Ultimate Expedition To/From Overland Expo - Flagstaff Ariizona

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Leg 12 –Echo Canyon to Lees Camp and the on the Abandoned T&T Railway to Rhyolite

From Inyo Mine turnoff the trail heads northwest to Lees Camp ghost town, where the route crosses the abandoned Tonapah and Tidewater railway heading north and south, one of three rail lines that rushed towards Rhyolite at the turn-of-the century, the commercial hub for the Bullfrog Mountain Gold Rush.

Just past the Amaragosa turn-off, an Adventure Trailer and a series of tents raised hopes that I might encounter other Overlanders to share some trails and tales, but I did not see a soul on the back-roads until reaching Ryholite.


Base Camp Near Inyo Mine and Armagosa Road Junction by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Death Valley Wilderness Canyon by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Death Valley Wilderness Canyon by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

The pass trail is rated difficult, primarily because of a short waterfall obstacle that requires good ground clearance and careful tire placement. I did use my rear locker to avoid any unnecessary strain, given I was traveling this section alone, but the trail looks quite passable without lockers, for experienced drivers.


Waterfall Obstacle on Lees Camp Road by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Waterfall Obstacle on Lees Camp Road by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Waterfall Obstacle by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trail to Lees Camp by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trail to Lees Camp by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trail to Lees Camp by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trail to Lees Camp by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trail to Lees Camp by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trail to Lees Camp by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Coming out of Death Valley National Park Wilderness mountain range, leaving California and before heading north to Ryholite, I could not resist a short diversion south to Amaragosa where the old hotel, café and Amaragosa Opera house, a relic of a bygone era, still operates in the once booming mining hub. After exploring old 20 Mule Train two-tracks that once linked the Borax Mines to the Tonapah and Tidewater, I pointed the JK north and followed the old T & T line to Rhyolite.

Most of the ties and all of the rails were pulled after the line was abandoned in the 1940’s, leaving a cordon wood rail bed that can be driven for segments but with caution. Flash floods, time and salvagers have taken their toll on bridges and washed-out sections of the bed that require a watchful eye to avoid dangerous sudden drops. Well-traveled trails beside the old line make it possible to navigate on or alongside, most of the line, all the way to Rhyolite.


Armagosa Hotel & Opera House by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Armagosa Opera House Entrance by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Tonopah & Tidewarter Railway by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Tonopah & Tidewarter Railway by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Tonopah & Tidewarter Railway by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Tonopah & Tidewarter Railway by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

The route travels just west of Amaragosa River and Death Valley Wilderness area that is closed to vehicle traffic, until you reach the inviting steep trail up Sand Hill Peak and the Big Dunes, which lured me in. But, again, given I was traveling solo, I only explored the perimeter of the deep dunes sand that is open to ORV’s, but I will be back to play one day.


Big Dunes by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Big Dunes by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Sand Hill Peak by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


T&T Railway by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Mining Ruins Side Trails by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Just when you think you are in total isolation, eyes crane to read the vague outline of sun-bleached bold print - CAT HOUSE - on the side of structure in the horizon. Welcome to Nevada, one of the most liberal states in the US. Looking east, you can see Highway 95, and it all makes sense. Bordellos are still legal in most parts of Nevada, but not in Las Vegas.


Cat House by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Rhyolite Trail by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

For more photos, on-line maps and GPS/GPX Tracklog check out:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-series/abandoned-tt-railway-red-pass-titus-canyon

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

 

[yabanja]

Loving the report!!! Keep it coming!!!

Allan

 

[H3nightrod]

Amazing thread!!! We wish we could tag along on your adventure. Keep the post coming. Have a great time and a safe exploration

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Leg 12 Most Dramatic Entrance Into Death Valley & Nevada Ghost Towns

Shorty Harris bragged that he could smell gold. He alongside E.L. Cross discovered gold in 1904 near the Old Man Beatty ranch. Soon 2000 claims covered the hills for thirty miles. We discovered that this Trek Leg has it all, interesting turn-of-the century ghost towns and relics to explore, a diverse range of trails and topography to encounter. Three railways once serviced Rhyolite and the Bullfrog mines. Century old networks survive - remote, forgotten and overgrown - perfect for self-reliant off-road vehicle expeditions.

