Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic gold mine site in remote backcountry
- Rarely visited, quiet corner of the park
CONS
- No developed amenities or marked trailhead
- Access details and on‑site features are not well documented
Overview
Zulu Queen Mine is a little‑known historic gold operation tucked into the park’s interior. It’s cataloged as an underground, past‑producer mine, with gold as the primary commodity and some silver noted. Expect an undeveloped site rather than a curated attraction.
What You'll See
The centerpiece is the mine shaft location itself. There’s no reliable information about remaining machinery, ruins, or interpretive signs here, so manage expectations—this is more about the landscape and the ghost‑of‑history vibe than obvious artifacts.
History & Context
Mining runs deep here: the park contains hundreds of abandoned sites—hundreds of openings scattered across the desert—so Zulu Queen is part of that larger story of boom‑and‑bust prospecting that shaped the region.
Setting & Feel
At roughly 1,680 feet in elevation within the park’s desert lowlands, the terrain is open, sun‑blasted, and rugged. You’ll likely have it to yourself, which is part of the appeal if you like solitude and subtle history.
Planning & Safety
There are no services at the site—no marked trailhead, no restrooms, no water, no picnic tables, no designated parking. Bring ample water, navigation, sun protection, and be fully self‑sufficient. Mine openings across the park are often sealed or hazardous; never enter shafts or adits, and heed any closures or signage.
Best Time to Visit
There are no official hours and no crowd patterns to worry about; it’s lightly visited. Plan around desert conditions—aim for cooler temperatures and good daylight, and avoid the heat of the day during warm seasons.
Good to Know
Don’t confuse this with the much more documented Desert Queen Mine—they’re different places with very different levels of development.
Where it is
34.0022, -115.6033Tips for Zulu Queen Mine
- 01Bring extra water, navigation tools, and strong sun protection.
- 02Expect no facilities or marked trail; plan a self‑sufficient outing.
- 03Do not enter any mine openings and respect any closures or warning signs.
- 04Verify your route and distinguish this site from Desert Queen Mine before you go.
Near Zulu Queen Mine
All places →All trails →
14.8 mi awayPinto Basin viewRemote desert vistas and some of the park’s darkest night skiesPullout · Parking
18.1 mi awayOcotillo PatchRoadside ocotillo grove that erupts in red after rainPullout · Parking
19.4 mi awayCholla Cactus GardenA glowing forest of teddybear cholla on a 0.25-mile loopTrailhead · Parking
19.5 mi awayCholla Cactus Garden Nature TrailA glowing stroll through the densest teddybear cholla stand aroundEasy · 0.3 mi · 18 min
21 mi awaySilver Bell MineQuiet mine ruins with twin tipples and Pinto Basin viewsPullout · Parking
21.9 mi awayMastodon Peak Loop TrailShort desert loop with a fun summit scramble and mine ruins.Moderate · 3 mi · 2 hr
21.9 mi awayCottonwood Spring Nature TrailBlink-and-you’re-there stroll to a lush palm oasis with historyEasy · 0.2 mi · 15 min
21.9 mi awayLost Palms Oasis TrailLong, sun-exposed desert hike to the park’s largest fan-palm groveModerate · 7.5 mi · 4 hr
