Tecopa Mines
| Rating: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Difficulty:Mine 3A III R (v5a1 III) Raps:1-5, max ↨200ft
Red Tape: Shuttle: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Condition Reports: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best season: | Oct-May
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
35.8843, -116.2343
Search nearby locations
Weather forecast
WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
These mines are private property and you must obtain permission from the owner to visit. Please see the Red Tape section for information.
The Tecopa Mines make for excellent abandoned mine exploring. You can explore for just a few hours, or take the several days necessary to fully explore them.
The Tecopa mining district is full of excellent abandoned mines to explore and other nearby mines and mining districts.
The town of Tecopa sits on several developed Hot Spring facilities, and there is still an undeveloped location for those wishing less established soaking. Nearby China Ranch Date Farm can also make an enjoyable sidetrip visit for dates and a hike along the river.
Approach[edit]
Access generally just involves driving up to the various mines portals, typically the Eastern portal of the War Eagle. You will want a high clearance 4x4 to explore the area however the eastern portal can be obtained in most 2wd sedans or even an RV.
Descent[edit]
These are some of the largest abandoned mines in the Southwest with miles of underground workings that connect to different mines.
Most routes require just scrambling and climbing ladders, but routes to access the deepest most remote areas will require technical gear and skills to rappel and ascend rope.
These mines have some dangerous crumbly ceiling, with dynamite sticks out in the middle of walking passage, so extreme caution is advised if entering the mines.
Exit[edit]
Red tape[edit]
The mines are privately owned historical sites and the owner has been working hard since 2021 to maintain the mines for future generations. In the past the mines have been publicly accessible and thus subject to vandalism and many important artifacts were stolen.
It goes without saying that abandoned mines are very dangerous, you will entering at your own risk, and with permission of the owner only.
If you're interested in serious and technical mine exploring, join an experienced group such as the SoCal Grotto, Desert Dogs, or the Underground Explorers. These groups occasionally arrange visits and are your best bet for exploring the area safely.
Please, we implore you fair adventurer, join a group which has permission for their trip, or seek permission from the owner to show that we respect his site and will also protect it for future generations. The owner can be contacted at [email protected]
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
