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Tumco Historic Mine: A Glimpse into California's Gold Rush Past

Explore the ghostly remnants of a once-thriving gold mining town in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, offering a glimpse into California's Gold Rush era.

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Explore the remnants of Tumco, a once-thriving gold mining town in California's Cargo Muchacho Mountains. Abandoned in the early 20th century, Tumco offers a unique glimpse into the state's gold rush era with its ruins, historic machinery, and stark desert scenery.

A brief summary to Tumco Historic Mine

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October-April) to avoid the extreme desert heat.
  • Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as there are no facilities on-site.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and exploring the rugged terrain.
  • Inform someone of your hiking plans due to the remote location.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Winterhaven, CA, head east on Interstate 8. Take Exit 159 for Ogilby Road/County Road S34. Head north on Ogilby Road for approximately 8 miles. Tumco Historic Mine will be on your right, marked with BLM signs. There are no services at Tumco, so ensure you have adequate supplies. There is no entry fee.

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Discover more about Tumco Historic Mine

Tumco Historic Mine, nestled in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains of Imperial County, California, is a window into the region's gold mining history. Originally named Hedges, the town boomed from the late 1800s until about 1905. It was renamed Tumco in 1910, but this second attempt at mining was short-lived, and by 1911, the town was again deserted. Gold was first discovered here by Spanish colonists moving north from Sonora, Mexico. Legend tells of two boys who entered a camp with shirts full of gold ore, giving the Cargo Muchacho Mountains their name. Mexican settlers operated small mines for many years. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1877 sparked a gold rush, with mining companies developing large-scale operations. A 12-mile pipeline brought water from the Colorado River, and the railroad transported mine timbers from Arizona. Over 200,000 ounces of gold were extracted. At its peak in the 1890s, Tumco had around 3,200 residents. The town boasted 40- and 100-stamp mills that produced $1,000 daily in gold. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the townsite, the Hedges Cemetery, and remnants of mining infrastructure like cyanide vats. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Tumco offers a chance to step back in time and experience a California ghost town.

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