Tecopa Mines

Chris Dietrich

2024-04

We were very impressed with the depth of knowledge Ross shared with us on an adventure tour. He kept us entertained from start to finish and created an excellent experience. I would highly recommend this tour for everyone who is interested in the history of mining.

Dennis Mann

2023-05

We set out one morning to find us some mines to explore. We came across the Columbia Mine, on Google and decided we would make the trek up the road. When we arrived we found the property was made private and that’s where we met Ross, the new owner. For just a few bucks, Ross, an incredible kind and witty fella will take you all over the property and deep inside a few of the old mines. Incredible sites and history. Ross is a great guide and very accommodating. Excellent experience all around.

Tina Dietrich

2024-04

My husband and I did a tour today. I can not say enough good things about it!! Ross was amazing, kind and oh, the way he told the stories of the past! I could not stop smiling. Never once did we loose interest, I needed to hear more and more. The donation is TOTALLY worth it!! This is a must do!! Ross, we hope to be back. It was wonderful to meet you. Thank you again!!

Jim Bagley

2024-04

The Tecopa Mines are an historic treasure in the Mojave Desert. Some are on the Bureau of Land Mangement public lands. One 400-acre patented site has been purchased by Ross Dykmam “the one legged miner”. He is in the process of preserving them for history, and creating tours, which will eventually including museum. You can learn more about the area at the Shoshone Museum. There are some excellent publications on the mining history in this region. Stop by and learn how you can help with this effort.

Mike Sheridan

2024-01

Absolutely one of the best places to go see! Love the anticipation of the next YouTube video to come out. Hopefully, the next time, we can go down to the lower levels! Definately a great part of history trying to be preserved, and more artifacts being found daily. Keep up the great work!

Jon Weissman

2024-03

Just went here with my daughter. The tour is *absolutely* fantastic. A 2 hour walk INSIDE the mine through twists and turns with hard hats and lights, all the while the host giving us a tour-de-force in mining history. I wish I could give it 10 stars. One of best tours I've ever had for anything (and I travel a lot).Go!! And eat some dates at the nearby Data Farm.

Vincent Sheridan

2023-05

It’s a fact that everything you have was either grown or mined. One of the best ways to appreciate history is to immerse yourself in it.I’m not talking about a commercialized “reproduction” of a past era but to truly travel back in time where the only thing modern is what you’re wearing and what you’re breathing.Tecopa Mines is the place; Unique in geology, geography and its place in American history.To guarantee the existence and continuation of this truly unique pinnacle of human determination, 400 acres containing the Noonday, War Eagle and Columbia mines were purchased by a gentleman by the name of Ross Dykman.Preservation is hard, dirty and under appreciated work but of course, preservation is the prerequisite to continuation. As states expand their misguided efforts to deny citizen access to history by destroying mines, Ross and Tecopa Mines are the exception.Ross has committed himself to these iconic mines and spends his days protecting and preserving them. As the property owner, he can legally deny access to anyone or quite frankly, everyone. But he doesn’t.We drove to the property with no expectations but hopeful to at least see a gated adit. We had no idea we would be greeted warmly and offered a guided tour by a one-legged ex-lawman and his mischievous puppy Cleopatra.Ross’s passion is only exceeded by his desire to ensure our grandchildren can see the mines without graffiti, vandalism or unsafely picked clean.If you’d like more than just reading about the desert mines of the late 1800’s. Here’s your chance to immerse in history and the ingenuity of those who carved it out of the harsh desert.We were blessed with six hours of Ross’s companionship, knowledge and touring of the mines. Ross has an asking donation amount that goes 100% to the preservation of the mines (he lives off his law enforcement pension) that is more than fair. If you can muster $40 to $50 a person, you WILL NOT regret your contribution towards the purchase of timber, cribbing and site stabilization resources.If you are a mining enthusiast, railroad enthusiast (TNT RR), geologist, engineer, preservationist, educator, history buff or simply looking for a truly one of a kind testimony to the past, I strongly recommend visiting with Ross at Tecopa Mines. We got lucky that he was available as we had no reservations but hey, give him a call or drop him an email. You will be 100% satisfied, I promise!

Linda K

2024-04

The best mine tours are here in Tecopa. Especially the Adventure tour but all are very good and informative. Lots of history here. Pictures are from Noonday mine.

Jen B

2024-03

Tomb raider check. Indiana jones check. This is no mine tour. This is an adventure. If you want to be taking back in time and you love rocks, this is the place for you.

Bob Steingass

2024-02

This is truly an amazing piece of history to experience firsthand. Be sure to checkout the Tecopa Mines YouTube videos beforehand so you can appreciate these workings all the more.

Karen Sheridan

2023-05

My husband found the tecopa mines tours by accident. We wander up to the “office” and found Ross. Asked if he was available so we could take a tour. Ross and his dogs are very friendly. Took us in his mines and showed off his passion. I enjoy my visit, which is saying a lot coming from a “Karen”.

David Covington

2023-08

I'm giving this place a 5 star review just to help offset Cameron's one star review. I can't stand it when people review like this. Take some time to look at Cameron's other reviews and you get the picture. I've done some research on the Tecopa mines and have plans to visit in the fall.Attention Cameron ! I'm asking you to remove your review. Please.

Robin Bell

2024-04

Love what Ross is doing to restore everything authentic

Adam Mizban

2023-05

Ross is the man!!!Come visit and get a tour of the greatest mines in all of the California desert!Check out Tecopa Mines on YouTube and see what's in-store!

Tim McNew

2023-11

Lots to see and do if you're into history and helping preserve it for future generations.

jeff morse

2023-06

Was fortunate enough to learn about the mines from Wonderhussy and be introduced to Ross

David Castater

2023-05

Just watched the wonderhussy video. You are a really nice guy and have a great property

Jeanette Rutherford

2023-05

Awesome place to visit and get a tour 😃

Frank Onolfi

2023-05

Great tour