The area east of Wickenburg, bounded by Constellation Road on the north and Buckhorn Road to the south, was the virtual center of the Black Rock Mining District and saw some intense mining activity between 1870 and 1940. This article describes a hiking route that will take you on an historic stage coach road past several old mines and settlements, ending at the Roy Rogers Mine. It may owe its name to the original claim owner rather than the famous Hollywood cowboy, but I have no records that can explain the origin. See complete route details at the end of this article.

Figure 1, Copper Ore near Roy Rogers Mine

The Trailhead

When you turn left from Buckhorn Road at the corral you will be on private land. This location is significant for two reasons: First, the immediate environs (corral, well and local area) are what was once known as “Osborn’s Place” during the pioneer era. Second, this was the junction where the stage coach road turned north on its way toward the historic settlement of Constellation, the O’Brien/Gold Bar Mine and points beyond.

About 30 yards beyond the corral there is an old trail that rises above the wash to the left. This is where the Osborn settlement was located. Little remains of this site today, but it must have been a busy place in the late 1800′s through 1910 when stage coach and freight wagons passed through this area.

Proceed north from the corral along the trail. After a distance of about .4 miles you will come to another trail the rises to the right (east), as well as a mine opening that is nearly opposite to your left (west). The mine opening is quite large, but does not extend into the mountainside more than thirty feet.

Figure 2, First Adit

Figure 2 shows a perfect example of a “pocket mine” where the ore was exposed on the surface, but did not penetrate very deeply into the band of dark material shown in the photo. This adit may have been one of the early prospects of the Keystone Mine, which is above the top of photo. Interestingly, the interior walls of the adit contain numerous seams of sulphur powder that have formed through the slow but persistent movement of water in the cracks in the rock. If you stand at the entrance for a few minutes, the sulphur odor will become quite noticeable. The adit is posted with a “Do Not Enter” sign

On the opposite side of the wash you will see a trail that leads east onto the thickly covered hillside. This is believed to be the location of the mining camp and settlement of the Keystone Mine. There are a few collapsed structures and a terrace wall that mark the activity at this site.

Figure 3, Next Adit

Another few hundred yards north of the adit in Figure 2 you will see the mine entrance shown above (Figure 3). This opening does not feature a tailing pile and it is not located in an ore band. Thus, it may have been dug for the purpose of providing ventilation to the interior tunnels, drifts and shafts of the Keystone Mine, located above and west of this photo.

Figure 4 shows the next mine adit that you will encounter as you hike toward the Roy Rogers Mine.

Figure 4, ‘Modern’ Adit?

There are two indicators to the general age of this adit. First, the beam structure is not representative of the type of construction you would find in the late 1800′s. Second, the width of the adit is quite beyond what you would see in typical pioneer mines. I surmise that this tunnel was a late addition, possibly in the 1930′s. Although the beams appear to be solid, they may have become victim to ‘dry rot’. In any case, you should not enter. Notice that roots have penetrated through the roof.

The next mine feature you will see is a relatively large flat area that may have served as a processing and ore dump area. The gangue pile is easily two acres in dimension. There have been recent efforts to remove some of the trash residue at this site. Nevertheless, it is an interesting spot to examine. The uphill slopes on the western side of this area reveal the ore potential that miners were chasing, as evidenced in the lead photo (Figure 1) of the article.

As you proceed north on the stage coach trail your hike will continue to gain elevation and trail conditions will deteriorate for 4WD and ATV vehicles. Continue on the trail until you reach the crest, located in the mountain saddle. Upon arriving at this spot you will be rewarded with a scenic overview of the basin to the north, which features an excellent view of the Monte Cristo and Black Rock mines.

Figure 5, Roy Rogers Mine Cabin

The trail will take a sharp right (east) at the crest. Continuing along this route a short distance will bring you to a miner’s cabin, situated on a small saddle of the mountain (Figure 5). The cabin materials and nearby features suggest that it was constructed in the 1920′s; although the type of corrugated metal siding was available from about 1890.

