Old mining towns- Photography

Old mining towns

Welcome to part two of a spring sunday drive, mining town edition. Click here for part one.

As we travel through the back highways the topography changes dramatically. Cactus and hills begin to include canyons and steep cliffs. Variations of color paint the hillsides, giving clues to the industry hidden behind the peaks.

Mining has a history in Arizona, and in this region silver was the original find, but copper became king.  It is still mined here today.

 

copper mine arizona

 

abandoned motel sign

 

abandoned gas station mining town

 

There is stunning scenery as you head through the hills. Purples, copper, yellows, greens and golds are made brilliant by the late afternoon sun.

One thing notable about these old mining towns– while there seems to be much lack, there shines an abundance of wealth in community pride. Hints of defiance against struggle are treasures among the worn and weary, for those who stop to notice.  To seek them out.

 

native american mural mining town

 

abandoned mining town

 

abandoned church mining town

 

bird in abandoned building

 

wooden door in abandoned building

 

shadows on boardwalk in mining town

 

abandoned buildings in mining town

 

old building in mining town

 

native american mural mining town

 

hillside houses in old mining town

 

church bell in mining town

 

abandoned market sign in mining town

 

landscape view of copper mines in arizona

 

orange flowers desert landscape

 

Stopping to look at this rocky outpost, you’d never know there is a steep canyon below! This runs along the ridge of a dry creek bed, and is a favorite spot for rock climbing.

See the person below? I put more pictures than normal, because these aren’t normal times. Let’s keep traveling…

 

graffiti on canyon rock

 

rock climber on cliff face

 

rock climber on cliff face

 

corner street sign in mining town

 

abandoned bar in mining town

 

abandoned store in mining town

 

basketball court in mining town

 

mural of Superior arizona

 

metal cowboy statue on fence

 

metal horse statue on fence

 

cattle chute against desert mountain

 

cattle fence landscape

 

desert landscape of mountains and cactus in spring

 

desert landscape of spring cactus

 

spring flowers on cactus landscape

 

cow in desert

 

cows in desert pasture

 

american flag against blue sky

 

What a day! About 8 hours exploring, and finally back home safely in my neighborhood. I truly hope you enjoyed this trip with me, because every shot was for you. To encourage you while you shelter at home. Bless your and your loved ones.

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2 Comments

  1. Christa, I loved every moment of this wonderful trip and will re-visit it a few times more in the days to come. I loved Arizona when I lived there, though it was only for a year or so, and this really stirred up memories for me. I want to move back!!!!! I’m afraid that, at 89, I would not be quite up to the hiking I did as you are doing now though, so will just enjoy the memories and be happy that you revived them for me! Absolutely stunning shots!!!!
    Thank you!

  2. Oh, Christa, these photos are stunning! You have such a gift of capturing the things that go unnoticed. Keep it up. I’m proud of you!

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