Vulcan Mine Road

The Mojave National Preserve (MNP) was established in 1994. At 1,542,776 acres, it is the third-largest National Park. On the western slope, near the Providence Mountain Range, and along Foshay Pass, is the most prominent human-made feature in the preserve, Vulcan Mine.

Vulcan Mine Road was built to haul iron ore to the railroad at Kelso. You can still follow this trail directly to the mine and even drive around the edges of the massive mine pit, looking to its bottom 100 feet below, while following a fence that has been placed to protect visitors.

Abandoned in 1944, you can see how the desert, over 75 years, the desert has slowly taken back the once smooth asphalt road you are now taking to the mine.

Along the way to the mine, enjoy views of the Providence Mountains rising on either side. Looking back in the distance, you will see the equally massive but naturally occurring Kelso Dunes.