Hiking Up Mineral Creek in Search of Abandoned Mines and Mills
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- čas přidán 11. 05. 2021
- We found an old safe and an ore cart along Mineral Creek in Cooney Canyon while searching for eight abandoned mines! These fascinating relics are just some of the many surprises that await you as you hike up Mineral Creek. The trailhead is about eight miles northeast of Glenwood, New Mexico at the mouth of Cooney Canyon in the Gila National Forest. The trail is well-defined for the most part; however, at some points along the way the trail disappears, and hikers must choose their own path. This is especially true at the many creek crossings that are required. Yes, your feet will get a little wet as you make your way up the creek! Along the way you'll see towering monoliths, a natural arch, an old bank safe that got washed down the canyon decades ago, mill ruins, and old mining cabins. Some parts of the hike are out in the full sun while other parts pass through shaded forest. Mineral Creek, though, is your steadfast companion during this beautiful hike.
Topographic maps show eight mine entrances along the creek with most of them being about three or four miles up the canyon. Justin from the Southern New Mexico Explorer channel (Justin's channel is here: / @abandoned_underground ) and I joined up and hiked the creek hoping to find the mines. We knew that the first mine in the canyon had already been sealed with concrete a long time ago. The next two mines we hiked to had substantial mill sites and ruins, but the portals to the underground workings were nowhere to be found. We suspect that decades of erosion coming down from the towering canyon walls has covered them up. Or the U.S. Forest Service deliberately blasted the mines shut years ago due to the popularity of the hike. After failing to find any underground access after we reached the third mine site, we decided to turn around and make our way back down through the sun-splashed canyon while zig-zagging across the sparkling creek. Perhaps we'll try to reach the other five mines in the farthest reaches of the canyon at a later date.
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#AbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#UndergroundExploration
#GilaNationalForest
#MineralCreek
#CooneyCanyon
#GlenwoodNewMexico
That’s some incredible scenery. Must have felt like mission accomplished before you ever knew whether you could get inside a mine.
Glad you enjoyed the scenery in this video, Adam. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. It was a great hike and one that I highly recommend anybody do if they’re ever in the area of Glenwood, New Mexico.
Usually concrete lined safes are for fire resistance. I can confirm that they are incredibly heavy. It shows, like you mentioned, the incredible power of water. It's amazing how powerful water can be in a flash flood situation.
Stay safe out there man. 😎
Thanks for the comment! The old safe is an interesting find. I wasn't expecting to see what the innards were made out of, so that was kind of a cool bonus. I never would've guessed a safe like that would've been lined with concrete.
Wow, what a fantastic trail, even without old accessible mines! The scenery is so beautiful! Thank you so much to allow me to hike with you, as i watch your videos from my electric bed. You are my window towards wild trails and discoveries , Frank, and be blessed for this wonderful moments!
Thank you, Muriel! Always enjoy hearing from you. Glad you are enjoying my videos and getting something out of them. Thank you for your ongoing and consistent support here.
I love how every tin wall has generations of local boys trying out their 22s or their dad's shotgun on it. Speaking from my experience of living history of course.
Thanks, Gary! Yes, a lot of these abandoned mine structures are riddled with bullet holes. It comes with the territory, I guess.
Hey there frank, thanks again for taking me on another fantastic journey!!!!
Good hearing from you again, George! Glad you enjoyed this one. More videos coming soon!
At 7:54, I recognized that stick of metal poking out of the creek as a drill bit. The reason I identified it was not from personal experience but from watching your many videos. Keep on doing what you do. Really enjoy it!
Yes, that’s what it was! You know, when I got home and was looking at the footage, I began to think that maybe that drillbit was marking a spot where somebody buried some treasure in the creek!
@@AbandonedMines11 Good God son, you better hike back up there with a shovel in your hand.😆
Despite not finding any mine access it looked like a really fun hike at the least. Thanks for the video.
If you're ever out that way in New Mexico, I think you would enjoy this hike. Lots of history in Cooney Canyon, and it was the site of a bloody massacre where lots of Cooney's men were slaughtered by Native Americans along that creek. Thanks, man, for stopping by and commenting -- I appreciate it!