We followed the T & T towards Rhyolite Ghost Town, but made a stop to refuel in Beatty, and from the vantage point of gas station, we noticed saloons continue to lure gun-toting Cowboys (legal in the state to carry side arms).


Downtown Beatty, Cowboys. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Back on the trail, we followed the Las Vegas & Tonopah rail-bed that passes by the deserted depot to enter Rhyolite Ghost Town, a twin to the depot that started Las Vegas. When I first researched Nevada trails, I regularly came across Rhyolite but initially discounted it as a target because it seemed to be too accessible and frequented to be interesting. My attention was peaked when I came across Google Earth photos of the tremendous Las Vegas & Tonopah Ghost depot in combination with historical photos that showed early Overlanders were touring the region soon after the site was abandoned in 1914, and had never stopped.



Las Vegas and Tonopah depot in Rhyolite, twin to depot that started Las Vegas. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Rhyolite Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Rhyolite Ghost Town Sculpture. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Rhyolite Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Two options to reach Gold Point, were explored. The first, retraces the abandoned railway; the Bullfrog & Goldfield RR coined “Alkali Express” to Bonnie Clair Mine. While feeling remote, it is relatively close to main highways and services. Albeit not as exciting as Titus Canyon, this option was important in keeping to our goal of traveling on 98% dirt to the top of Nevada. The desert appears flat, but the first section to Bonnie Clair was slowed dramatically by an endless supply of deep whoops.


Sarcobatus Flat Bullfrog & Goldfield RR Trail by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

The Titus Canyon option provided a dramatic entrance into Death Valley and a more challenging route to navigate via Oriental Wash to Stateline and Gold Point Ghost Towns, albeit linked with a chunk of pavement through Death Valley.


Red Pass by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Red Pass Summit by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

The ledge road encountered on the east side soon replaced any concerns of leaving interesting scenery. The overcast sky's added to the mystical and forbidding feeling of the valley below.


Red Pass to Titus Canyon by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Like all regions, near the Bullfrog discovery in 1905 the mountains surrounding Titus Canyon were peppered with prospectors. An early assay showed particular promise for lead and the mining camp was appropriately christened Leadfield. However, the cost of freighting the ore over and down Red Pass, back up to the rail lines at Rhyolite and on to smelting operations, turned out to be a loosing proposition.

In 1925 several prospectors and promoters accumulated 50 claims under the Western Lead Mines Company, revitalizing interest in Leadfield. With six trucks and 18 men they built the single lane road that, today, continues to provide access to Titus Canyon. The road now carries on to the floor of Death Valley, a drop of 5000' from the summit of Red Pass. The route narrows to single lane in the narrow canyon, and can only be driven from East to West.


Titus Canyon Trail by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

From Titus Canyon, yet another two options to Gold Point presented themselves. Byway 267, is paved but it provided an opportunity to tour the historical ranch which became known as Scotty's Castle, after Death Valley Scott, a colorful prospector and some would argue, con-man and ultimate showman. Walter Scott left his Kentucky home at 11 years of age to work on a Nevada ranch with his brothers. By 1885 he was able to get a job as a swamper with one of the 20 Mule Borax Teams that would make Death Valley famous. At 16, he joined Bill Cody's Wild West Show as a stunt rider where he traveled internationally with the show for 12 years. After a short stint mining in Colorado's Cripple Creek, Scotty was able to convince wealthy investors to grubstake what he describe as a fabulous gold mine in Death Valley.


Scotty's Castle by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

From Scotty's Castle, this route option rejoins our all-dirt trail to the top of Nevada at the old Bonnie Clair Mine Rail depot and water tank.


“Alkali Express” Bullfrog & Goldfield RR Depot at Bonnie Clair by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

A more technical route explored continues north up Death Valley Road from Titus Canyon and Scotty Castle turnoff, until it veers east up Oriental Wash and makes a stop at State Line Ghost Town and Gold Point Ghost Towns and explores Hells Gate on the way. A recent flash flood had wiped out part of the trail up Oriental Wash, but was rediscovered by folowing Gaia GPS and USGS maps through the debris linking State Line Ghost Town and Death Valley.