The general roughness of the stage coach trail diminishes at this point, but it also becomes narrower and crowded with vegetation. You will be confronted with a maze of trails that lead to the mine workings. If you have persisted in bringing a vehicle as far as the cabin site, I recommend that you continue on foot from this point.

Figure 6, Roy Rogers Surface Ore Band

Figure 6 shows a dark band of rock where the principal mining activity occurred. It features a lower and middle adit and a shaft near the top. Outcroppings such as this are very common on the mountainsides near Black Rock Peak and Morgan Butte, and extend all the way to the Hassayampa River. The bands generally run from southeast to northwest, erupting at the surface for a few hundred yards, and then dive below ground.

The mine shaft did not have a conventional head frame that typifies larger operations. Instead, it probably employed a pole and hoist arrangement, since there are no concrete footings.

Figure 7 shows the shaft entrance. The shaft appears to follow the naturally curving band of rock and is probably not more than 100 feet in depth. Nevertheless, the opening is unprotected and should be respected as a safety hazard.

Figure 7, Roy Rogers Shaft

Notice that the color of the rock is much lighter than the dark ore band shown in Figure 6. I surmise that the shaft was dug at this location to reach the ore veins in the two lower adits.

Figure 8 illustrates a common sense reason why you should not enter old mines. The photo shows a “winze” that leads between multiple levels of adits in this mine. In this case, the exposed planks make this winze obvious. However, some mines may have one or more winzes that have been fully covered by planks or plywood. They may not be detectable because of accumulated dirt or overhead sloughing in the tunnel.

Figure 8, Roy Rogers Winze

Old timbers, regardless of how solid they may appear to be, may have succumbed to dry rot. For your personal safety – please do not enter these areas!

Figure 9 shows the entrance to one of the adits at the mine. Although the entrance appears to be stable (there is no detectable sloughing of overhead rock) it is not a safe area to enter. You can, however, safely approach the entrance and examine the adit, as shown in this photo.

Figure 9, Upper Adit at Mine

There are three items of interest at this entrance: First, notice the greenish copper ore at the top of the entrance. This was primarily a copper mine, but may have extracted a modest amount of gold. There is no evidence of silver ore. Second, notice how narrow this adit is. The vein of copper at this level was barely three feet in width. Third, notice the sharp drop at the right of the adit entrance. There was, apparently, an ore drift that descended to the right of the adit entrance for several feet.

Figure 10 illustrates yet another reason why it is unsafe to enter abandoned mines. In addition to the partially covered winze in the center, you can also see a substantial amount of rock that has dropped (sloughed) from the ceiling. I have used this photo in a previous article on mine safety.

Figure 10, Winze in the Interior of Roy Rogers Adit

On an earlier visit to this adit we encountered a speckled rattlesnake at about the spot where this photo was taken. Snakes use these entrances to escape from the day time heat during the summer months and may also hibernate in the mine during the winter season.

Figure 11, Roy Rogers Adit #3

As you are examining the adits and shaft shown in Figures 6-10, you will be able to see the third of the Roy Rogers adits by looking toward the cabin. Notice that the dark band is again visible above the adit as it passes over the saddle.

Unfortunately, the stage coach road that brought you to the Roy Rogers Mine is now almost completely overgrown with brush as it leads down the eastern flank of the mountain. Old aerial photos still show the route into Constellation, but it is no longer passable without a machete. Your return to the trailhead will retrace the route followed to reach the Roy Rogers.

