Historic Mining Town Remains

With your Day Pass, you can walk through the remains of a historic mining community tucked deep in Ash Creek Canyon. Several original buildings still stand, offering a rare glimpse into life here nearly a century ago.

• Superintendent’s House
• Manager’s Cabin
• Mess Hall
• Power House
• Miners’ Barracks
• Post Office
• School
• Jail

You’re welcome to look, photograph, and imagine the stories of this canyon town—but please do not enter unsafe structures, move artifacts, or remove anything you find. Help us protect this place for future visitors.

Mines and Safety Rules

There are multiple historic mine entrances around the canyon, and you’ll feel cool air flowing from some of them as you walk by. These are fascinating to see from the outside—but for safety, all mine interiors are strictly off‑limits.

• Self‑guided entry into any mine tunnel is not allowed.
• Mines can be unstable, unmarked, and dangerous; getting lost or hurt is a real risk.
• Enjoy the mines from the outside only, and stay behind any posted barriers.

Guests who want to safely experience mine interiors and hear the full story of Chrysotile’s mining past can join our guided Chrysotile Mining City tour instead.

Hiking, Swimming, and Waterfalls

Ash Creek Canyon is a rugged, beautiful place with several hikes that start right from our property. Trails are primitive and adventurous rather than manicured.​

• Creek hike to a big swimming hole
• Double waterfall hike
• Canyon scramble to a slide waterfall
• Moon Canyon to geologic oddities. 

All routes are wild and unmarked—expect creek crossings, rock scrambling, and real backcountry conditions.

Wildlife and “Very Wild” Conditions

Because this canyon has been mostly closed to the public for decades, wildlife is often active here. Guests have seen deer, javelina, coatimundi, black bear, mountain lion, golden eagles, and many other birds.

Safety:

• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but guests should be prepared to encounter animals.
• Keep a safe distance, store food securely, and never approach or feed wildlife.
• This is a wild, rural environment with limited or no cell service—come prepared and self‑reliant.

Rockhounding and Photography

Ash Creek Canyon is full of interesting geology, with a wide variety of colorful rocks and minerals. While we’re not rock experts, we’ve noticed serpentine, chrysotile, quartz, and many other unique stones across the property.

Expectations:

• Responsible, small‑scale collecting of loose surface rocks is allowed for personal enjoyment only.
• No digging, prospecting with equipment, or commercial collecting.

Photographers will find dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, historic buildings, wildlife, and night skies to capture.

Bring Your Own Off-Road Vehicle

Day Pass guests are welcome to bring their own off‑road machine and explore designated routes within the canyon. It’s a great way to see more of the property in a single day.

Note:

• Street‑legal or trail‑ready vehicles only; obey all posted signs and stay on established routes.
• Respect slow speeds near buildings, camp areas, and the creek.
• Drivers are responsible for their own safety and vehicle suitability.