Harmony Borax Works
Explore the 1880s borax processing plant ruins and iconic 20-Mule Team wagons in Death Valley's harsh, historic landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Harmony Borax Works
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the 1880s borax processing plant ruins and iconic 20-Mule Team wagons in Death Valley's harsh, historic landscape.
"Interesting bit of history and a nice 10 minute walk (which is about all that is bearable in 110 degree heat)."
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Death Valley is extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, even for a short visit.
👟 Easy, Paved Walk
The site features a short, paved loop, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Borax Plant Ruins
Furnace Creek
Explore the remnants of the 1880s borax processing plant, a testament to early industrial ingenuity in the harsh desert.
20-Mule Team Wagon Display
Near the plant ruins
See iconic wagons that hauled precious borax across the unforgiving desert landscape.
Interpretive Signage
Throughout the site
Learn about the challenging life and work of the miners and the history of borax extraction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Understand the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Death Valley is extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, even for a short visit.
👟 Easy, Paved Walk
The site features a short, paved loop, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
🕰️ Short Visit Recommended
Most visitors find 10-30 minutes sufficient to explore the ruins and read the historical markers.
📸 Great for Photography
The ruins offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. 
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Death Valley is extremely hot. Carry plenty of water, even for a short visit.
👟 Easy, Paved Walk
The site features a short, paved loop, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
🕰️ Short Visit Recommended
Most visitors find 10-30 minutes sufficient to explore the ruins and read the historical markers.
📸 Great for Photography
The ruins offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🚗 Parking Available
There is a parking lot at Harmony Borax Works.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Harmony Borax Works an interesting historical site, appreciating the remnants of the borax industry and the iconic 20-Mule Team wagons. The easy, paved walk is a plus, though some feel the historical artifacts are limited and it might not hold children's attention. It's best enjoyed by those with a keen interest in the area's past.
"It's amazing that someone decided this was a good place to start a business. This was BEFORE Las Vegas was even a thing! I can't imagine them cooking the salts to remove the borax to ship it. In that heat? It was 110F when we visited. Very cool, though limited amount of historical artifacts. Stay hydrated! ☀️"
Mark Ernst
"Interesting bit of history and a nice 10 minute walk ( which is about all that is bearable in 110 degree heat)"
Marco Cantoni
"Very cool interpretive exhibit about the borax that was mined in Death Valley for many years"
David Stejkowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Harmony Borax Works is located in Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park. It's easily accessible by car from the main park roads. There's a dedicated parking lot. Many visitors include it as part of a day trip exploring other Death Valley landmarks like Badwater Basin and Artist's Drive.
While the park itself is generally accessible, visiting historical sites like Harmony Borax Works before midnight might be possible, but it's advisable to check official park hours and safety guidelines for nighttime exploration. Network coverage can be spotty.
The roads leading to Harmony Borax Works are generally paved and accessible to most vehicles. However, be cautious of road conditions within Death Valley, especially after rain or if venturing off main routes. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Harmony Borax Works is located within Death Valley National Park. Entry to the park requires a fee, but there is no separate admission charge for visiting the Harmony Borax Works site itself once inside the park.
Harmony Borax Works is an outdoor historical site and is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of Death Valley National Park. Always check the official NPS website for any temporary closures or advisories.
There isn't a dedicated visitor center at Harmony Borax Works itself. However, interpretive signage is present throughout the site to provide historical context and information about the borax mining operations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ruins of the circa-1884 borax processing plant, see remnants of buildings, and view the famous 20-Mule Team wagons. Interpretive signs explain the history of borax mining in the area. +1
While the historical context might be more engaging for adults, the short, paved walk is easy for children. However, some reviewers note there's 'nothing to see' for kids, suggesting it might be more appreciated by history buffs.
Most visitors spend about 10 to 30 minutes at Harmony Borax Works, as it's a relatively small site with a short interpretive loop. It's often combined with other Death Valley attractions.
Yes, the site features a short, paved walking loop that is accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or strollers.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the ruins. The 'golden hour' light can create stunning shots of the historic structures against the desert landscape.
Yes, Harmony Borax Works is a popular spot for astrophotography. The dark skies of Death Valley, combined with the historic ruins, make for incredible Milky Way and Orion shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The site is also renowned for astrophotography; the dark skies of Death Valley provide an unparalleled canvas for capturing the Milky Way over the historic borax works. +1🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 Remember that distances in Death Valley are vast, so plan your route efficiently and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Always carry extra water and snacks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Borax Mining
+1The most iconic aspect of this operation was the legendary '20-Mule Team' wagons. These massive wagons, pulled by teams of eighteen mules and two horses, were designed to transport the processed borax 165 miles across the unforgiving desert to the nearest railhead in Mojave. This arduous journey took about ten days and was a marvel of engineering and endurance, making borax a household name thanks to marketing efforts.
Today, the ruins of Harmony Borax Works stand as a poignant reminder of this pioneering spirit and the ingenuity required to thrive in one of the planet's most extreme landscapes. Visitors can walk among the remnants of the plant and imagine the bustling activity that once took place here, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the desert today.
+1Visiting Harmony Borax Works: What to Expect
While the historical significance is undeniable, the experience is relatively brief. Many visitors find that 10 to 30 minutes is sufficient to explore the site and absorb the information.
For photographers, Harmony Borax Works presents unique opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the ruins, particularly during sunrise and sunset, can yield stunning images. The site is also a popular location for astrophotography, with the dark desert skies providing a spectacular backdrop for the Milky Way.
+1
Social
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