Ashford Mill Ruins
Discover the remnants of a failed gold rush at Ashford Mill Ruins, a historical marker in Death Valley's harsh, beautiful landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Ashford Mill Ruins
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the remnants of a failed gold rush at Ashford Mill Ruins, a historical marker in Death Valley's harsh, beautiful landscape.
"Conspicuous monuments to disappointment, yielding far less than the investments made in them. "
Blink and You'll Miss It
This spot is easily overlooked. Keep an eye out for signs as you drive along Badwater Highway. :round_pushpin:
Quick Stop Gem
Perfect for a brief leg stretch and a dose of history on your way to Badwater Basin. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mill Ruins
Main site
Explore the foundations and concrete walls of a short-lived gold mill, a monument to early 1900s mining ambition.
Office Building Foundations
Left of main mill
See the concrete walls of the office building, framing the stark desert landscape beyond.
Interpretive Sign
Near entrance
Learn about the Ashford brothers' failed gold rush and the mill's short, disappointing history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
History in the Dust
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Blink and You'll Miss It
This spot is easily overlooked. Keep an eye out for signs as you drive along Badwater Highway. :round_pushpin:
Quick Stop Gem
Perfect for a brief leg stretch and a dose of history on your way to Badwater Basin. :stopwatch:
Desert Heat Warning
Death Valley is extremely hot. Visit during cooler months or times of day to avoid heatstroke. :fire:
Picnic Potential
Picnic tables are available, but no shade. Best for cooler days. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Blink and You'll Miss It
This spot is easily overlooked. Keep an eye out for signs as you drive along Badwater Highway. :round_pushpin:
Quick Stop Gem
Perfect for a brief leg stretch and a dose of history on your way to Badwater Basin. :stopwatch:
Desert Heat Warning
Death Valley is extremely hot. Visit during cooler months or times of day to avoid heatstroke. :fire:
Picnic Potential
Picnic tables are available, but no shade. Best for cooler days. :sandwich:
Clean Restrooms
Surprisingly clean and well-maintained public restrooms are available here. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ashford Mill Ruins to be an interesting, albeit brief, historical stop in Death Valley. While not a major attraction, its accessible location and glimpse into the area's mining past make it a worthwhile detour for those exploring Badwater Basin. Some note the lack of extensive ruins, but appreciate the historical context and the surprisingly clean facilities.
"Exploring the fascinating ruins of Ashford Mill in Death Valley! This historical site tells a story of ambition, a short-lived gold rush, and the harsh realities of mining in the early 1900s."
Outdoor
"Interpretive Sign Inscription:
The foundations of the Ashford Mill are set into the hillside directly ahead, with the concrete walls of the office building to the left framing the desert beyond. Ore hauled down from the Golden Treasure Mine five miles to the east in Ashford Canyon was crushed at the mill. The Ashford brothers - Henry, Harold, and Louis - acquired the mine in 1907, alternately working it and leasing it to a series of companies. Each lessee defaulted on the agreement, returning the mine and any improvements to the brothers. The mill was abandoned the same year it was built. A 1915 edition of the Bishop Inyo Register said that the Ashford Mill ruins are "conspicuous monuments to disappointment," yielding far less than the investments made in them. This prophetic statement applied to many mining operations in Death Valley."
Craig Baker
"Neat little spot not well advertised. Blink and you'll miss it.
We were on our way back to LA from Badwater Basin. Decided to check it out really fast.
Very scenic and an interesting piece of history. Crazy to think there was a hole small settlement here for mining operations. Because it gets really hot over here.
But highly recommend stopping by and checking this out. You can still see some of the old foundation and ruins.
Enjoy him now, because time will whether away at these old ruins."
Rafael Escobar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ashford Mill Ruins are located just off the Badwater Highway (CA-190) in Death Valley National Park. It's a short drive from Badwater Basin and easily accessible by car. Look for the signs; it's a quick detour.
The drive from Furnace Creek to Ashford Mill Ruins is approximately 30-40 minutes. It's a convenient stop on the way to or from Badwater Basin.
Yes, Ashford Mill Ruins are accessible by any standard vehicle as they are located directly off the paved Badwater Highway. No special vehicle is required.