Before You Go – Common Sense Precautions

• Although I have trekked through this area during the summer months, you may find it more enjoyable between October and April if you are not a warm weather hiker.
• After you depart from Buckhorn Road (shown in the maps below) you will be crossing a combination of BLM-administered land as well as deeded private land. Livestock graze throughout this area and I have occasionally met hunters over the years. The forbearance that a land owner gives to you will likely depend upon the courtesy that you show to him or her.
• All mine workings shown in the photos are located on private property. Please do not disturb or remove any item, regardless of how insignificant it may seem to you.
• The stage coach trail that leads north from Buckhorn Road to the Roy Rogers Mine is approximately 120 years old. It is not maintained and requires high clearance 4WD.
• Hiking becomes necessary once you reach the first adit (shown in Figure 2). I recommend that you park your vehicle just north of the corral and enjoy the entire trip on foot.
• All mines are dangerous. Stay Out – Stay Alive! The adits shown in this article DO contain rattlesnakes.

How to Get There

1. From the Rodeo Grounds in Wickenburg, drive east on Constellation Road. Remain on Constellation until you arrive at the fork for Buckhorn Road. A sign will identify the turnoff.
2. Turn right onto Buckhorn road. The route will take you along the northern flank of the King Solomon range and bring you to King Solomon Gulch.
3. Continue on Buckhorn Road as it leads you up the southern flank of Black Rock Mountain. Remain on the road until you reach the corral shown in the map below.
   
4. Turn left onto the trail at the corral. The GPS coordinates for the turnoff are: N 34D 02′ 48″ by W 112D 34′ 33″ (WGS84). Do not block the entrance to the corral or the trail with your vehicle.
5. Proceed north on the trail as shown below. After passing several mine workings you will arrive at the crest which overlooks the Monte Cristo Mine in the basin to the north. The GPS coordinates for this point are: N 34D 03′ 26.5″ by W 112D 34′ 40.3″
6. The trail will turn sharply right and will bring you to the miner’s cabin in a small saddle. The Roy Rogers adits and shaft are located a short distance east of the saddle. Follow the old trail to these features.

Round trip distance from the corral to the Roy Rogers Mine is slightly over three miles. Your total hike distance may be greater if you choose to explore some of the side features I have described.

Lee passed away on February 22nd 2009 after a twenty-year battle with prostate cancer.

Lee Pearson, Dennis Orr, and Allen Brown examining the surface features
on a hike to the ATOS Mine in February 2008.

Lee and I connected with each other several years ago through the wickenburg-az.com web site and became regular partners on discovery hikes in the remote areas around Wickenburg. We discovered old mines together, established and documented a few new hiking trails and dodged more than a few rattlesnakes over the years. He was a true gentleman and a quick friend to everyone he met.

Lee, my good friend, I will miss your companionship, your great knowledge and your humor; but I will always remember you as one who focused on bright prospects for the future. The trails will be a lot lonelier without you.

Lee’s many friends share the sadness of his passing and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sharon, his three children and family.

Many of you may be familiar with the great book on horse and hiking trails written by Dana Burden titled “Hiking Out Wickenburg Way”. In his book, Dana documented trails that lead to the ATOS Mine and Balanced Rock, east of Wickenburg. This article ties these two trails together and links them to a third trail that passes from the Hassayampa River up Slim Jim Creek; creating what is essentially a closed-loop trail that is 4.72 miles in length.

We have little doubt that Dana knew about the Slim Jim Creek segment, but he omitted it from his book for reasons that we may never know.

Figure 1, Trail Loop Map

In any case, combining these three trails into a closed loop, as shown in Figure 1, offers an exceptional hiking opportunity with spectacular scenery and several grand vistas. Hiking this set of trails during March will reward you with a rich variety of Mexican Poppies, Lupine, Owl’s Clover, Deer Vetch, Desert Marigolds, Desert Chicory, Brittle Bush, Arizona Fairy Dusters, Jojoba and a host of less conspicuous flowers. Hiking in April will provide equally spectacular views of ocotillo blooms and many species of cactus.

For seasonal hikers, the best months for this trek are between November and April; when high temperatures range between 60 – 85 degrees. However, see the section titled “Before You Go” at the end of this article.

