Two B's Mine

Overview

Tucked into the Black Mountains on the Arizona side, Two B’s Mine is a short backcountry detour to a pair of barred historic adits on a small tailings pile. It’s a low-key stop: no facilities, no interpretive signs—just raw Mojave desert, old workings, and big views toward the surrounding ridges.

Getting There

Access is via Old Hwy 93, where a brief spur (about 0.6 miles) climbs to the mine area around 35.9147, -114.6166. The route lies inside the park’s fee area; stay on approved roads and keep your pass visible.

What You’ll See

Two horizontal adits are secured with steel bars—look, don’t enter. The tailings turnaround fits only one or two rigs, so larger groups usually stage lower in the wash and walk the last bit. Expect classic desert scrub, weathered waste rock, and occasional long looks at the Black Mountains.

Road and Parking

The spur is narrow with wash cuts and a short, off-camber finish. High‑clearance 4x4 is the smart call. There’s no developed parking; informal pull-outs occur lower in the wash, and space at the top is tight.

Safety Essentials

Abandoned mines are dangerous—unstable ground, hidden drops, and bad air—so heed the barriers. Summer heat is severe; carry plenty of water and tell someone your plan. Storms can undercut washes; conditions change without notice.

Wildlife

Keep an eye on the slopes for desert bighorn sheep. In the creosote flats and washes, drive slowly and watch for Mojave desert tortoises; give them space and never move them.

Geology Snapshot

You’re standing where Miocene volcanic flows and alluvial deposits drape much older Precambrian rocks. Nearby mesas wear dark basalt caps, while canyons expose a mash‑up of Tertiary volcanics and ancient metamorphic layers.

Best Time to Visit

Go in fall through spring for cooler temps. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the tailings and surrounding hills. Weekdays see the least traffic, but this is a quiet corner any time that isn’t sweltering.