Joker Mine

Overview

Joker Mine is a named, abandoned mine tucked into the Hiller Mountains on the east side of the lake near Gregg Basin. It’s not a developed attraction—think scattered historic workings in rugged desert terrain rather than a signed stop. If you like lonely landscapes and old mining history, this is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight spots.

What You’ll See

Expect remnants of a small copper/gold operation in Proterozoic granite of the Gold Butte block, with minerals reported like chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, and pyrite. Nearby you may notice the graded remnant of a now-closed dirt strip historically labeled “Joker Mine Airport.” Don’t plan on structures or interpretive signs; this is a map-dot destination in big country.

Getting There

There’s no official trail. Most visitors treat it as a cross‑country objective or part of a long traverse between Wild Burro Bay and Scanlon Bay (about 7.5 miles one way across washes and benches). A practical strategy is arranging a boat drop/pickup. Overland approaches come via remote dirt roads in the Gregg Basin/Hiller Mountains area; conditions vary, with unsigned spurs and rough segments where high‑clearance—and often 4×4—are the norm. There are no services nearby.

Safety First

This is abandoned‑mine country: stay out of adits and shafts due to unstable ground, hidden drops, bad air, and protected bat habitat. Heat is the other major hazard; park guidance strongly discourages hiking in hot months, and even when open, you should start in the coolest hours and carry far more water than you think you’ll need. Treat all routes as unmaintained and variable.

Amenities (or lack thereof)

None at the site. The closest basic facilities on this end of the lake are at South Cove (vault toilets) and the Temple Bar developed area (designated picnic area with tables and restrooms—no drinking water at the picnic area). Plan to be fully self‑sufficient.

Not the Liberty Bell Arch Site

Trip reports sometimes mix up Joker Mine with the WWII‑era magnesium relics along the Liberty Bell Arch route near US‑93. That’s a different, more accessible hike with seasonal heat closures; Joker Mine is the remote one in the Hiller Mountains.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for the cool season and go early in the day. Weekdays mean fewer boats and fewer people in the bays if you’re arranging a shuttle. Summer heat makes this a poor—and potentially dangerous—idea.