Yes, there is a small parking area available at the Ashford Mill Ruins site, allowing visitors to stop and explore the historical remnants.
The closest major landmark is Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, which is just a few miles south of the Ashford Mill Ruins.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Ashford Mill Ruins are located within Death Valley National Park, so you will need to pay the park entrance fee or have a valid park pass to enter.
No, there are no separate entrance fees for Ashford Mill Ruins. The fee is for entry into Death Valley National Park itself.
Ashford Mill Ruins are accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, it's best to visit during cooler parts of the day due to extreme temperatures.
While the park is generally accessible, visiting historical sites like Ashford Mill Ruins at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting.
Ashford Mill Ruins are not as heavily advertised as other Death Valley attractions, making it a less crowded but still interesting historical stop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the foundations of the mill building and the concrete walls of the former office. An interpretive sign provides historical context about the failed gold rush.
A visit to Ashford Mill Ruins is typically brief, often around 15-30 minutes, making it an ideal quick stop to appreciate the history and scenery.
There are no designated hiking trails at Ashford Mill Ruins. It's more of a historical site to explore on foot around the immediate ruins.
Yes, the stark desert landscape and the weathered ruins offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours.
There are public restrooms and a couple of picnic tables available at Ashford Mill Ruins. There is no shade at the picnic tables.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services or restaurants directly at Ashford Mill Ruins. You'll need to bring your own food and water or plan to eat at facilities in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells.
Yes, there are picnic tables available at Ashford Mill Ruins, but be aware that there is no shade, so it's best for cooler days or if you bring your own shade.
It's crucial to bring plenty of water and snacks. Dehydration is a serious risk in Death Valley. Consider packing non-perishable items.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – sunrise and sunset – when the light casts dramatic shadows on the ruins and the desert landscape.
You can capture shots of the weathered mill foundations, the office building remnants, and the vast desert scenery. The contrast between the man-made ruins and nature is striking.
The main ruins themselves offer the most compelling subjects. Experiment with different angles to frame the structures against the desert backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expanse of the desert, while a telephoto lens can help isolate details of the ruins. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography.
If Lake Manly is present, it's a short drive from Ashford Mill Ruins. The lake offers a unique photographic contrast to the arid landscape. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't play areas, the open space around the ruins allows kids to explore (under supervision, of course). The real draw for families might be the potential to see the rare Lake Manly at Badwater Basin, which is a short drive away and offers a more visually engaging experience for younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the desert and a telephoto lens to focus on the details of the weathered concrete and stone. The nearby Badwater Basin, especially if Lake Manly has formed, offers incredible opportunities for contrasting shots of water and salt flats.
🚗 Road Trippers
Combine this historical detour with a visit to Badwater Basin and perhaps a scenic drive through Artist's Drive for a well-rounded experience of Death Valley's diverse landscapes and history. Remember to stock up on water and snacks before embarking on your journey through the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Ashford Mill
Despite their efforts, each company that leased the mine and mill defaulted on their agreements, ultimately returning the property to the Ashford brothers. The mill itself was abandoned the same year it was constructed. A 1915 newspaper article described the ruins as "conspicuous monuments to disappointment," a fitting epitaph for many mining operations in Death Valley that yielded far less than anticipated.
Today, visitors can explore the remaining foundations of the mill and the concrete walls of the office building, offering a tangible connection to this chapter of Death Valley's history. The stark desert setting amplifies the sense of isolation and the challenges faced by those who sought fortune in this unforgiving landscape.
Visiting Death Valley's Unique Hydrology
This ancient lake, which dried up thousands of years ago, can transform the vast salt flats into a shallow, shimmering body of water. Seeing this ephemeral lake is a unique experience, as it's a stark contrast to Death Valley's reputation as one of the driest places on Earth. However, these lakes are temporary and will likely evaporate as temperatures rise.
When visiting, remember that even with a lake present, the surrounding desert remains extremely hot. Always carry ample water, wear appropriate sun protection, and be mindful of the extreme conditions. The presence of Lake Manly is a rare spectacle, but the fundamental need for preparedness in Death Valley remains constant.
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