Entry No. 50 — the Las Vegas file — filed under: history

Columbia Mine

Established in 1886 within the Goodsprings Mining District, the Columbia Mine was a notable producer of copper, lead, and zinc. Today, the desert site features several abandoned adits, a large inclined shaft, and massive open stopes. Visitors can still spot vibrant green malachite and blue azurite veins running through the surface rocks and tailings piles.

The move: Hike along the rugged desert trails near Sandy Valley Road to safely photograph the colorful tailings piles and search for surface minerals like malachite from a safe distance.

📍 Before you go The mine contains dangerous open shafts and unstable underground workings with 'Stay Out. Stay Alive' warnings, and the surrounding land is privately owned, though the exterior and geology can be viewed from nearby public trails.

• 📍 Columbia Mine
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Columbia Mine, Nevada 89019, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: vegasunderworld.com · westernmininghistory.com

last checked: 2026-07-20