Desert Hiking - Mine Hazards

Desert areas have always been attractive to miners and prospectors because of die expanses of bare, often mineralized rock. Abandoned prospect holes and mineshafts are common. While land managers and mining authorities are making an attempt to secure dangerous sites, the sheer vastness of the problem leaves a lot of hazards in the desert backcountry. Never enter any mineshaft. Besides the obvious hazards of falling and the potential for collapse, old mines often contain poisonous or radioactive gasses, as well as unstable explosives and dangerous equipment. Report any explosives or other unusual hazards to the land management agency after your trip.

The presence of an old road may be a sign that there are old mines in the area.

When hiking through heavy brush or at night, be especially alert for old mineshafts. In areas that attracted a lot of prospecting, miners often dug numerous small pits. Even though these pits are usually only a few feet deep, coming upon one unaware can result in ankle or leg injuries or worse.

In mined areas, stay away from the edges of vertical shafts, even if covered. The edges of shafts often continue to crumble for years after abandonment. Also, avoid depressions in the ground—these may mark shafts or pits that have been covered with wood or metal that is rotting or rusting away.