State Line was discovered in 1860‘s but was not established as a mine and townsite until 1881 due to Indian activity, remote access and lack of water. A number of mine relics, cabins, stone structures and mill ruins add interest to the site. Travelers can easily find a variety of sites for unstructured camping with great valley views.


State Line Ghost Town Repurposed Rail Tie Miners Shack by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


State Line Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Gold Point can be reached by a solid gravel road from Bonnie Clair, but a side trip through Hells Gate Canyon added some interest to the optional route.


Hells Gate Canyon From Above by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

We decided to camp in the mining region above Gold Point to capture late evening and early morning light in the old ghost town.


Mines above Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

While many buildings are left in their ghost town glory, they are privately owned and under the watchful eye of local residents. Albeit few in number, year round citizens take great pride in preserving and celebrating the regions important role in Nevada history. There are several active businesses, including restored cabins rentals for visitors and other facilities for groups and special events.

The camp was originally called Hornsilver after the 1902 discovery of silver was made. As water was scarce, ore had to be shipped to nearby Lida for milling and was initially unprofitable. It was not until the Great Western Mine Company was purchased by the New York Giants, Charles Stoneham, at a 1922 receiver sale. Shortly after, gold was discovered and the town was renamed to
Gold Point.


Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Two Old Soldiers stand ready in Gold Point Ghost Town by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

While originally mapped as part of a pass-thru route, exploration soon led to discovering that really interesting loop-trail options, so diverse, that we decided to provide a more detailed Scouting Report to help Overlanders plan their own route. The rich mining history of the region makes the trails that much more interesting.


Overland Frontier Scouting Report Sample Pages by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Overland Frontier Scouting Report Sample Pages by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Overland Frontier Scouting Report Sample Pages by Overland Frontier, on Flickr.

For the free 50 page Scout Report with maps/pictorials and companion on-line maps/GPS/GPX Tracklog downloads check out.

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-legs/rhyolite-gold-point

Hope you will like and follow us on Facebook.

 

[cydonia-jacc]

Your photos capture western Americana at its best. Please keep them coming. I may have to re-enact this trip some day.

 

[ibanezer]

Great trip report and photos. Well done!

 

[Davev1954]

Excellent! One correction - the Cima rail station is actually the Kelso Depot.

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Good catch on depot. Thanks

 

[Sierra Valley]

Great thread! Look forward to more reading.

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Leg 14 Back door to Gold Point, Goldfield & Tonopah – 3 Strikes that saved Nevada.

The 1900 silver discovery in Tonopah and gold shortly after in Gold Point, saved Nevada from bankruptcy. The promise of instant riches was a magnet for prospectors, entrepreneurs and seasoned boomtown veterans who knew opportunities would abound. The Earp brothers, of the Tombstone OK Corral fame arrived; Virgil became a Goldfield Deputy Sheriff, no easy task with 49 saloons and Wyatt opened his own saloon in Tonopah.

Goldfield -The Largest City In Nevada When Las Vegas Was Just A Railway Water Stop

The route scouted leaves the incredibly intact Ghost Town of Gold Point for a backcountry trek to Goldfield, once the hub for the 1900’s Nevada Bonanza. A number of great stone and brick buildings survived the 1923 fire, including a corner block that once housed the Goldfield Consolidated Mine head office and bank owned by George Wingfield and his partner George Nixon. Wingfield, in the day, was said to be the man that “Owned and Operated" Nevada. Wingfield built the Goldfield Hotel, once known as the most luxurious lodging between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast. It has been a ghost hotel since WWII and is said to be haunted.

The man who really put the little know town of Goldfield on the Map was Tex Richard when he staged a professional boxing match between the reigning Lightweight World Champion “Battling” Nelson and the reigning Negro champion, Joe Gans. The fight would go down as the longest gloved match in history when Gans won the match in the 42-round to claim the $30,000 purse.