I must say that I was enthralled to see this video after driving from Louisiana to the Silver City & the Glenwood area. Mineral Creek was a hike that I originally had to cut short right at about the point where you came across the safe. That was over 15 yrs ago, and ever since--probably aided by your videos---have wanted to revisit the trail. I finally got the chance about 6 days ago. Sadly, I must tell you that you ended your hike before seeing the really amazing stuff. The whole time I was there I was wishing that I had an expert like you w/ me to explain in greater detail the purpose of all the equipment that I was seeing. Spoiler alert - at the very end of the trail is a significantly larger mine which dwarfed all the smaller ones that you filmed, and which made my jaw completely hit the floor when I saw it. It had huge reinforced concrete foundations and footings, elaborate drainage, and massive timbers. It was several levels tall - ranging in my estimation from 20-150ft at the highest platform and the likely mine entrance. I have a feeling that one is still accessible...If you could manage to get that high. I'd imagine that some form of climbing equipment would be required. There were also two massive iron milling plates (?) in the river in front of this mine that were probably 7-9ft in diameter and you could see some kind of gear drive underneath it w/ massive teeth. I have since scoured the internet to try to find videos or photos of the interior of any of these mines, but to no avail. Did you even get to the mine w/ the welded steel beams? I almost walked right past that one because it was on an elevated platform above the trail. Even though the temperature was about 90F in the canyon that day, I was amazed by the force of wind along w/ what felt like 50F air rushing through it....It was like standing right in front of a giant AC vent and almost deafening. Anyway, I am so happy that you found your way out there (like me), but I am sad that I couldn't hear or see your reaction or commentary for the (2) mines further in on the trail. You really did miss something that would be worth revisiting. I am already looking for a return trip to see the some of the upper parts the canyon, w/ the aid of a drone. While there I even tried walking up one of the steep gradients w/ the assistance of the leftover steel cables (about 3in in diameter and braided), except that one completely severed when it was bearing my weight. Despite how it may sound I was on a loose granite rock slope and wasn't going to fall to my death or anything.
Also, did you happen to see the giant bolder to the right of the road before you got to the parking lot? It holds the body of James Cooney (the mine owner) near by where he was slain after warning the people of Alma of an impending Indian attack. When his body was recovered a hole was blown in a massive bolder that was located nearby, and his body was laid to rest. Here is a good article that describes the history of this place--though it sounds like this guy cut his hike short too--w/ no mention of the last mine:
casitasdegila.com/blog/a-time-travel-hike-up-mineral-creek-to-cooney-camp-mine-2.html
Thanks for the trip report! Glad you got to complete your hike after a 15 year wait! That really is a spectacular hike, and I really enjoyed it. Nice to know that there is something further up the canyon worth checking out. Wasn’t sure if anything of substance would be there. Thanks again for the information!
Interesting hike! And you found a safe along with an ore cart!
Sure did! Justin and I were disappointed that there was no underground access, though. Can’t win them all. I’d like to get back up into the farthest reaches of the canyon and creek to see if the other mines might possibly still be accessible. Thanks for your comment, William!
@@AbandonedMines11 There was such beauty on the way in and out. Things along with the mines that most of us would never see otherwise.
At least it looks shallow enough for crossing. The hike up to the bridge to nowhere in Los Angeles required crossing when the water is low in the summer. It's a pretty hike and the relics make it historical.
Thanks for commenting, Drew! Yes, that hike to the Bridge to Nowhere is pretty scenic from what I’ve seen online. I haven’t done it myself, though. There are some abandoned mines up in the vicinity of that bridge but I don’t think they are anything substantial.
I've been following your channel for a long while now and I got to see a lot of great scenery but I think this one is my favorite what an incredible place, there's something about creeks and rivers that's really soothing to me and it must be really nice to camp out there also the stone arches were incredible nature is really wonderful, as usual great video Frank always makes me happy when you upload, btw the onion rings from the other day are delicious I did try them out so thanks for that too, stay safe Frank.
Glad you really enjoyed this video! It definitely was a change of pace being that it was shot entirely outside in sunlight instead of being underground in the dark. Justin and I were disappointed that the mines were not accessible but it was still a spectacular hike nonetheless. Must’ve been a noisy and busy place back in the day when all the mines were in operation and the mills were going full steam. Thanks for letting me know, too, that you tried the onion rings and they came out OK - and delicious!