Getting Started

1. Beginning at the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds, drive 10.4 miles to the trail that will lead you into Slim Jim Creek. If you reach the Monte Cristo Mine, you have driven too far.
2. Turn left and follow the 4WD road until you arrive at a cattle fence. The gate should always remain closed.
3. After passing through the gate the road will drop into the creek bed.
4. Turn left and follow the creek bed to the ATOS trailhead.

Warning: Do not enter Slim Jim Creek if there is surface flow at this point, or if there is a threat of significant rain.

ATOS Trail Segment

At the trail head, a 4WD road to the ATOS Mine rises out of Slim Jim Creek to the right. This road point is unmistakable, as you will have reached a location in the creek bed where you can no longer continue forward. Although it is possible to drive a short distance up the road, we recommend that you leave your vehicles in the creek. The first reason will become fairly obvious when you round the first bend above the trailhead. The mine owner constructed a bridge across a gulch that has long since washed away. The only remaining features are a few cyanide barrels that were filled with concrete to support the bridge. It was probably a heart pounding experience to drive a supply wagon over this makeshift construction. As you can see in Figure 2, the bridge pilings could not have met any engineering codes.

Figure 2, Bridge supports using cyanide containers

The other reasons for parking in the creek bed are that you will be entering a wilderness designated area where motor vehicles are not allowed; and you will be returning to the trailhead via lower Slim Jim Creek, versus re-hiking the first part of the trail.

Proceed along the old road toward ATOS Mine. There will be several points that offer excellent views of lower Slim Jim Creek, vistas of a distant Hassayampa River and the Weaver Mountains to the north. Notice that you are in an Ocotillo and Saguaro “forest” and the hillsides along the trail are covered with a virtual carpet of flowers during the spring season. See Figure 3.

Figure 3, Lupine and Poppies on ATOS Trail

After cresting the highest point of the trail (at approximately 3200 feet) the ATOS Mine will come into view; although it will not yet be fully visible. As old mines sites go, the ATOS covers an unusually large area that runs along a northwest to southeast axis. The first features to become visible will be the four cyanide tanks, where pulverized ore was processed to separate the gold. See Figure 4.

Figure 4, ATOS Cyanide Tanks

From this viewpoint the trail continues downhill toward a gulch that runs generally north to the Hassayampa River. As you proceed down the trail you will encounter a few spots of decomposed granite where the footing could become slippery. Exercising basic caution will get you through this area safely.

When you reach the bottom of the gulch you will see many trees and high desert shrubs. Take a few minutes to explore the area to the right (south) of the trail at this point. Within 100 feet you will find the original well and tank that supplied water for the housing and mine operations. This site appears to provide year-round water due to runoff and springs in the area.

Continuing uphill along the trail (beyond the gulch) will lead you to the edge of the ATOS Mine housing area. There were several buildings on this site and the debris fields of old cans and discarded material is rather extensive.

Figure 5, ATOS Housing Area

Observe and photograph, but please do not disturb or remove objects when walking through these areas!

Beyond the building ruin shown in Figure 5, there is a flat area that contains the remains of a cement slab and other structural ruins. Several of us trekkers (Brown, Hall, Orr and Pearson) have speculated that this area may have contained an enclosed shower facility for mine workers. There is evidence of drainage sinks and piping. Above (and right) of this photo are additional tanks that would have supplied water to this small settlement area.

If you proceed uphill along the trail shown on the left side of Figure 5, you will come to the ATOS Mine shaft at the top of the hill. This shaft is very deep and appears to be slightly inclined in a westerly direction. Figure 6, below, shows that the shaft wall structure was a composite construction of cement and bricks, with an overlaying wood frame. The foundation for the hoist is located behind this photo and almost certainly used a wood structure that extended over the shaft for lifting buckets to the ore hopper.

