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Crater Mine; © Mike Cipra
Size: Approximately 6,379 acres
Management Agency: Bureau of Land Management (current)
National Park Service (proposed)
Location: Within Death Valley National Park, along Big Pine Road
Maps: BLM Desert Access Guide Last Chance Range
Landscape and History
The Crater Mine contained one of the largest sulfur deposits in the west, and the majority of the mining activity in this area took place in the 1930s, making its inclusion in Death Valley National Park a culturally and gistorically significant addition to the park.
The mine site occupies only 50 acres, and is surrounded by thousands of acres of desert and mountain habitat in the Last Chance Range, including excellent habitat for bighorn sheep, kit fox, and bobcat. As this island of BLM land is currently surrounded by Death Valley National Park, adding it to the park would allow for consistent management and habitat protection.
Activity Highlight
Hiking, backcountry exploration, interpretation of mining history, and scenic vistas all await the adventurous visitor to the Crater Mine area.
For More Information
Mike Cipra, CA Desert Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Foundation
mcipra@npca.org | (760) 366 7785