Gunsite Mine Exploration - Tecopa, California

[@AbandonedMines11]

You know, all of the times that I had gone to the War Eagle Mine, the Columbia Mine, the Noonday Mine, and the Grant Mine, I never made it over to the Gunsite Mine. Looks like you covered a good portion of it in your video. That was cool that you inserted the photograph of the map of the mine’s workings. I wasn’t aware that all of those open stopes were at the top of the mountain. One of the biggest reasons why I never bothered going to this particular mine is that I always heard the access road into it was pretty rough. However, in your video it looked to be relatively smooth and something that a two-wheel drive sedan could manage if driven carefully.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hey Frank, thanks for watching the video. The road to the Gunsite isn't too bad. It gets a bit rough the closer you get to the mine. Depending on the vehicle you're in you could always walk the last quarter mile or so from a somewhat steep hill that you have to navigate. I really want to climb up the ladders inside the mine and probably will next time we are there. We will be in Shoshone for the whole month of March 2020 at the RV park. We will most likely be in Twentynine Palms for a month before Shoshone. Maybe you want to explore together sometime?

[@rogueproductions9011]

Tom Wigren the ladder is relatively sturdy and the pipe next to it helps support you, however after about 2 third of the way up the pipe stops and there are two pegs in a row that are missing. There are also missing planks here and there in the first part of it however they are all climbable, however once I got to the pair of pegs that were missing I had to come back down

[@Sportsman101]

Wow such a cool place! I love old abandoned locations like this, so interesting you can smell the history in them. Thanks for taking us along and for all the great info! 👍

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for watching, Mike. This whole area has loads of interesting history involved with it and the mines are just one part of it. We love visiting here and will be back again next year. So much to explore, so little time.

[@chuckbrasch4575]

I know this is a little late Tom/Julie. I had a chance to "explore" part of the Gunsite about 30 years ago with my old miner friend, Bill Mann. So your video brought many memories. On that trek back out, the vision of seeing that pinpoint of light gave the impression of looking down site of a rifle, hense the name - - - Gunsite......... Cool video you guys..

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Chuck. I'm glad that you have had the chance to explore this one. It is a big mine with a lot of different areas to see. Thanks for your input!👍😁

[@zerofox7347]

Seeing the maps is great it really shows the scale

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, it's fun to have mine maps. They are hard to read when there are several levels. Too bad so much of this mine is collapsed. Thanks for the comment!

[@zerofox7347]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring The ones done in 3D on computer programs are just fantastic to look at, mind you I've always been a map nurd land, sea charts and air so when I found mining maps I was won over haha!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@zerofox7347 A 3-D mine map would be cool.

[@jackkridler5714]

if i could only walk i would love to go with you to these mines.it does make me wounder how many trips it took to haul all that lumber out there to the middle of nowhere.

[@tonycraib5939]

Once again another great video thanks Tom Julie

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Glad that you enjoyed the video, Tony!👍👍

[@DaleDuffy]

Interesting video...thanks Tom Julie...!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

This is one of the oldest lead/silver mines of Tecopa. We have another video of the upper part of the mountain. It's like swiss cheese. Thanks for the comment, Dale.

[@georgedupes9498]

That entire area is unstable. Hint, The Tecopa Hot Springs. By following the old Tonopah Tidewater Railroad south toward Baker from Tecopa . There are many old mines. Most are full of water and a few even have Pup Fish in them. Was raised in the area, Shoshone. The Spring that feeds Shoshone is 92 degrees year around Mining in the area is and was difficult because of the hot spot in the earth making everything on top unstable. 1962-1971.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I love that area and spend at least a month in Shoshone each year. We've volunteered to help maintain the Pup Fish ponds before where the water is 89° all the time. We've been in a lot of mines in the area and haven't seen any that were flooded. Maybe more towards Baker they are flooded. Lots of interesting history with Dad Fairbanks, Charles Brown, and all the mining and Death Valley activity. Thanks for the comment, George. I'd love to hear more from you.

[@otgexploring]

i been needing to get to this spot for a while now , thanks for the video tour

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

It's a dusty and dirty mine on the 700 level, which is the main haulage. The ladders going up from the 700 level are very dangerous and probably should not be climbed without being on a rope. The winze going down from the hoist on the 700 level is decent, and pretty interesting, and leads to some nice stopes. The upper levels, 100 and 300, are quite dangerous with a lot of broken timbers. The history behind this mine is probably the best part about it.

