Keane Wonder Spring – Death Valley National Park
A scenic, almost off-trail, hike to a water source in the desert that once served the Keane Wonder Mill.
| Total Distance: 1.5 miles out & back | Elevation Gain: 294ft. (1,317ft. to 1,212ft.) |
| Difficulty: Easy | 0-5 Mile Difficulty: Moderate |
| View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | Author’s Rating: 2.0 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: No |
| Best Seasons: November-April | Special Permits: None |
| Water Availability: No potable water; no swimming | Overnight Options: None |
| Trailhead Amenities: None | Crowd Factor: Solitude |
| Trailhead Access: 1.2 | |
Uses:     | Trail Surface:    |
Features:      | Hazards:     |
Mile-by-Mile: Keane Wonder Spring Route
0.0 Unmarked Keane Wonder Spring Trailhead (1,317ft.). This is not the Keane Wonder Trailhead; the unmarked, almost unidentifiable trail is located about halfway down the west side of the Keane Wonder Parking Lot. Head west down by the old water tank and locate one of the two trails (there are two trails for much of the hike) and follow it generally northwest along the old pipeline. (36.667797°, -116.910710°)
0.75 Cross The Keane Wonder Spring Outlet (1,212ft.). You can hop across the many small channels created by the outlet of the Keane Wonder Spring. Nearby, a concrete basin collects water in a stagnate pool. Not too far away, keep your eyes open for an arch. You may wish to continue another short distance to another water channel – exactly where the trail is in this section is up for grabs. From here, you can retrace your steps to your vehicle or continue on to John Cyty’s Cabin & Mill. (36.672647°, -116.921850°)
History & More
There are two trails for much of this hike. It doesn’t really matter which one you take since they’ll both get you to the spring, sooner or later.
If you want to continue up to the source of the spring, turn right to follow the stream uphill to the reeds around its source. It’s not the easiest hike since there is no trail and the ground is often soft (don’t step on the soft ground; your footprints could remain for a very long time before being washed away). Above the spring is a mine shaft with toxic fumes and gasses. Stay out, stay alive!
The Keane Wonder Spring was an important part of the Keane Wonder Mine‘s operation – water was necessary for the survival of the workers as well as for working the stamp mill and other purification processes. The spring was not sufficient to provide water for full production of the mill, so another well was tapped to allow the ore refining to continue non-stop.
Download Trail Map
Coming soon!
Driving Directions
From Furnace Creek, take CA-190 north 10.6 miles to the junction for the Beatty Cutoff. Turn right toward Beatty. After 5.7 miles of driving north, turn right on the gravel road to the Keane Wonder Mine Trailhead 2.8 miles later.
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.
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.)
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