Nadeau Magnolia Mine

Nadeau Magnolia Mine is the site of a former gold tungsten mine set at an elevation of 3100' in the southern Sierra range.

Reached via a 6 mile rough 4WD road from Highway 14, the mine site, though relatively quiet, continues to be a hub of sorts of activity. While not much information has been documented on the modest site, the arid environs and its locale in a sparsely populated corner of California have preserved the site and many of the ruins that remain standing onsite.

BLM volunteers have provided signage, as well as maintaining three primitive BLM camp sites spread throughout the old mining property. They've also marked and maintained trails, one of which climbs to the opening of the mine shaft on the mountainside, another of which traces the route of a mostly quiet stream to the old spring which provided the miners with their water, and another trail climbs the exposed mountainside to join with the Pacific Crest Trail.

Within the Nadeau Magnolia mining site are smaller trails that cut the old road up to the mine shaft, several picnic tables, some old structures, and the remains of old machinery and vehicles that once helped the mine in gold production. With the upkeep being to simply try to stall the effects of the passage of time on a place that was never built with long term preservation in mind, there are plenty of hazards throughout the site. However if exploring cautiously, there are many different aspects of the area's history that reveal themselves the more you look down each turn or wander down each faint footpath.

The area is frequently used by target shooters, so expect to see and hear them, and be extremely cautious if exploring beyond the primary dirt roads.

There are no amenities of any kind at the mine site. While the higher elevation keeps the air cooler than at the base of the mountains below, most of the area is exposed. Visitors should bring plenty of water and plan accordingly. Keep a close eye on children or pets if straying from the main dirt road.

Three designated camp sites are at the mine site, each with a picnic bench and fire pit. Campo Alto is off of a trail high above even the mine shafts, and is a beautiful spot for those seeking the ultimate overnight camp in this desolate mountain country. There are no fees to camp.

At the end of your visit (or to pick up some to go refreshments on the drive up), consider a stop at Indian Wells Brewing Company who brew their own beer and sodas from a natural spring on their property.