Hi Frank, such a beautiful area to hike with the creek running beside it, that frog knows how to use camouflage lol. It's crazy to think that back in the 1800's a man or men set to with saws and a hammer and nails to build that little cabin, just wow when you think about it and then there's you guys putting it in a video in the 21st century, doesn't that just blow your mind ??. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx 💖
Upon reflection, the cabin probably dates from sometime in the 1900s. However, that’s still a different century than the one we’re currently in! It is amazing to see some of this century-old stuff and document it on video. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Sue!
That place is very relaxing
It certainly was! It was a lot of fun to hike up the creek and crisscross it several times as we made our way further up the canyon. Disappointed that the abandoned mines were not accessible due to one reason or another. Can’t win them all, I guess….
Cool Creek n Trail / 🐸 and Lots of Rusty Finds Out There.. That Cabbin Is Way Cool ✨🤠✨🕺🏼✨
Thanks 👍
01:30 I would name that “The Creek Dragon Eye”. That aside, what a beautiful place to explore, it feels like there’s more to it. The small river really adds to the experience. Great upload!
I like that name! Sure does fit! Someone else had mentioned in their comment that the monolith combined with the natural arch were probably very special and significant to the Native Americans.
This is a great adventure.....Thanks for the virtual tour and incredible experience...Joining your growing kinbgdom because I am excited and looking forward to your next upload.... See you and be safe always!
Thanks so much for your nice comment! It’s always nice when a viewer is enjoying my videos and getting something out of them. Thanks for letting me know. And thank you for your support!
Thanks for yet another amazing video 🙏
Thanks for your comments, Rachel! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Now that looks like my kind of hike. Amazing natural beauty, and yeah I would have given it a good shot at bouldering up to that arch. Thanks buddy.
It would be cool to see someone standing on top of that natural arch! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks, man, for stopping by and commenting!
Duuude that frog was awesome I mean he/she was just chilling and decided to say whats up to ya😎👍 very cool and the waterway where there was dry rocks right by it must be such a nice place to chill and swim and have fun 😁 Very cool video sir and thank you^-^/
Thanks for your comment, Eric! What I didn’t relay in the video was how I found that frog. As I was making my way up the creek next to that rock wall where the frog was, I stuck my hand out for support and actually placed it right over the frog! You can imagine my surprise when I felt that! I withdrew my hand, and that’s when I noticed the frog chilling out in that little niche in the rock wall.
@@AbandonedMines11 Yhuppers!😎👍 Whaat?!😱 Hahahaha Ohmygosh yeah I can imagine that haha that must've been a jolt feeling the slimeyness of it lol😅😂Hmm I wonder what the frog was thinking at that moment?🤔
Awesome video as always! Not being able to enter any of the mines must have been a bummer but the scenery is great! I have to look up the history of the canyon, it looks to be really interesting. I’ve read and have seen photos of flash flooding (it’s not common here), the force must be incredible to be able to move that safe. Thanks for sharing Frank, as always, stay safe.
Justin got good word that the mines further up the canyon from where we turned around are accessible. Might have to go back there and check them out. Yes, the hike up the creek was really scenic. It was nice being outside and filming in daylight instead of being underground and filming in the dark. LOL Thanks, Dan, for your comment and support!
Lol that safe is pretty safe alright 😂 keep 'em coming
Thanks for watching and commenting, Rick!
Incredibly camouflaged frog hidden in plain sight on the granite!
Very true about that frog! What I didn’t mention in the video was how I discovered it. As I was hiking up the creek next to that rock wall where the frog was, I put my hand out against the wall for support. I wasn’t looking where my hand was going and happened to put my hand right on top of that frog! You can imagine my surprise when I felt the frog under my hand and saw it sitting there. It really does blend in well with the surroundings, doesn’t it?
Great video as always!
Thanks, Adam!
No mines but what a great trail to go hiking on.
One of the most scenic hikes I have done. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to check out the video and to comment. I appreciate the support!
Beautiful area.
It most definitely is! A couple more miles up the creek the canyon gets even more narrow and probably more scenic. Very rugged out there.
Very nice hike, hope you find a nice big mine out there.
Hey, Rolf! Thanks again for commenting. Always nice hearing from you!
Well done a amazing landscape and a wonderfull hike
I guess you meet Tom and Julie who did the same as you do
Hiking with Tom and Julie a nice channel
For now Take care stay save best wishes
Yours Frank Galetzka
Thanks for your support, Frank! Yes, Tom and Julie and I did some explorations this past year. They do have a very nice CZcams channel.
