Confidence Mill Site – Death Valley National Park
Short walk to the site of one of the oldest mining operations in Death Valley.
| Total Distance: 0.6 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 55ft. (25ft. to -15ft.) |
| Difficulty: Easy | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Easy |
| View Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 1.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] | Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0] |
| Pets: No | Horses: Yes |
| Best Seasons: October-May | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: None | Overnight Options: Dispersed camping permitted |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 1.5 (4×4 required when road is flooded) | |
Uses:         | Trail Surface:    |
Features:    | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Confidence Mill Site
0.0 Old road along the Harry Wade Road (25ft.). Walk south and slightly west, generally following the old road. At times, it may look like a wash more than a road. As the scenery begins to change from scrubland to less vegetation, turn right (northwest or west) to the remains of what was once a rock breaker, a Bryan roller mill, a few feet of silvered copper plates, and a gasoline engine. (35.842780°, -116.561001°)
0.3 Confidence Mill Site (-15ft.). Please leave everything as you found it. After exploring the site, return to your vehicle. (35.839672°, -116.563524°)
History & More
The Confidence Mill was built to refine ore from the Confidence Mine, which was discovered by a local Native woman in the 1890s. In 1895, she sold the mine to Frank Cole and Jimmy Ashdown who did assays and determined that the mine contained valuable gold. They in turn sold it to George Montgomery for $36,000 ($1.1 million in 2020), making it one of the first gold mines in Death Valley. However, the mine and the mill built on the plain below the mine were mostly a bust due to inefficient management, lack of water, and the remoteness of the location.
Confidence Mill is one of the older mining areas in Death Valley.
The “road” may be rough and difficult to follow. Be prepared to wayfind and walk cross-country if you decide to visit.
Download Route Map
Driving Directions
The unmarked beginning of the route is 6.7 miles south of the northern end of the Harry Wade Road. If coming from the south, the “trailhead” is 12.5 miles beyond the Owl Hole Spring Road.
It is extremely dangerous to enter a mine due to unstable shafts, gasses, and more. Do not enter mines, even if they are apparently open!
Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing any mine, structure, feature, or ruin is prohibited.
Toxic chemicals or ore may be present around mine sites. Enter at your own risk.
Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing any mine, structure, feature, or ruin is also prohibited.
Camping is not allowed within one mile of a paved road, developed area, or dirt road that is closed to camping.
Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of a flowing stream, spring, or other natural body of open water.
No camping is permitted on the floor of Death Valley, within one mile of Darwin Falls and Greenwater Canyon, on the active/shifting sand dunes, and certain other canyons and backcountry areas.
Camping is also prohibited within one mile of the Ubehebe Lead Mine, Leadfield Mines, Keane Wonder Mill, and Skidoo Mill.
Camping is limited to 30 days per calendar year within the park.
Fires are permitted in NPS-provided fire grates or grills ONLY.
Leave No Trace Principles are enforced
Drones and model aircrafts are prohibited
Camping is permitted only in designated sites or in areas open to dispersed backcountry camping
All park rules and regulations
12 Month Pass: $55/Death Valley Annual Pass (valid at Death Valley National Park). $80/America the Beautiful Annual Pass (valid at all national park and federal fee areas). $20/Annual Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/4th Grade Pass (Valid Sept. 1-August 31 of the child’s 4th Grade school year). Free/Military Pass (valid for all active military personel and their dependents with a CAC Card or DD Form 1173).
Lifetime Pass: $80/Lifetime Senior Pass (62 years or older US citizens; valid at all national park and federal fee areas). Free/Access Pass (available to all US citizens with perminent disabilities). Free/Access for Veterans and Gold Star Families Pass (valid for all military and veterans with a CAC card, Veteran HJealth Identification Card, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on state-issued drivers license or identification card.)