Figure 6, ATOS Shaft

The ore hopper is one of the smallest I have seen in the Black Rock District. This may be attributed to the fact that mill processing and ore separation was occurring on site. In other words, if you had the ability to process the gold ore without having to ship it to a remote mill, you would not have needed a large hopper. Coincidentally, there are no ore piles near the shaft or other areas of the mine. This would suggest that ore was quickly dispatched to the processing area and did not accumulate in large piles on the mine site.

Aside from the relatively unusual construction of the shaft wall, the front edge contains the owner’s name and the date of construction. See Figure 7.

Figure 7, Inscription on Shaft Wall (photo by Lee Pearson)

As evidenced in the above photo, Alex McLaren commemorated the shaft with this inscription dated March 11, 1940. There is presently little, if any, information that confirms the founding date of the ATOS Mine, but it is believed the shaft was a late addition to the workings. Less than a year later, all non-strategic mines were closed after the advent of World War II.

Several hundred yards north of the shaft (and about 300 feet lower) there is a tunnel that runs in the direction of the shaft. We have surmised that this tunnel was used to remove ore and probably predates the construction of the shaft. There is a strong air flow at the entrance to the tunnel in the direction of the shaft, so we believe they are connected.

While exploring this site, a second tunnel was found near the cyanide processing tanks. No effort has been made to determine if it also connects to the shaft. There is an extensive tailing pile, indicating that it connected with a productive ore vein.

Figure 8, Cyanide Tanks

For those interested in studying old mine workings and settlements, the ATOS is a worthy destination and could keep you busy for several hours if you choose. Nevertheless, the trail from the cyanide tanks continues on to Balanced Rock.

Balanced Rock Trail Segment

As you proceed along the trail from the tanks you will pass through a fence line and gate that marks the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness Area boundary. The gate should remain closed at all times (See Reference Note 1). The trail leads downhill and right (north) into the gulch. The runoff from seasonal rains will produce minor stream flows in the gulch. Otherwise, most of the trail through the gulch could have damp conditions throughout the year. Expect to see abundant wildlife signs in this area, primarily javelina.

The gulch leads into an area that contains a mass of granite boulders on the hillsides. As you proceed through the gulch stay alert for trail signs above and to your left. Hikers have placed rock cairns at several point along the gulch to mark their favorite point to access the trail to Balanced Rock. We too have contributed to this confusion, but recommend that you select the third cairn marker as your point of exit from the gulch (see also GPS Waypoint # 10, below). This quickly takes you to a well established trail that leads in a NNW direction. Within a few minutes you will be able to see Balanced Rock to the north. See Figure 9.

Figure 9, Balanced Rock

As in the photo, the primary features in this area are large granite boulders as well as Ocotillo and Saguaro cactus. There are several overlook points that permit you to view the gulch below Balanced Rock. This is rugged, beautiful country and the vistas are impressive. See Reference Note 2.

The trail beyond Balanced Rock turns to the west and slowly descends to the Hassayampa River and the entrance to Slim Jim Creek. There are a few areas of loose granite rubble along the way, so traverse this with appropriate caution. As you descend down the trail you will also encounter a few narrow points that lead you between granite boulders. It is interesting to visualize a prospector trying to coax his mules or burros through these areas.

Most of the present-day trail “maintenance” that occurs on the Balanced Rock segment is provided by wildlife rather than human passage. It is possible (but only conjecture) that this trail is truly ancient. In addition to wildlife usage, it may also have been a Native American trail that provided passage to (or between) hunting areas and the river.

Winter rains generally produce a healthy flow in the upper watershed of the Hassayampa River. If you time your hike between January and April you may see flows that are thirty feet or more in width; unless a heavy winter storm passes through – in which case you are advised to avoid this area. At other times of the year the river typically reverts to sub-surface stream flow at this point.

The final descent on the Balanced Rock trail will bring you to the river’s edge.

