3 ‘New’ Reasons to Visit the Mojave Now

1. Tour Mitchell Caverns

California’s equivalent to the Carlsbad Caverns has been closed to the public for nearly seven years. In November, the Mitchell Caverns re-opened for public tours. As the only limestone caves in the California State Park system (and only one of two you can enter), the natural attraction offers fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations going back to the Pleistocene epoch when ground water ate into the surrounding marble and sedimentary limestone. There are three caves in all, but only two are available to the public. Winding Stair Cavern has long been regarded as unsafe for most explorers, but El Pakiva (Devil’s House) and Tecopa (named for a Shoshone Indian chief) caves that are connected by a man-made tunnel reward present-day explorers with a rare desert experience.

Tour Details: The ranger-led tour of Mitchell Caverns involves a 1.5-mile moderate roundtrip hike to and from the caverns and an hour guided tour of the cave.

When: Fridays through Sundays (plus holiday Mondays); tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (15 people per tour); arrive 15 minutes prior to tour.

Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per child (16 and under); $5 per senior (credit card or exact cash).

Reservations required: By phone only on Mondays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., (760) 928-2586 (speak with a staff member; messages not accepted).

2. Hike out to the Newly Reopened Keane Wonder Mine

One of the most unique historical mining sites in Death Valley has recently reopened after closing for repairs and restoration in 2008. Keane Wonder Mine is not only lauded as one of the most successful gold mines in Death Valley, it stands as one of the most unique due to its well-preserved aerial tramway with cables still attached.

In 1907, the mine’s tramway cars carried the ore from the mine to the mill—traveling one thousand feet down. This engineering “wonder” moved more than 70 tons of ore each day down the steep Funeral Mountains.

Although Keane Wonder Mine had been the most visited mine in the state park, its mine openings were deemed unsafe and there was concern over the stability of the tramway. The restoration project was extensive, with mine openings covered and stabilization of tramway cables and towers completed.

Visit today: The Keane Wonder Mill and Tramway area are very accessible, located near a parking area. A short walk up the trail will give you views of the lower tram terminal and first few tram towers. Reach the parking area on the Beatty Cutoff, 5.7 miles north from Highway 190.

 

3. Stay at the Oasis at Death Valley

Goodbye, Furnace Creek Resort and welcome Oasis at Death Valley. Just a short while ago, another venerable icon of Death Valley had a $50 million rebirth and, with it, a new name. The newly coined Oasis at Death Valley includes a 66-room inn that is now the Inn at Death Valley and the 224-room ranch, now the Ranch at Death Valley. Owned and operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, those who crave nostalgia would still have the golf course (214 feet below sea level) carrying the Furnace Creek name.

Also seeped in history and lore, the new name is very fitting. Set in the middle of Death Valley, the resort with date plans, ancient waters that bubble to the surface, birds and wildlife is anyone’s idyllic concept of a desert oasis. My favorite of the two lodging experiences is (and was) the more intimate Inn at Death Valley built into the mountainside where the precious waters originate. The renaissance brought an additional 11 two-room casitas surrounding the spring-fed pool with sweeping vistas. Speaking of inspiring views, the dining room of the historic retreat has undergone a complete restoration including a turquoise ceiling that matches the Death Valley sky and banquettes that capture every sunset from high above the desert floor.

Details: The Oasis at Death Valley is 2 hours west of Las Vegas by car and a four-drive from Los Angeles.

Reservations: Visit the website or call 800-236-7916.