Tag: Desert tourism

Digital-Desert & Mojave Desert .Net

The digital-desert.com and mojavedesert.net sites share the same subject matter and similar structure, dealing with the Mojave Desert and surrounding regions. Both of them provide learning materials, exploration tools, and information on history.

Here are the main parts that make up both sites:

1. Natural History Geology: Rock formations, fissures in the earth (such as the San Andreas Fault), volcanic activity, and desert patterns. Lake systems (e.g., former Lake Manix and dry lakes such as Soda Lake).

Ecology: Plants and animals that live in desert environments include Joshua trees, creosote bushes, desert tortoises, and bighorn sheep. Habitats include sand dunes, salt flats, canyons, and oases.
Climate: Desert weather patterns include very hot temperatures, seasonal rain, and wind events.

2. Human History Native American Culture: Tribes such as the Mojave, Chemehuevi, Serrano and Paiute. Rock art, traditions, and trade routes such as the Old Mojave Trail. Explorers and Pioneers: Tales of explorers like Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson, and Father Garces. Principal routes: Mojave Road, Spanish Trail, and Butterfield Overland Mail. Mining History: Gold, silver, and borax mining expand rapidly. Specific mining towns and operations are Calico, Rhyolite, and Boron. Historic Places and Ghost Towns: Places like Kelso Depot, Ballarat, and Pioneer Town. Old abandoned buildings, stage stops, and rail history.

3. Geography and Exploration Areas and Landmarks: Joshua Tree National Park Death Valley Mojave National Preserve and Rainbow Basin. Special shapes such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, Afton Canyon, and sand hills. Streets and Roads: Route 66, Old Mojave Road, and gorgeous roads. Hiking and driving routes with maps and information. Interactive Maps: Topographic and historical maps depicting routes of exploration and other localities.

4. Cultural Characteristics Towns and Communities: Tales of desert towns such as Barstow, Victorville, Littlerock, and Needles. Key Players: The area called Death Valley housed early settlers and miners, even famous dudes like Roy Rogers. Art and Folklore: Desert-themed art installations, legends (e.g., ghost stories, lost mines) and folklore.

5. Learning and Information Photos and Pictures: Large photo galleries of desert landscapes, animals and abandoned places. Field Guides: Resources for identifying plants and animals. History Timelines: A summary of geological, prehistoric, and modern historical events. Resource Links: References to books, museums and archives for further research.

6. Fun Guides Camping and Hiking: Lists of campgrounds, remote places, and summaries of hiking trails.
Driving Tours: Ideas for a nice road trip with important places to see.
Safety and Preparation: Tips for desert exploration, including hydration, navigation, and safety around wildlife.

While digital-desert.com focuses on exploration and natural beauty through detailed guides and maps, mojavedesert.net often has a more structured historical narrative and cultural focus. Both sites are resources for desert enthusiasts, historians, and educators.

Ghost Towns & Gold Mines

Ghost Towns, Sites, and Gold and Silver Mines in the Mojave Desert

Ballarat, CA.

The Mojave Desert is known for its rich history of mining and the presence of ghost towns and abandoned mines. Here are some notable ghost towns, sites, and gold and silver mines in the Mojave Desert:

  1. Calico Ghost Town: Located near Barstow, California, Calico is one of the most famous ghost towns in the Mojave Desert. It was a thriving silver mining town in the late 1800s but became abandoned when the silver market declined. Today, it’s a well-preserved tourist attraction.
  2. Rhyolite, Nevada: Rhyolite was once a booming gold mining town in the early 1900s. It had over 5,000 people but was quickly abandoned when the mines played out. You can visit the remains of the town and see the famous “Bottle House” made of glass bottles.
  3. Goldfield, Nevada: Goldfield was another prosperous gold mining town in Nevada. It had a peak population of around 20,000 people in the early 1900s. The Goldfield Hotel and several historic buildings still stand today.
  4. Panamint City, California: This remote ghost town in Death Valley National Park was a silver mining town in the late 1800s. It’s accessible via a challenging hike and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert.
  5. Cerro Gordo, California: Cerro Gordo is an old silver mining town still privately owned. It’s located in the Inyo Mountains and has a well-preserved ghost town, including a general store, bunkhouse, and other structures.
  6. Mines in the Mojave Desert: The Mojave Desert is home to numerous gold and silver mines, many of which are abandoned. These mines contributed to the region’s mining history. Some notable mines include the Tonopah-Belmont Mine, the Desert Queen Mine, and the Goldstone Mine.

Remember that exploring abandoned mines can be dangerous due to unstable structures and the presence of toxic gases. It’s essential to exercise caution and, if needed, seek permission or guidance from local authorities or landowners when visiting these sites. Additionally, some ghost towns and mines may be on private property, so be respectful of any access restrictions.