Copper Globe Trailhead

About this campground

The Copper Globe mining area provides visitors with an opportunity to explore standing structures and features associated with a historic mine in operation from 1900-1905. While no copper was actually successfully smelted due to the low quality of the ore, the tale of the site is interesting in itself. Features at the site include a 75’ foot pile of logs used to fire the smelter, mining cabins, mine tunnels, and a water cistern. Just before the site is a grave marker of a sheep header who was murdered by members of the robbers roost gang. Visitors to the site enjoy exploring and photographing the mining site and structures and hiking the number of trails which wind though the area. The site is located in a remote part of the San Rafael desert over a rough and dusty road. Remember to bring enough water and supplies for your time at the site. While the large pile of lumber may tempt you, please do not collect any of the wood for any reason, including for fires, as the pile is an important feature of the site.