Eldorado Canyon and Techatticup Mine

    For 70 years men dug gold, silver, copper and lead from the Techatticup Mine. This mine and others in Eldorado Canyon yielded millions of dollars in precious metals. The mine closed in 1945 and sat abandoned until Tony and Bobbie Werly bought it and the surrounding 51 acres in 1994. A few dilapidated buildings and some old equipment sat on the site. Over the years the Werly have restored and rebuilt buildings. Self described pickers and hoarders, they’ve added a large collection of old vehicles, mining equipment, antiques and pieces of scrap which are all artistically arranged. The site is not authentic but it’s a must see for anyone interested in photographing old buildings and old cars.

    All visitors are requested to sign in at the general store. Touring the site is free but there may be a charge for photography.  For $15.00 visitors can take a guided walking tour which includes a short trip into the mine. Although the general store has a few items for sale, it’s mostly filled with antiques, artifacts, and photographs. There’s very little written historic information but I think the walking tour includes it.

   The general store is accessible. Some of the site is surfaced with hard packed fine sand and is fairly accessible. Other areas have large, loose gravel which is difficult to push through. Few of the buildings are opened to visitors and most are not accessible. The walking tour does not have any steps and may be accessible with help. We did not go on it.

    The mine is about 13 miles southeast of US 95 on Route 165 which cuts through Eldorado Canyon.  Driving along Route 165 you’ll come to the small desert town of Nelson, continue for another 1 1/2 miles to the mine site. The parking lot on the right is large enough for any RV. Route 165 dead ends with a turn around loop and overlook at the Colorado River. We did not go that far.

   The mine site is surrounded by BLM land. It starts about 5 miles in on Route 165 and continues to the mine. There are several good boondocking spots before the town of Nelson but the best spot is just west the mine. It’s large with a slight slope and great views of the mountains and the mine buildings. A small wash may make the road a bit rough but any RV should be able to make it. Mine  35.7094, -114.80394