original vid, it was so spooky seeing it

[@AbandonedMines11]

There was some very intense, intriguing things down that inclined shaft, that’s for sure! I really had an uneasy feeling sitting there at the top when I was considering going back down a second time on this most recent visit. Something told me not to, so I listened to it.

[@xpan195]

@@AbandonedMines11 with your level of expertise and experience, that was a very wise decision, incline looked like a total vertical drop! The risk of injury isn’t worth it, maybe even a Tommyknocker was trying to warn you about it! Keep up the amazing videos and stay safe!!! 👍🏼👍🏼💪🏼

[@jontylerlud]

How on EARTH do you reach these isolated places? I just checked out where this one was located and I'm just amazed how deep you go off the grid to get to these places. Do you use a 4 wheler to get closer for an easier hike? Such adventures

[@AbandonedMines11]

As you saw in Google Earth, there is an old mining road that goes to this mine. However, the road is only passable until you reach the top of the mountain. From there down the backside to the mine it is not passable for any type of vehicle. So a lot of people drive their four-wheel-drive vehicles to that point and then hike that last mile or so down to the mine. I don’t have four-wheel-drive, so I park down at the highway and hike the entire road which I believe is 2 miles one way to reach the mine. I did this hike two times this past summer, and the heat makes it a brutal hike. It would be much easier to do this hike in the fall or winter when daytime temperatures are much more mild. It’s a great hike, though.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

Very nice resonances and artifacts, ill watch the old video in case you dont go roping down there :-) Just saw the old video, great artifacts but looking at the state of the place i think it can be blocked completely now.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for checking out the older video from 2014, Rolf! That was a seriously collapsed mine down on those lower levels off the inclined shaft. Probably one of the worst mines I have ever been in. You’re probably right - it’s probably all caved-in by now.

[@kstaffidaho4637]

Those hinges on the door of the first tunnel look shiny new. I wonder if someone wanted to seal off that shaft.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, that door and hinges do look very new! For some reason, we did not go in this tunnel when we initially visited the site back in 2014. None of us have any recollection of why that was. I am guessing that the tunnel might have been locked at that point in time, so we chose to skip it. Normally, I would film something like that - especially if we went into it. It’s still a bit puzzling, but that’s what we’ve come up with.

[@Davidautofull]

oh yeah, you should have looked in the bottom of the radio cabinet for records.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I did look in there. It was empty. I think it was empty back in 2014, too.

[@megatons6686]

Bro how are you still uploading after 10 years and BTW what's your age now I know you from 8 years

[@AbandonedMines11]

I'm 31. LOL

[@Paulman50]

😊👍

[@honeyforce996]

it's a sturdy ladder, it's plenty safe. you won't get much done avoiding every little risk

[@johnhonker437]

Not by himself. That guarantees that a "little risk" will be a death sentence if ANYTHING goes wrong.

[@honeyforce996]

Please read more osha reports & stay away from climbing ladders

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

Scary Door 🚪 Can Can Everywhere Bat Can.. That Hoist House is Awsum 📻 White Powder Cocaine LMAO Now That’s a Work Place Party House. 💡 🪜Straight Down Indeed🪜 🛢 Awsum Video Brother HeeHawww 🤠

[@AbandonedMines11]

Some white powders can be useful and fun. LOL Thanks for the comment, "Tony." I did take a break in that hoist-house and sat down in one of those chairs and enjoyed the solitude for five minutes or so. It was awesome!

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

@@AbandonedMines11 Heck Yeahhh 👌🏻Not To Many Can Say They Done That.. Love it & The History

[@edu4161]

🌎🇧🇷👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you for the emoji comment, Eduardo! I love it!

[@olivei2484]

10:25 Old car horn

[@AbandonedMines11]

Could be! I don't remember seeing that device back in 2014.

[@olivei2484]

@@AbandonedMines11 Not surprised, you have learned what to look for in these old mines. I haven't watched the 2014 vid recently, but if I remember right, wasn't Tony from Australia?

[@mowingtrimmingedging214]

Of course, cocaine was also one of my first thoughts 🤣

[@AbandonedMines11]

You, too? Awesome!

[@TheInsultInvestor]

You messed up the door on the radio.

[@jacobjames1171]

Fix the drawer so it doesn't fall off later.

[@josephd.5524]

'Why don't I remember this?' I watched Lords of the Rings. I know how this ends.

[@juliandavidromerorojas7768]

Hi?

[@AbandonedMines11]

Good morning!

[@slumo1213]

Who else came from me BAllen??

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for coming over from Mr. Allen’s channel and taking a look around here! I appreciate it.

[@DjangoPorter]

Are u the same guy who does the Colorado. Sasquatch exploring??? It sounds. Like it and u act just like the same guy. .it's u. Right?

[@Davidautofull]

FRANK, AGAIN, GLO-STICKS. right around 8:57, that ladder going down, i had the feeling i saw an old western movie that had the same view. cowboys at the top and cowboys at the bottom tradin shots at each other. hahahahahaha

[@AbandonedMines11]

I can totally picture the view you are describing! Thanks for your comments, David. I appreciate it.

[@gazlowe3167]

If that was cocaine they wouldn’t need sleep 👀👀

[@disguisedangel2394]

Lol overthinking creates fear .

[@AbandonedMines11]

It certainly does. What threw me off was how vertical the ladder was at the top. I didn't remember it being that vertical when we all climbed it back in 2014.

[@slimwantedman6694]

Good morning from Southeast South Dakota

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hello!

[@wygold]

There is something missing in this video that you showed from your last video of this site and idk if you remember or not but there was a ziplock bag in the compartment where the record player sat, it was the needles for the record player. Also I’m surprised that the light bulb was still intact hanging up so high in the light fixture.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think the needles were still there in a bag during this most recent visit. I can't remember, though. Yes, that lightbulb is an endangered species! Just think how many decades that has been up there! Amazing! Thanks for the comment. Happy New Year!

[@davidmoore7818]

You come along way since the mt Laguna days! Keep finding the good stuff!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Dave! In my book you are still renowned for free-climbing that vertical winze in the Oriflamme Mine!

[@alexanderloadsmanthefirebu3753]

nice video where is this mine located ?

[@AbandonedMines11]

Google the name of this mine and you'll find the location -- and probably a lot more, too!

[@alexanderloadsmanthefirebu3753]

You and I should Explorer all the mines together sometime that would be awesome

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Thank you. I will watch the other mentioned video from 4 months ago as well. Thank you. Safe travels 💪🙏💙

[@AbandonedMines11]

It was fun to return to this site seven years later and see what has changed. Fortunately, I’m happy to report that not much has changed. I don’t think a lot of people get all the way up to this one. Thanks for your comments, Katherine!