The Reward Mine: Exploring the Upper Levels and the Inclined Shaft < on 12/13/2010 6:30 AM >
Spent yesterday exploring the upper levels of the Reward Mine near Lone Pine, CA in the Inyo Mountains. We found the entrance to the main inclined shaft that goes all the way down through the mine to the lowest level (the level people drive cars into). Our plan was to go down the inclined shaft from high above on the mountain, exit into the lowest level, and then walk out of the mine via that lowest level. Unfortunately, the last 200 feet or so the inclined shaft turns vertical. We weren't expecting that! There were ladders going down its length but it was too dangerous to climb down them without ropes and harnesses. We turned around at that point.
There is a rumor, according to some, of an "extra two levels" to the Reward Mine. Once outside, we climbed up the mountain further (way past the upper ore bin) and found about eight or nine adits that enter a different mine that is located on the right-hand side of the canyon (the inclined shaft is on the left-hand side). The lowest drift level had ore cart tracks that ended at a very deep winze. Not sure if that winze connects up to the main mines we explored that are located further down the mountain and on the other side of the canyon.
During our exploration, we found a wooden ore cart in one of the upper drift level tunnels. We also found the remnants of a box with a manufacturing date of 1896 on it! Footage of the trip is in the video below. Enjoy!
[last edit 12/14/2010 6:31 AM by hoodrat - edited 1 times]
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