Posted by phil lacy on August 23, 1999 at 09:42:34:
In Reply to: Re: Big bell Mine in Death Valley posted by Cat and Ripley on August 16, 1999 at 17:33:28:
: James,
: Would you check this page out and tell me if this is the Big Bell Mine? Thanks!
: http://members.tripod.com/~catmandoo2/keane.html
: I just assumed it was the Keane Wonder Mine but by your description is sounds like the Big Bell Mine.
: : Has Anyone been to the Big Bell Mine in Death Valley?
: : Very steep hiking and dificult to get to but the site
: : is the most intact I have seen. (still has ore cars hanging
: : on the tram cables)
: : It is located below the peak at Chloride City and above the top
: : of the Keene Wonder Mine.
The Big Bell Mine is further up the canyon. You keep on walking up the canyon past the upper tram station , bypassing a pouroff on the right, and at the top of the pouroff turn right up a tributary canyon. Soon you are at the mine. It can also be reached by going down the road on the north side of Choride Cliff and walking down the steep haulway which was used to supply the mine.
Another possibility is to contour around to the west from Choride City although I have not tried that route.
While you are in the general area, you might look for a one stamp which never stamped due to lack of water. It was still standing about 15 years ago.