So we hiked way up into the hills? mountains? in Joshua Tree on an unofficial, unmaintained, unmarked* trail, for an incredible reward ... 🧵
Hiking buddy ♥️
OK so, it *is* somewhat marked, but purely by hikers leaving little rock piles prominently (and this rock pile arrow telling you yes, crawl under those huge rocks), and of course internet mapping / GPS ...
... but anyhow, way up in the hills there, tucked under these huge rocks ... see @emily_sausey to the bottom left? she's standing in a wood archway somewhat hidden behind the tree ... 🤔
what's this? :O
👀
... a super incredibly well preserved miner's cabin hidden away under the giant rocks amongst the peak, still with pots, pans, a fireplace, window, wood bench, glass bottles ... all very old
window <3
stone chimney / fireplace
wood shelves full of old rusty cans, jars, one sealed and full of nails
entrance from the inside
Window + shingle roof from the outside.
Most of the structure except this wall is formed purely by the huge rocks.
This place is very discreet, and it has incredible views on the peak / plateau it sits on.
It's *incredibly* preserved for something you can just walk into ...
... probably because it is somewhat obscure and a bit of an ordeal to reach (somewhat steep scrambling, a good ways off the official trails).
exterior closeup
There are test mineshafts nearby up there, this is the larger one, you can just make out in the center that it's been sealed off.