Harmony Borax Mine and Museum

GPS coordinates: 36.48003, -116.87335 (36° 28′ 48.1″N 116° 52′ 24.1W)

This is an outdoor museum preserved naturally by the Death Valley’s unique atmosphere. The Harmony Borax mining and processing plant and the carrying wagon are left as is in the open for the visitors to come to see.

A short quarter mile loop/walk is all it takes to go around to visit the Borax Mine and learn about and see a window into the mine’s past. As you walk along the paved loop, you will see numerous illustration panels tell the story of the site’s past.

Harmony Borax Works was constructed to mine Borax, also called White Gold, by the miners in the late 1800’s. Borax was mined heavily in and around this area. The processed pallets were then shipped using several twenty-mule team wagon towards the Kelso train depot, which is now the visitor’s center for Mojave National Preserve. This was roughly about 170 miles to the south. One of the wagon that was used at that time still stands here.

You can also see a few ruins of buildings along the Mustard Canyon Drive just outside the parking lot. It’s interesting to see how these buildings are preserved and still stands there even in the harshest weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit / Photograph

The best time to visit this spot point is during sunrise and sunset and at night. Also, this is an ideal spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Occasionally you will see the lights from the passing by cars at a distance at night. If you are on a rush and want to cover more areas then any time of the day will work.

Recommended Camera Gear

• Digital Camera with Ultrawide or Normal to Mid-Range Zoom Lens
• Cable shutter release or Remote Shutter Release
• Neutral Density filters and polarizers
• Star tracker unit for Astrophotography / Telescope for stargazing
• Steady Tripod
• High powered flashlight for light painting and regular night time use

Other Recommendations

• Layered clothing to adapt to the changing weather or pack a sweater or windbreaker
• Carry plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself full and hydrated
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Headlamps and portable battery packs to keep your electronics charged
• Ball cap to protect your head from the heat

How to get there

From Furnace Creek drive north on highway 190. After 1.5 miles turn left on Borax Mine Road. Park in the lot at the start of the paved loop.

Place to Stay

There are plenty of campsites in and around Furnace Creek, all available on a first come first serve basis. You can book your campsite at the Visitors Center or use the Campsite Kiosk. You have Furnace Creek Campground, Texas Springs Campground and Sunset Campground with decent facilities.

Pictorial Highlights from this place…

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