Figure 10, River’s Edge

Lower Slim Jim Creek Return Segment

Extensive detail and photos about this segment of the hike in were presented my previous article titled “Hiking in Lower Slim Jim Creek”. Repeated treks through this area confirm that there is significant and persistent wildlife moving through the creek bed. Three items of information need to be amended:

1. There are three (not two) prospect tunnels near the lower end of Slim Jim Creek. Two of these tunnels are near the creek level on opposite sides; while the third is about forty feet above the creek on the east side. Look for a section of dry stack rock wall above the creek to help you locate this site.
2. There is now clear evidence that the entire route through the lower creek could be used as a pack trail. Each of the granite dikes have very old (and rough) bypass trails that would have enabled pack animals to pass around these obstacles.
3. The placer claim now appears to have been abandoned. I have not seen evidence of any site work for about two years.

If you hike the area after a recent storm, there will be many new exposed rocks and pebbles containing chrysicolla, manganese, molybdenum, quartz-magnetite and silver-bearing ores. And as you proceed upstream on the final leg of the hike there will be numerous exposed ore veins and volcanic extrusion dikes.

Trail Conditions

Access to ATOS Trailhead: Reaching the trailhead to the ATOS Mine requires that you travel through the bottom of Slim Jim Creek. Winter rains may produce damp conditions and minor stream flows in the creek bed for several weeks after a major storm, but these conditions generally do not hamper or prevent access. A high clearance 4WD is essential, regardless of the time of year. Heavy rains, particularly during the monsoon season, can cause Slim Jim Creek to “reinvent” itself due to high runoff. Boulders are frequently moved and channels changed in course by high water flow. In other words, you should expect to encounter trail obstacles.

Parking at the ATOS Trailhead: With a bit of ingenuity, four or five 4WD vehicles can be parked at the base of the trailhead. It is recommended you “think small” when taking a vehicle into the area. Jeeps and mid-sized 4WD trucks will have no difficulty in traveling down Slim Jim Creek and finding suitable parking spots.

Hiking Trail Conditions: The ATOS trail segment follows the old road to the mine area. Although it is not maintained, hiking conditions are generally excellent. There are a few down-slope areas where you will encounter loose, decomposed granite.

Suitability for Horses: The ATOS Trail segment is quite suitable for horses, having observed horse tracks and biscuits along this trail in previous outings. Getting a horse trailer to the trailhead is problematic, however, and it may be necessary to begin your ride from the turnoff point near the Monte Cristo Mine at Constellation Road. Our judgment is that Balanced Rock and Slim Jim Creek trail segments are not safe for horses. If anyone has better information on this topic, please let us know!

The Balanced Rock trail segment leads from the ATOS Mine into a gulch that drains the watershed in this area. The gulch can be damp or have minor stream flow at any time of the year. The trail then leads up a hillside as it proceeds north to Balanced Rock and on to the Hassayampa River. It is a narrow footpath, but is well established. Some modest clearing of brush and tree limbs (Feb-Mar 2008) has been performed to provide easier passage. Seasonal growth of mesquite and Palo Verde trees will inevitably constrict passage in some spots. A machete is a handy tool to bring with you on this hike.

The return leg of the hike through lower Slim Jim Creek is also subject to runoff and may have damp conditions or minor stream flows. There are two granite dikes (twelve to eighteen feet in height) that you will have to climb. The elevation gain from the Hassayampa River returning to the ATOS Trailhead (starting point) is 452 feet. Except for the two dikes, this trail segment is a steady gain in elevation with sandy streambed conditions.

Wildlife

This loop trail passes through State Trust and BLM land that includes the southwestern portion of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness Area. It is remote, rugged and beautiful country. Because it is isolated from human activity, you will have an opportunity to see javelina, deer, mountain lions, Gila Monsters, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and a host of migratory birds.

