Lakeshore Mine

Overview

Lakeshore Mine is a remote, abandoned gold-and-silver operation tucked into the far south end of Gold Butte National Monument within the recreation area. Active roughly 1934–1940, it was a small strip mine peeling back a low ridge to chase a quartz vein in ancient granite. What’s left today feels like a time capsule: a loading chute above a wash, concrete mill foundations, scattered equipment, debris, a short adit, and even a hilltop cabin site—set against wide‑open desert.

What You’ll See

• A scraped‑down ridge that exposes the quartz vein the miners worked.
• Mill foundations and a loading chute in the wash below.
• A short horizontal adit and bits of historic machinery and debris; there are also relics like an old truck noted at the site.

Getting There

This is backcountry travel. From the main approach into Gold Butte, you’ll continue on unpaved roads to the Gold Butte Townsite, then follow Scanlon Road to the top of Scanlon Dugway. Most vehicles should stop here; expect to hike about 2 miles down to the mine. High‑clearance 4WD, self‑reliance, and solid navigation are essential—there are no services of any kind on the route or at the site.

Safety and Site Ethics

Do not enter the adit. The muds beneath the mill foundations are deep (on the order of several feet) and likely contaminated with mercury—avoid stirring sediment or dust. Treat the ruins as a fragile historic site: look, photograph, and leave everything where it rests. Pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace.

Wildlife

Abandoned mines across the recreation area provide habitat for bats and other desert wildlife. Give any mine openings a wide berth and keep disturbances to a minimum. On approach roads, drive cautiously—desert species like tortoises may be on or near the track.

Best Time to Visit

There are no hours or facilities here, and crowds are rare. Plan for an early start for cooler temps and softer light on the ruins and surrounding ridgelines; late‑day light also photographs well. Avoid the hottest part of the day and any trip when roads are wet or storm‑damaged.

Who It’s For

History and geology nerds, solitude seekers, and backcountry drivers who like a little leg‑stretching hike. If you want easy roadside sights or amenities, this one’s not for you.