Entry No. 38 — the Salt Lake City file — filed under: abandoned-mine

Maxfield Mine

Discovered in 1872 in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Maxfield Mine was a highly productive lead and silver operation that yielded over $1 million in ore by the early 20th century. Today, the mine's tunnels are completely caved in and blasted shut, leaving only a water-flowing portal and extensive tailings piles along Mill A Gulch. The site is now a popular destination for rockhounds searching for quartz and pyrite crystals among the historic debris.

The move: Park at the Mill A trailhead and take a short, scenic hike up the gulch to search for quartz and pyrite crystals in the historic tailings piles.

📍 Before you go The mine tunnels themselves are completely caved in, blasted shut, and extremely dangerous, but the surrounding tailings piles are legally accessible for hiking and rockhounding.

• 📍 Salt Lake City
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: westernmininghistory.com · pocketmags.com

last checked: 2026-07-20