It's been a long time since i explored abandoned buildings the last place i explored was some small cave.
Some nice scenery in that place your recording. I'm a new subscriber.
Thanks for subscribing! Welcome aboard! I’m glad you enjoyed the scenery along Mineral Creek. It’s a great hike! Sounds like are a former explorer yourself, so you hopefully will find a lot here to keep you entertained. Thanks so much for your interest and support’
Nicely done!!! Mineral Creek Madness hopefully Continues 👏👌!!!; )
Thanks, Richard! Would be nice to get back there to Mineral Creek and access the farthest reaches of the canyon. Probably not many people make it up that far.
That will have been a sacred place to native Americans, I can tell that just by looking at it. The monolith and arch are part of a ritual landscape.
I think you are right about that! Those natural features sure would’ve meant something special to the Native Americans, that’s for sure! Thanks for your comment, and thank you for taking the time to watch the video.
thats one beautiful canyon
Looks like the Sespe in Ventura County. But wow! That’s a great place to explore!
Thanks, Mike, for commenting. I’m not familiar with the Sespe in Ventura County. Will have to look that one up. Yes, this hike up Mineral Creek in New Mexico is definitely worth doing if you’re ever in the area.
Cool
Awesome video
I appreciate you spending some time here and commenting. Thanks!
Just think if there were open what finds would be in them for great videos. Great footage of the creek and scenery.
Might be worth going back with a shovel or two and attempting to excavate some of them. The GPS combined with the topographic map app shows when we are standing right in front of what would have been a portal. Of course, decades and decades of erosion have covered them up so it might require a lot of digging. Also, the portals may have been purposely blasted shut by the US Forest Service a long time ago which would probably make any digging attempt fruitless. Regardless, it was a great hike! Would be worth doing again, too. Thanks for your comment!
FRANK, my wife made those onion rings and added a little extra flavor to the batter (first time making it) and they turned out AMAZING!!! BETTER THAN A RESTAURANT!! THANK YOU FOR THAT VIDEO AND RECIPE!! Now I'm gonna have to up my workout game to cancel out those calories!! 😄
I totally agree with adding something extra to the batter to give it a little more flavor. I was going to mention that in the video but didn’t because I hadn’t tried anything myself. What did your wife use? I was thinking maybe a dash of paprika or black pepper or something like that to give it a little bit of zip. Of course, your dipping sauce is where you might get the extra flavor - particularly if you use ranch dressing or something like that.
@@AbandonedMines11 She used flour, salt, pepper, oregano, green onions, and garlic powder.
She also added some water to make it into a cream but not so much it was liquid.
That would be a rad place to camp and explore a few days. Imagine when it was in full swing, how the people there were all over everything looking for bigger, better pay dirt, You know, that arch was walked on back then. Interesting stuff, walking in history
Thanks, Pharaoh! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lot of history in that canyon and alongside that creek. In fact, apparently Native Americans massacred a lot of settlers back then including Cooney who the canyon is named for. In fact, his grave isn’t too far from the trail head. I guess it was a pretty bloody massacre. Justin had done some research and said there were five or six mills all along that creek for the various mines, so we are assuming that the underground workings must’ve been somewhat substantial. Unfortunately, the first three mines are inaccessible for one reason or another. Not sure about the remaining ones that are further up the canyon. Probably will go back at some point later this season and check the others out.
@@AbandonedMines11 IF you want company, let me know :-)
That’s be awesome! I’ll keep you posted.
Definitely a cool area looks like a great place do some metal detecting/ camping old safe was pretty cool be neat to see if any markings or name on it great stuff as always be safe 👍👍👍👍
Thanks again, Steve! Always great hearing from you.
If you find something amazing and almost unbelievable in your searches, ask God to tell you what to do with it and he will
Understood.👍🏻
That ore cart looked like a refrigerator.
You guys always go to the coolest places!!! Just curious, did they make tin siding and roofing back in the 1860's?
I have no idea about the tin roofing and when it might have been manufactured.
@@AbandonedMines11 At least back to 1900, although 1860s are long before that. I suspect they used tarp or even wood back then.
reminds me of surprise canyon in the panamints just a lot less steep
That's one canyon I haven't been in yet up there in the Panamints.
greeting from birmingham ,,england
Hello! Thanks for chiming in from all the way over there in England!