This area is particularly well suited for mountain lions, javelina and deer. Large herds of javelina have been tracked on all three segments of the trail as well as mountain lions for up to a half-mile in the lower segment of Slim Jim Creek. Humans tend to be pretty noisy, especially when in groups. Although you may not see any of these critters, they are there. You are hiking through their habitat and their tracks will provide ample evidence.

A word of caution: The prospect tunnels at the lower end of Slim Jim Creek may serve as seasonal habitat for javelina with young offspring. Great Horned Owls also use these tunnels during the day to escape the heat and light. Approach the tunnel entrances with due care.

Useful GPS Waypoints

If you use a GPS unit when you hike, there are a number of Waypoints that you may find useful for this trek. All coordinates are listed using WGS84 datum. Accuracy is within fifteen feet.

1. Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds (Mile 0): N 33 o 58′ 50″ by W 112 o 42′ 38″
2. Turnoff to Slim Jim Creek (Mile 10.4): N 34o 03′ 54.8″ by W 112 o 35′ 06.7″
3. Arrival at Slim Jim Creek: N 34 o 04′ 26.0″ by W 112 o 35′ 24.8″
4. ATOS Trailhead: N 34 o 04′ 34.0″ by W 112 o 35′ 50.8″
5. ATOS Housing Area: N 34 o 05′ 90.2″ by W 112 o 36′ 08.1″
6. ATOS Mine Shaft: N 34 o 05′ 13.1″ by W 112 o 36′ 03.3″
7. Tunnel #1: N 34o 05′ 11.9″ by W 112 o 36′ 14.1″
8. Cyanide Tanks: N 34 o 05′ 05.8″ by W 112 o 36′ 19.9″
9. ATOS Gulch: N 34 o 05′ 01.7″ by W 112 o 36′ 26.9″
10. Trailhead to Balanced Rock: N 34 o 05′ 01.5″ by W 112 o 36′ 36.0″
11. Balanced Rock: N 34 o 05′ 01.9″ by W 112 o 36′ 44.1″
12. Terminus of Balanced Rock Trail: N 34 o 04′ 57.9″ by W 112 o 36′ 57.0″
13. Entrance to lower Slim Jim Creek at River: N 34 o 04′ 57.0″ by W 112 o 36′ 57.9″
14. Prospect Tunnels: N 34 o 04′ 48.7″ by W 112 o 36′ 50.7″
15. Terminus of Hike at ATOS Trailhead: Same as #4.

Download the GPX file of Tracks for this hike.

Before You Go

1. The term “safe mine” is an oxymoron. There is no such thing as a safe mine – particularly one that has been abandoned for many decades. Although you may be tempted to explore this or other mine entrances, understand that they are inherently dangerous. Tunnel entrances frequently serve as seasonal habitats for rattlesnakes and javelina. Tunnels may slough overhead rocks and there may be vertical shafts (winzes) that connect one tunnel to a lower level. If you want to be safe, stay out of mines!
2. This is not a technically difficult hike and it requires only moderate exertion during the cool season. Nevertheless, you should be in good physical condition. The final leg of the hike (through lower slim Jim Creek) will require a higher level of exertion during the May-October time frame.
3. Plan to carry sufficient water and energy snacks for this hike. Make sure that you have additional water in your vehicle when you return.
4. Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. From the departure point at the Rodeo Grounds, you can expect this outing to take seven to eight hours – longer if you spend extra time exploring the ATOS Mine area.
5. Unless you intend to camp overnight, you should plan to exit from Slim Jim Creek while there is still daylight.
6. Be on the watch for snakes during the warmer seasons.

Footnotes

1. We have observed OHV tire tracks inside the wilderness area on previous hikes. If you see any vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.) beyond the gate, please report your sighting to the BLM. The main telephone number in Phoenix is: (602) 417-9200, or contact
   Teri A. Raml, District Manager
   21605 N. 7th Avenue
   Phoenix, AZ 85027-2929
   Phone: (623) 580-5500
   Fax: (623) 580-5580
2. The Balanced Rock Trail actually connects to the White Mine, about 1.5 miles to the west. It is likely this was also a pack trail between the 1870′s and the early 1900′s.
3. Historical Footnote: There is a bit of friendly debate about the origin of the ATOS Mine, particularly with respect to the mine located due east, shown inside the red oval on the map image in Figure 1 (upper right in image).

