Lost Burro Mine

Overview

About Lost Burro Mine

Tucked between Hidden Valley and Racetrack Valley, Lost Burro Mine is one of the most evocative historic sites in the backcountry. It’s not polished or manicured—just real, timeworn cabins, a mill up the hillside, adits, an ore bin, and relics scattered across a lonely draw. If you’re into history and don’t mind a rough road, this feels like stepping into a living museum of early 20th‑century mining life.

Why stop

Remarkably preserved cabins, mill, and mining relics
Remote, peaceful setting that feels like a true discovery
Photogenic slice of Death Valley mining history

Heads up

Rough, narrow 4WD access road; high clearance recommended
No services and hazards around old buildings and mine shafts

You won’t find crowds or amenities here—just quiet and a strong sense of place. It’s a favorite side trip for overlanders and history buffs who value solitude over convenience.

Parkwolf’s verdictVibe & Who It’s For

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightLost Burro Mine36.72382, -117.52173

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Lost Burro Mine

Use a high-clearance 4x4 and check recent road conditions before you go.
Download offline maps; the spur can be confusing and there’s no cell service.
Do not enter mine shafts or climb on structures; they’re unstable.
Leave every artifact where you find it—photograph, don’t pocket.
Carry extra water and a full-size spare with tools and recovery gear.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Season: Cooler months are far more comfortable; avoid midday heat.
Timing: Early morning or late afternoon brings softer light on the cabins and mill.
Weekdays: You’ll likely have it to yourself most days, but weekdays are even quieter.

Access & Road Conditions

A spur off Hunter Mountain Road leads to the site (about 2.7 miles SSE of Teakettle Junction). The approach is a rough, often narrow 4x4 track where high clearance is prudent, and conditions can deteriorate after weather. It’s remote, unsigned country—carry offline navigation and be prepared to backtrack if needed.

3 active Death Valley alerts

ClosurePark roads closed or hazardousPlan around multiple closed roads and use extra caution on damaged routes. - Paved roads: North Highway and Beatty Cut-off are closed due to flooding and debris from the October 22 storm.Official details
ClosureSaline Valley Lower Springs closed after wildfireLower Springs at Saline Valley Warm Springs remains closed after the September 15 wildfire; stay out because the fire left safety hazards, including potential hazardous chemicals.Official details

See all 3 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Death Valley Tour Guide

Your drive to Lost Burro Mine, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Death Valley National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Death Valley audio tour

More about Lost Burro Mine

What You’ll SeeMiners’ cabins and storage structures with artifacts that tell the story of camp life.

Miners’ cabins and storage structures with artifacts that tell the story of camp life.
An outhouse and assorted camp relics (look, don’t touch—leave everything in place).
Upper mill remains and multiple mine workings up-slope, with big views toward the surrounding valleys.

Safety & EtiquetteOld buildings and mine shafts are inherently unstable.

Old buildings and mine shafts are inherently unstable. Enjoy them from the outside and avoid entering adits or climbing on structures. Rodent droppings are common in old cabins; heed hantavirus warnings. This area includes designated wilderness—tread lightly, stay on existing tracks, and absolutely do not remove artifacts.

WildlifeTypical high-desert life is around if you slow down: lizards basking on rocks, birds working…

Typical high-desert life is around if you slow down: lizards basking on rocks, birds working the draws, and the occasional wild burro roaming the hillsides.

Essentials to BringPlenty of water, a full-size spare and recovery kit, sun protection, snacks, and a first-aid…

Plenty of water, a full-size spare and recovery kit, sun protection, snacks, and a first-aid kit. There are no services, no shade to speak of, and likely no cell signal.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Death Valley

All Death Valley wildlife maps

71 sightingsBighorn SheepMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

101 sightingsDesert TortoiseMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

458 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

28 sightingsFeral BurroMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

30 sightingsMule DeerMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

62 sightingsKit FoxMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Death Valley. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.