[@twinturbohenry]

So fun! Best adventures imaginable. You guys totally have it going on! love your channel.❤❤

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for the great comment, Henry. We definitely appreciate it!

[@potatothorn]

another insane adventure, love it! steel strap on wood for a rail, and later the rail junction in the other tunnel, both very cool highlights. i wonder how they powered the winch. if not electric, possible that pipe was for compressed air to run it. nice views of the surrounding area before and after the mine too. thanks for taking us along

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks, Thorn. This is a fun area to explore and we spend a fair amount of time around this group of mines near Tecopa. This is our 4th time at the Gunsite. Glad you checked out the video.

[@mineadventures7938]

Tom, I see your lighting skills have improved since 2019, i still need to work on that, i also see that on the 200, common sense kept you out and alive, what happen since then? LOL, most dangerous talc mine. LOL, its an addiction.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I've fooled around with more lighting combinations than I care to think about. Every type of mine requires different lighting. A white talc mine is much different to light than a wet dark lead mine. Long distance shots require a spot beam while doing close ups a wider flood wash works best. It would be much easier without the pulse width modulation factor for dimming LEDs. Next up is an ultraviolet light for the cool mineral veins. I might have lost part of my brain since being on that 200 level. I should go back and see how it looks to me know. Not going back to the Most Dangerous Talc Mine, though. Thanks, Ken.

[@mineadventures7938]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring - i never seen the 200 or 300, i only entered the main adit. thanks for sharing, i don't see ever going back in there. its been about 15 -20 years ago

[@EverydayProjects]

Good that you turned around when you did on the 200ft level. That didn't look very sturdy! Off topic a bit: Have you ever done a video showing the gear you have in your packs? I'd be interested to see what you carry, the lights, batteries, safety gear, cameras, snacks, hydration, etc. Just a thought. Keep up the good work!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, that 200' level is a real mess. This is one of the first of several big lead/silver mines that were developed on the same geologic formation near Tecopa, California. This one dates back to 1875 so it's no surprise that it is collapsed in many spots. The Noonday, Colombia, Grant and War Eagle are a few of the other mines nearby. I have not done an equipment video. We both carry at least three lights. We also have an oxygen meter, shovel, first aid kit, rope, knee pads, extra water, guns, batteries, dust masks, extra camera or two, snacks, two way radios, pencil and paper, extra layers of clothing etc. You have to plan on being able to survive for a few days if you are involved in a collapse or get stuck in a mine. Thanks for the comment!

[@EverydayProjects]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring That's a comprehensive kit of supplies; it would be fun to see it all laid out sometime. Don't worry, Tom and Julie, I'm not thinking of taking up the sport, just curious about what others carry off the beaten path. I have a video or two in mind showing some of the things I take to the bush/carry in my vehicle/grab-n-go bag (bug-out bag).

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@EverydayProjects Justin, from TVR Exploring, has a pretty good video on his mine exploring kit.

[@PidasianHippie]

I could tell that you really wanted to go up that ladder from the 700 foot level and saw in your comment below that you are thinking that you think you may go up it next year. Are you adding any extra gear that would get you more prepared to do this climb? You are introducing many of us into a hobby that we had never knew existed and are very curious as to what equipment is needed for these explorations.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Excellent comment and question as usual, P-Daz. First off I want to say that there is not much about exploring mine workings that is safe and you should use your best judgment as to keeping yourself from getting hurt. I'm sure the miners back in the day scrambled up and down these ladders with ease, carrying their tools, and without any safety equipment. That was a long time ago and who knows which ladder rung is about to let loose these days. This is an exceptionally long ladder and it could be deadly if you fell from high up. There are many types of fall arrest devices and harnesses used for climbing ladders but they all depend on the integrity of the ladder itself to work. A climbing rope from the top would be best but someone has to free climb to secure the rope. There are other ways to secure a rope from the bottom and incrementally attaching it to the ladder as you climb, but again, you are depending on the ladder's integrity to hold in case of a fall. So, after saying all that, we will probably try to just free climb it being cautious and assessing the ladder's condition as we go.