The authors believe that the mine to the east is the George Washington Mine, alternatively known as “Atos Gold.” The George Washington mine owner’s report, filed by Steve Loncar, dated April 2nd 1940, describes the mine as comprising four tunnels and four shafts with no employees, no mill and no equipment. Mr. Loncar describes the route to his mine as one mile beyond the Constellation Post Office, then 1.5 miles beyond Constellation Road. In our opinion, the George Washington (Atos Gold) Mine is not the same as the ATOS Mine since the route to the ATOS is entirely different. There are no connecting roads or trails between these two mines.

Because the “ATOS Mine” shaft wall records the name of Alex McLaren with a date of March 11, 1940, we believe it is unlikely this mine is related to George Washington Mine to the east. The ATOS Mine had a settlement and extensive milling operations. It also has only one shaft and two tunnels.

This is a uniquely beautiful riparian habitat and mid-May promises another great show of flowers along the river banks. The migratory birds will be nesting in the river willows and there are always abundant signs of four-footed critters on this stretch of the river.

We hiked this area on April 12th to check out river conditions and spring growth. The river was still flowing at a level that required frequent crossing and a few long passages in water. However, by mid-May, the river flow will have returned to a seasonal norm that promises easy hiking conditions (See Figure 1).

Figure 1, Upper Hassayampa in April

As shown above, stretches of the river are flowing from bank to bank as of mid-April. Notice also that the river willows are still in the process of leafing out. By mid-May these stretches will be deeply shaded and the banks will be covered with river grass and countless flowers. Figure 2 shows the typical stream flow in mid-May.

Figure 2, Typical River Flow in May

This is a relatively easy hike, with a gain of only 90 feet in elevation between Williams Ranch and Buckskin Canyon. If you would like to join us on May 17th, please understand that you will occasionally be trekking through water. Your hiking shoes should have stiff soles to keep your feet comfortable on the river rocks. Also, this is a wilderness area hike. No motor vehicles are permitted beyond the trailhead.

If interested in joining our hike, please drop me a note at the following email address:
allan.hall@mindspring.com. I will get in touch with you individually to work out a schedule, meeting place, and other safety and logistical details.

There are no restrictions on the number of hikers since the trailhead parking area will accommodate a number of vehicles. You do not require 4WD, although high clearance is beneficial on the route to the river.

The help of groups and individuals is needed to continue improving our surrounding areas. If you can volunteer for desert clean-up activities, please submit your name, phone number, eMail address and preferred clean-up dates to Lee Pearson at WCF.WCB@GMAIL.COM, call 928-684-7473, or write to Wickenburg Conservation Foundation, Wickenburg Clean & Beautiful, P.O. Box 20008, Wickenburg AZ 85358.

Primary clean-up sites are the Hassayampa River bed from the Hassayampa River Preserve north to Box Canyon and beyond, Blue Tank road, Rincon road, Constellation road including Calamity Wash and South Vulture Mine Road, including the radio tower area. Anyone knowing of other littered sites can identify them with routing and/or GPS coordinates.

Volunteers will be provided with pik sticks, gloves, buckets and/or garbage bags. Dumpsters will be provided. Trailers and/or trucks will be used to remove the garbage bags during and after collection as appropriate. The tradition of providing refreshments for those who participate in the desert clean-up will be continued. Participants have a wonderful opportunity of meeting other conscientious residents who enjoy the beautiful and great outdoors surrounding Wickenburg.

Dates and locations where clean-ups are planned will be published and registered volunteers will be notified.