Bostin'!
I wish I could get out and go too places like that here in scotland but sadly lockdown restricts travel. Watching your videos makes up for it though.
Thanks for being a supporter from all the way over there in Scotland! Glad you are enjoying my videos. Thanks for your support. By the way, I like the name of your CZcams channel. I bought that video game “Spyro the Dragon“ back on September 11, 2001. I distinctly remember doing that on that fateful day.
Take back your freedom.
Ermoso lo que hiso Dios con sus manos santas
¡Hola, Manuel! Esta fue una caminata muy hermosa. Probablemente fue una de las mejores caminatas que he hecho. Gracias por sus comentarios recientes y apoyo. ¡Te lo agradezco!
@@AbandonedMines11 si vien 😀
Good video just disappointing with no mine finds. Thanks Frank...Peace!!!
Bill
I wasn’t sure what we were going to find on this hike, Bill. The remaining mines that are further up the canyon might still be accessible but we gave up after the third dud. Those canyon walls are pretty high and steep so any mines that were located in that area have a good chance of being totally covered up by erosion.
It does me. I'm not just interested in mines.
Thanks for the info. I’ll throw some money at software and hope for the best!
Keep it up with the mine videos. If you come to the Auburn CA area for exploration, let me know. Would love to go with. BTW my uncle whose a geologist and worked for the National Forest Service may have some great leads on unexplored or rarely explored mines in Nevada County.
Thank you for that offer, Michael! I appreciate it. If I’m ever up in your area, I’ll let you know. And good luck with the editing software. Wish I could’ve been more of a help with that but I’m stuck in the Stone Age with Windows Movie Maker! LOL
afternoon from Phoenix
Hello, Phoenix! Thanks for dropping by!
Frank, Have you ever been to The Lost Dutchman's Mine, full of gold, apparently?
I’ve heard of that mine but really don’t know much about it. I think it’s more of a legend than something that is based in fact. Isn’t it somewhere in the mountains in southwestern Arizona or southeastern California? I think that’s the general area of where it is supposed to be. I know a lot of people have gone looking for it and have lost their life in the process.
👌
Just a little TLC and I’ll have it looking like new
Just curious...I just got back from Yellowstone and have about 5 hours of GoPro video I need to edit. What software do you recommend?
Just don’t want to buy something that’s too expensive or not useful.
By the way First time editing.
Thanks!!
Hey, Mike! I use Windows Movie Maker which I still have on my desktop computer. Apparently when Windows 10 came out, Microsoft stopped making Movie Maker. So I don’t know what to tell you regarding what editing software is the best. I have bought and tried a couple programs in recent years like Sony Vegas and Adobe Elements but found them to be way too complicated and difficult for what I want to do. So I stick with Movie Maker and will probably do so until the wheels fall off it. Perhaps some other viewers will chime in with recommendations for you.
skin walkers and ghosts tell horror stories of this man simply testing out his new flash lights
Yes He is a Legend to the Haints
Cool place there. Close to water where you could pan for gold maby
I hadn’t even considered the possibility of panning for gold in that creek. They must’ve called it Mineral Creek for some reason! Thanks again, Ronnie, for your comment and support - I appreciate it!
👀👍👍
Its a national park or private property?
It's in a national forest, so it's not private property. Open to one and all.
What ever happened to Paul?
A couple years ago I told Paul to let me know when he was equipped and ready to head back out on a trip. Still waiting to hear back from him about that.
@@AbandonedMines11 Love your videos! I grew up doing this stuff in the hills around my house, thanks for keeping this history alive for future generations, and for doing all this dangerous stuff that I can't do again until my kids are grown!
Too bad u couldn’t find an accessible mine to explore. There’s always tomorrow!
What state what county?
This hike starts about 8 miles northeast of Glenwood, New Mexico.
@@AbandonedMines11 Thank you
hi
Hi!
@@AbandonedMines11 I like your videos even though I'm claustrophobic!
Thank you for watching! Exploring abandoned mines isn’t for everybody, that’s for sure. Being claustrophobic certainly wouldn’t help. But, by watching my videos, you can experience all the adventure and excitement vicariously from the safety of your couch. Thanks for your support!
@@AbandonedMines11 thank you for keeping us entertained too!!
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