Explore the Golden Bee Mine

What do honeybees have to do with gold mining? Find out the answer on our hike to the Golden Bee Mine. This moderate hike is approximately five miles out-and-back with some cross-country hiking required. The last section follows a rocky old mining road with a steep, 800 ft. elevation gain at the end. At the Golden Bee Mine site we’ll see the mine entrance, as well as the remains of some equipment, mining camps, and the mine office area. We will learn about the history of the Golden Bee mine, the miners who ran it’s operation, and about gold mining and processing as it was typically done in the Golden State.

• Participants should have prior hiking experience and be comfortable traveling over uneven and rocky terrain.

• Participants can expect to hike five miles with elevation gains of around 800 feet, with most of the elevation gains taking place in one steep, two-mile section. Terrain will be rocky and uneven at times, and good coordination is required. Please contact us if you have questions about accommodations or your ability to participate.

Pam Kersey is a Desert Institute "lead" volunteer, an archaeological site steward, and has also volunteered as a camp nurse. She has completed four marathon hikes for children's cancer fundraising and has visited the summit of Mount Whitney twice. She has taught hiking and backpacking classes, and enjoys helping others learn how to safely appreciate camping and hiking. She recently retired from a career as a nurse, nursing professor, and more recently as a science and math college dean where she was responsible for disciplines such as chemistry, math, biology, engineering, physics, and astronomy.

Tom Scanlan is a retired telecommunication professional and a college educator. He spends his time camping, hiking, and doing volunteer work. He loves the outdoors and has ten years of experience as a Boy Scout Leader. As a hiking enthusiast he has climbed Mount Whitney twice. He has taught others of all ages how to backpack, camp, and hike. Tom is an active volunteer archaeological site steward for Joshua Tree National Park and Cleveland National Forest, and also volunteers for Desert Institute.

• Admission to Joshua Tree National Park (please download or print your park pass ahead of time, or you will have to pay fees at the gate!)
• First aid and emergency supplies for the group

• Meals
• Lodging
• Transportation (this course involves car caravaning to more than one location)

A detailed packing list and additional details about this activity can be found on our website. Upon registration, you will receive a digital park pass and paperwork to complete before the event start date. If you have questions, give us a call at 760-819-4714 or email us at [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Cholla Cactus Garden, Pinto Wye, Twentynine Palms, United States