Richards later used this experience to become Americas most successful boxing promoter and builder of the Madison Square Gardens where he was awarded an NHL franchise that was coined Tex’s Rangers. The team won the Stanley Cup in their second season, 1928.


Old Wagon Road from Gold Point to Gold Point to Goldfield by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Old Wagon road through Joshua tree forest above Goldfield by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Turn-of-century mine office in Goldfield of George Wingfield by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Goldfield Hotel abandoned after WWII, is said to be haunted. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The old mansion of boxing promoter Tex Richard in Golffield. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Palace Saloon in Goldfield. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Street scene in the near ghost town of Goldfield. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Florence Hill Mines with Goldfield in background. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Bullfrog & Goldfield Railroad Maintenance Yard & Santa Fe Club

Route passes by the Bullfrog & Goldfield RR that started in 1906. A local enthusiast that has amassed an impressive collection of relics from the day is restoring the elements of the maintenance yard. Directly across the street you will find the Santa Fe Club strategically built in 1905 by the entrance road of the mining district. Carl and Joe Fuetch took over the saloon in the 1920’s and went on to found the Sierra Brewing Company in Reno. The Santa Fe is one of the longest continuous operating saloons in the state, also home to a modern motel and Laundromat above the yard, next to the saloon, for Overlanders needing to freshen up.


Bullfrog and Goldfield RR maintenance yard and the 1905 Santa Fe Saloon. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Bullfrog and Goldfield RR maintenance yard relics. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

After leaving Florence Hill, we follow the old wagon road to Southern Klondike workings, a flash-in-the-pan strike that drew attention to the region leading to the big Tonopah discovery in early 1900, another great surviving mining camp, come boomtown, full of interesting Old West infrastructure.


Road to Diomandfield Ghost Town site and Tonopah. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Old Wagon Road to Tonopah. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

TONOPAH - Queen Of The Silver Camps
Tonopahs’ Great Mining Relics, Glory Era Buildings and a Grand Old Hotel - Makes for a Perfect Place to Freshen Up, Resupply Food, Fuel & Refreshments

Angry that his Burro had wondered off, prospector Jim Butler picked up a rock to throw at the stubborn beast, and realized that it was much heavier than expected. Little did he know that his 1900 discovery would be the second biggest silver boom in Nevada history.

As often is the case, an onslaught of mining promoters merchants, con man and gamblers soon followed. This is where the 24- year old gambler George Wingfield got his start, shortly after the big strike. Soon his winnings earned him enough money to buy a stake in the Tonopah Club, and obtain a gaming license. His success in this venture allowed him to invest in the Boston-Tonopah Mining Company and other casinos. By 1904, he was worth two million, a major sum in the day.

Within two years Wingefield would leverage his mining investments in Goldfield to 30 million, making him and one of the richest men in the state.



Old Tonopah Structures. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

[
url=https://flic.kr/p/vnkkUi]Tonopah 1906 main street saloon continues to serve customers.[/url] by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Main Street, in the surviving boomtown of Tonopah. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Mizpah Hotel, recently renovated is a great place to freshen up and relax. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


100 acre Tonopah Historic Mining Park on Mount Oddie, a few blocks off main street. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Finding the region rich with interesting history, I created a 43-page scouting report pictorial for that can be viewed on-line:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/sites/default/files/preview/leg/nevada/leg2/index.html


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Scout report sample pages. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

For free GPS/GPX Download got to:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-series/nevada-ghost-towns

This Trek Leg is the second of eleven in a Journey that travels to the top of Nevada – 98% dirt.

Nevada’s early development got a kick-start with the incredible Comstock discovery near Virginia City and other great camps such as Austin and Eureka. This era ran from 1859 to 1878. After a mining depression, the state was reenergized by discoveries first by Tonopah in 1900 followed by Goldfield, Ryolite and Rawhide. This Bonanza lasted until 1918. Our expedition weaves through all of these iconic regions.

Some of these mining camps and towns have survived and others are ghosts of their glory years. They and the primitive trails of old; The Pony Express, Overland Stage Coach Road, Oregon Trail and California Trail make interesting targets and re-supply options for travelers.