[@PidasianHippie]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring Don't worry. There is never any chance that you will entice me to go into one of those mines. As the daughter of a coal miner, I saw my dad come home with many broken bones, including a broken back before he was ultimately diagnosed with black lung. It is amazing how much those miners must have done back in the day that we would cringe at but they never gave it a second thought. I am sure that you will take as much care as possible when you do go back to climb it.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I didn't figure that mine exploring would be your new hobby although some are quite stable and easy to explore. Sounds like your dad was a tough miner in his day. I'm always amazed at the things the miners did, and probably still do, with thoughts of safety last. We will definitely use caution if we go back to climb the ladders.

[@PidasianHippie]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring You are right that mining is not for the weak. This is one of the reasons I am baffled why they are trying so hard to keep the mines running. To me it would make much more sense to bring in a different industry. It does look like the mines you have gone in tend to be a lot more stable than many of the coal mines around where I grew up.

[@gregerisman211]

That area you walked through at the14 minute mark has since collapsed, you have to drop down that hole on the left to bypass it now. That being said, I also stopped at the bad timbers sign

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Hi Greg. I'm not terribly surprised at hearing that. The upper parts of this mine are in pretty tough shape. The lower levels aren't as bad. Here is our video of going down the winze if you haven't been down there. Thanks for the comment!👍😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmnboa2eiMuYgas

[@dv9238]

Very good video :) Like !

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@michaelcoker3197]

Why is square-set timbering so rare?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

We've seen some nice nice examples. I suppose the right mine conditions have to be present to make it necessary. Lots of nice lumber in some of these old mines.

[@daveherbel2402]

At 9:02 there is a document detailing the tunnel shafts and youve colored them. Is this public information that can be accessed somewhere?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

The mine map is public information. I have it in a book about the mines of Tecopa.

[@daveherbel2402]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring we were just out there this weekend. weve been through all the other ones, and the war eagle with the double tracks to the bottom we called the "holy grail" till we found them last year. Would you be willing to pass on the name of the book, or tell me how I can purchase a copy?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@daveherbel2402 Tecopa Mines is the name of the book by Ken Lengner and George Ross. I bought my copy at the museum in Shoshone.

[@daveherbel2402]

@@TomandJulieMineExploring thanx bro. im on it

[@Glennmc7]

That first mine needs to be sealed off those were some giant rock on the first collapse.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

I doubt that it will be sealed because it is privately owned. It is in rough shape, for sure, and a dangerous mine. Thanks for the comment, Glenn!

[@RH-xr8ms]

You guys amaze me !!!You poke into places that even the videos make me shudder !! That Julie is a real scout in my book !! One thing tho,,, I'm surprised that you never seem to run into any critters in those places. Good luck to you, and by the way, I enjoy your vids !

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

This one is a little rough in places. Julie is a very good mine explorer for sure. The only live animals we have seen in mines are rats, bats and rabbits. We see a lot of dead animals, like foxes and some cats. Thanks for the comment!👍👍

[@ronniecardy]

Around the first time I have saw a winch with cable in a long time

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Next time we go here we will try and climb the ladders and go down the winze where the winch is. Thanks for watching, Ronnie!

[@HikeCamp]

How you keep form getting hopelessly lost in those catacombs... 🙄

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Haha, although that is a concern I think it looks more confusing in the video than it is in real life. Only once or twice have we actually been temporarily unsure of exactly where we were in a mine. When it does happen though it is a bit scary, which I guess is part of the excitement of exploring old mine workings. Thanks for the comment, Max!

[@mikelang8020]

Have Either one of you Seen or Heard anything Weird ? Like Tommy Knockers or Anything paranormal activity ?

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Once In A while we do hear noises in the mines. I'm guessing that most are caused by falling rocks or shifting areas that are caused by gravity. I'm waiting to see a tommyknocker. Thanks for watching, Mike!.👍😊

[@mikelang8020]

Ok Tom Thanks I get so Much Enjoyment from Watching the Videos ! Keep bringing The Fun & Interesting Mines, I've never Thought so Many Mines were Out in the Deserts of California

[@maezzee]

The 300 was very very dangerous drifted in to service the what could be called winze from below but really false floor above false floor from a huge stope along the fault line ....why the whole one side had collapsed....

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Yes, very dangerous. The whole top of that mountain seems dangerous. I wouldn't be surprised if the recent earthquake collapsed some of the upper workings. Thanks for the comment.

[@pmae9010]

Every time I see the overhead buckled I think, I wonder if they made it out, Oh yeah, I am watching the video, duh.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Haha, yeah, if you're watching the video we made it. Thanks for the comment!