Chloride Mining Town, Arizona 2004
Date: 4/19/2004
Trail Time: 2-3 Hours
Location: Chloride, NW Arizona, east of US highway 93 on County road 125. The turnoff is about 18 miles north of Kingman
Mapping / GPS / Waypoint File: .gif Map Image (main) / .MPS (Mapsource) Track File / .TXT Waypoint and Track
Trail Rating (1-5 scale): 2.5 (Note: There are a few challenges after the murals that will test longer wheelbase, or low clearance vehicles. Use a spotter if you lack experience.)
Major Obstacle: There is a crossed axle washout just after the murals that will test the vehicle and driver. There are no obstacles that are more challenging than this further up the trail.
Brush (minor, moderate, severe): Minor
Scenic Value (1-5 scale): 3: There are some nice views from the higher elevations, and the mining remains add to the experience and scenic value.
Attendees:
Scott Brady- 2004 Toyota Tacoma TRD Double Cab
This proved to be an interesting adventure, with varied scenery and driving. The town of Chloride (Founded 1862) is just west, and at the base of the Cerbat Mountains, with more than a dozen mine remains within 5 miles of the town. While the town has lost much of its original character in the effort to relieve tourists of their gold, it is an interesting study none the less. The majority of activity and businesses are confined to Chloride Road that runs through the center of town. Several small shops and Antique stores are present, along with a few metalworkers and the historical Society.
I little more than drive through town, and was soon on my way east towards Roy Purcell murals and the mines of the Cerbat's.
A view of the Cerbat Range and the "C" of Chloride,
The old Chloride Gas Station along 125/Chloride Road.
After leaving town and crossing the cattle guard (N35 24.912 W114 11.390 NAD83). the road turns to dirt and crosses a wash. There os adequate signage to the murals.
You pass a grave of "Flag" the dog along the way.
The scenery as you leave town is nice, with large rock gardens spotting the hills.
Roy Purcell lived in Chloride during the 1960's working as a miner. During that time he painted the 2,000 square foot mural called "The Journey". Although I have mixed feelings about the work (mostly because of its proximity to ancient petroglyphs), it is an interesting study.
Another "panel" of the mural.
Native American petroglyphs are present in the area as well, and are much more appealing to the explorer.
A view looking back towards the murals, and the town of Chloride.
Another somewhat challenging portion of the trail for a stock vehicle.
The first mine remains that you encounter along the trail include a well-preserved chute and rail trestle.
The condition of the mining remains makes you think about how life might have been for these miners when the rail trestle was built.
The Rainbow Mine was the end of the trail for me. That was my turn-around point.
