The Elusive Bluebird Mine

The Elusive Bluebird Mine - September 1, 2006

We got up early this morning and after packing up some sandwiches and cold drinks, we were on the road by 4:30 AM. Driving up to Greenback Valley on FR 71, it was a fabulous trip, cool and beautiful, with dawn just breaking. We'd studied the map and determined there was another road, a backdoor to the Bluebird mining site. The map proved correct, sure enough, hidden behind some brush was the remnants of an old road. It looked to be ok so we decided to try it. Rocky and heading uphill but passable for about a half a mile it then became rutted, tippy, off camber and very HIGH up. The worst part, we could see the beginnings of our ultimate destination, one of the miner's cabins we'd been told about by the forest rangers. There it was directly below us! (about a mile as the crow flies) The mine was only about a quarter of a mile from the cabin, so we were the closest we'd been yet. Since the recent rains, the road was washed out in places and since we were alone, we decided discretion is the better part of valor and turned back. It was a real disappointment, but now we know for sure we're on the right track, we'll either have to hike in, wait to go with the forest service when they go, or find someone to buddy with and attempt the trip again.
On the way back out and onto FR 71, we decided to ride a bit further, up to Greenback Mountain, beautiful area, lots of greenery, and canyon vistas. I had my hand out the window of the Jeep and all of a sudden, we heard a loud buzzing...at that same moment, we saw a flash of something just outside the window, I yanked my hand in, almost landed in my husband's lap in the process and let out a yelp that I'm sure echoed through the canyons. My husband slammed on the brakes and backed up the Jeep ... sure enough, still coiled to strike again was a big ol' FAT Western Diamondback. We'd disturbed his sunning session and he was in no mood to be messed with, so we just took a couple of pictures and bid him adieu. (I kept my hand in the window for the rest of the trip and was still shaking an hour later)
All in all, it was a nice trip, a bit disappointing, but now we know we're on the right track and we're going back one way or the other for sure.

Sorry for the lousy picture quality...I was a bit shakey

Mr Diamondback

Miner's cabin Bluebird Mine
(the road on the upper portion going left, leads to the mine)

The road leading to "our" Bluebird...if we could only get to it!

Sunflowers Along Greenback Mountain Road

Sunflowers with Greenback Valley behind them

Visit to The Sunset Mine August 20, 2006

UPDATE:

10/21/06

This morning we made another return trip to Sunset Mine, this time with our friends Jean & Larry. We spent a few pleasant hours rummaging through the litter and rocks surrounding the mine and speculating on each tidbit of history we came across. Now that the temperatures are cooling, it's easier to explore without worrying about disturbing rattlesnakes.

Visit to Sunset Mine, Arizona

8/20/06

We woke up early this morning to another beautiful, coolish morning in sunny Arizona. So once again, packed sandwiches, cold drinks and headed out. This time we decided to go back to a site we'd already visited before, but this time we remembered to take the camera with fully charged batteries.
The Sunset mine, located just inside the Tonto National Forest, bordering the Sierra Ancha Wilderness was a Fluorite mine. We're not exactly sure of the dates of operation, but judging by the equipment left on site, we'd speculate it was working as late as pre-WW1 and as early as the late 1800s. The mine itself consists of a vertical shaft, with a much deteriorated head frame in place and a main shaft going straight down at least 30 feet, at which point a tunnel takes off to parts unknown. We found two collapsed adits, probably connecting to the vertical shaft somewhere deep underground. Although partially collapsed, one could have been entered, but a beehive could be heard just inside the tiny opening with active bees going in and out. The other entrance looks like either the years or someone had purposely collapsed the timbers supporting the opening and now rocks and dirt are blocking the way. There's also the remains of an ore loading bin which once stretched out over a roadbuilt into the canyon's edge. We haven't located any living quarters nearby, but from what we've heard, many times minersin this area lived in tent houses, consisting of a canvas roof with some wooden siding, if that was the case, they would have deteriorated long ago. The entire area is littered by the telltale black coated tailings of a Fluorite mine.
It's a neat site, easy to get to with four wheel drive or at least a high clearance vehicle. It's got fabulous scenery with the beautiful Sierra Ancha Wilderness mountains surrounding it and an abundance of great Saguaros and Prickly Pears. There's even a couple of friendly mules and a horse running the open range around the mine who like to come over and nibble on your vehicle.
No Rattlers today, only a very long, very fast, silver and green unknown variety snake we passed along the road.
Life is good...the monsoons have brought cooler mornings, it's great to be back to exploring again...hope the weather holds!

Head Frame

Vertical Shaft

Collapsed Adit

Remains of the ore bin