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this journey, but the colorful old west era relics provide interesting encounters and photographic subjects. Equally colorful are the early personalities that pioneered this part of America. Legends no less than Wyatt Earp, Mark Twain, Will Bill Cody, Kit Carson, Lewis & Clark, Buffalo Bill Hickok, to name a few, left their mark. We even discovered three great WWII hangers where fighter pilot Chuck Yeager learned to fly and bomber squads trained, left to decay to a golden brown, much the way we have come to expect of ghost town structures.


Journey Map by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

For more photos, on-line maps, free GPS/GPX Tracklog, Journey Overview download and Trek Leg Scout Reports, visit:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/journey/nevada-ghost-town-iconic-trails-journey

Find us on Facebook.

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Leg 15: Stage Road from Tonopah to Manhatan and Belmont

Angry that his Burro had wondered off, prospector Jim Butler picked up a rock to throw at the stubborn beast, and realized that it was much heavier than expected. Little did he know that his 1900 discovery would be the second biggest silver find in Nevada history. Butlers wife would name one of his claims, the Mizpah.

Our route travels from the extensive Tonopah mining relics, where Butler made his first strike on Mount Oddie, to the WWII ghost hangers, up the old Stagecoach road, stopping at the ghost town of Manhattan before traveling up to Belmont, one of the best preserved 1860's ghost towns in Nevada.


2 IMG_3336 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

It was the third and last scouting expedition for this Trek Leg, and we had discovered the old stage coach road we had been looking for that ran from Tonopah to Manhantan, and we had to finish mapping it well into the night; a perfect excuse to for a little R&R at the restored Mizpah hotel – just in time to close the bar and blow the dust off in an old claw tub.


Late night on the Stagecoach Road between Tonopah and Manhattan, AZ. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Claw Tub in Renovated Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

A Google Earth photo search that showed three WWII ghost hangers basking in the sun, were responsible, in considerable part, for drawing us to the region. The base was built to train pilots and crews for Liberty Bombers and P-39 Fighters as well as test the first unmanned droid. Our research showed that Chuck Yeager, honed his flying skills while target practicing on old mine building ruins, in Manhattan.


WWII Ghost Hangers, Tonopah, AZ. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

From the ghost hangers, a short piece of tarmac took us to the old stagecoach road that linked Tonopah to Manhattan, delightfully overgrown but relatively easy to follow, with the exception of one eroded section. The section closer to Manhattan crisscrossed other mining roads and became more defined.


Stagecoach Road between Tonopah and Manhattan, AZ. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Stagecoach Road between Tonopah and Manhattan, AZ. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Early Overlanders on Stagecoach Road between Tonopah and Manhattan, AZ. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Silver was the first discovery made a 7000 feet near Manhattan but the gold discovered in 1905 was responsible for the majority of precious metal pulled from this region. While some of the old town structures are still vacant, some have been repurposed for residents nearby.


Manhantan, Fire Department. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Manhatan, "living" ghost town. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

It's a short run up East Manhattan Wash, up the valley to Belmont, one the best ghost towns in the west, with highly intact 1860's structures, guarded by a few full time residents and businesses.


Backroad from Manhattan to Belmont, AZ. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Monitor Mine Office repurposed as Bed and Breakfast in Belmont. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont saloon beside B&B. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Old 1860's Belmont Residence. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont resident inside his 1860's residence. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Miners cabin, Belmont, NV. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont, NV. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont Cour House built in 1876, and abandoned in 1905. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont ghost town buildings. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont ghost town home. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Mining roads southeast of Belmont provide access to the old town site, mines and mill ruins.


Combination Mine ruins. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Highland Mine mill ruins. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Highland Mine mill ruins. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Tonopah to Belmont Route. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Before heading West to Leg 4, we ventured north to explore the hot springs region, prehistoric Toquima Cave pictographs and the old Union Pass wagon road to Austin, but that will be the subject of our next post.

For more photos, maps and GPS/GPX tracklog download from this scouting expedition, check out:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-legs/tonopah-belmont

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Leg 16 Hot Springs, Prehistoric Caves & Union Pass to 1862 Austin

After exploring the mine and mill region of Belmont, we could not resists exploring the hot springs region and other natural attractions up the valley despite having to double back to carry on with our Nevada pass-thru route.


My near lifelong buddy, Bruce Daniluck having fun at Highbridge Mill Ruins near Belmont by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Bruce Daniluck exploring the Combination Mine ruins near Belmont. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Looking towards Belmont from mining region. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Ruins of first Belmont townsite by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Trails in mining region above Belmont. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

A Google Earth photo search showed a unique hot spring called Diane's Punch Bowl, we had to check out.


Ranch road to hot springs. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Dianes Punch Bowl Hot Springs. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Dianes Punch Bowl Hot Springs. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

There was no way to get down to the Hot Springs in the Punch Bowl, and even if there was, the steam coming off the water suggests it would have been too hot to bath. We followed some ranch roads on the next hot springs shown on our USGA maps and came across a set up that was perfect to blow the dust off.


Ranch road to hot springs. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Rustic hot springs hot tub. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Author, Roger Mercier and Bruce Daniluck enjoying a clean desert hot springs tub. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

We followed a turn-of-the-century old freight wagon road to Pete's Summit. The road follows an ancient migratory big game route that pass below Toquima Cave. It is thought that the prehistoric aboriginals painted pictographs and pecked petroglyphs, as part of their food gathering rituals while hunting along this route.


Toquima Cave, located in canyon wall by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

Toquima Cave Pictographs. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

From there the route travels up the original wagon road that linked Belmont and Austin, Union Pass. The 1860's wagon road climbs steeply to 7400' and drops down into the Austin, a silver rush that was triggered by a Pony Express horse who kicked over a rock.


Gateway to Union Pass. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Union Pass. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Stagecoach Hotel on the main street of the 1862 silver boomtown, Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


1862 silver boomtown, Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


1862 silver boomtown, Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


1862 silver boomtown, Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


1862 silver boomtown, Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Pony Express near Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Old ranch near Austin. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

While touring to mining region above Austin, we came across a strange structure. A mine developer and railroad magnate, Anson Stokes, built this small castle as a summer home in 1896, in the mining region above Austin, only to use it for one season.


Stokes Castle, Austin, NV. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Belmont to hot springs, Pete's Summit & old Union Pass wagon road to Austin, NV. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


For more photos and background on this region check out Trek Leg 4 of the Nevada Ghost & Iconic Trails Journey.

A map of the route scouted can be viewed on-line or GPS/GPX tracklog file can be downloaded free on Overland Frontier Stage A: Nevada Ghost town Series.

Recently I had someone message me to ask how they could view/us our scouting expedition GPS/GPX tracklogs, so I thought I would post some information from our Maps section, to help others that may be wondering the same thing.

All our Scouting Reports & pictorial slideshows come with A GPS tracklog you can use with Computers, iPad, iPhone, Android & Dedicated GPS Devices. All iPhones, GPS enabled iPad and Android, and of course, dedicated GPS devices can be used without cell phone signal and associated fees, as they feed of GPS satellites directly (just make sure you shut off your Data Roaming). Load our tracklog on your computer and mapping software or Google Earth to get familair with a region and to help plan your own route.

Use our free GPX Tracklog files on any device or software of your choice to research and help plan your own route. Such mapping software as GaiaGPS lets you download all the maps you need for a one-time fee of $20.00 for iPad/ iPhone and Android devices. Even if you don't use our GPS Tracklogs as part of your reseach you will never find a cheaper source of USGS and Candian Maps for your own research and print-outs if you prefer not to use GPS on your expeditions. I also use Garmin maps and Basecamp, and there are many more options, those just happen to be the ones that I use. Overland Journal did a software review a while back that you may find helpful.

 

[Mushin_Noshin]

It's really cool that you put all this togther! I can't wait till I can come out west and follow some of these routes. Thx for taking the time to share.

 

[Little Foot]

This is so cool! There's enough here to explore over and over again.

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Glad your liking posts. Say I would find it intersting to learn which of the regions/trails (Trek Legs) you find most compelling and why? Thanks for following.