Bird's eye view of the campground

Drive-In Group Site

Group Canoe Camp

Bird's eye view of the park

Picacho SRA

This is a popular area for camping, fishing, desert exploring and river
running. The area also has a group camping area (50 person), a group boat-in
area (50 person), and three individual boat-in camp areas. There are 5 ramadas
and 2 large picnic areas as well. Restroom facilities include showers. There
are 5 campgrounds and two 2-lane boat launch ramps. Birdwatching, small game
hunting for quail, doves, and ducks, and sportfishing are among other favorite
activities at this recreation area.

This is a popular area for camping, fishing, desert exploring and river running.  The area also has a group camping area (50 person), a group boat-in area (50 person), and three individual boat-in camp areas.  There are 5 ramadas and 2 large picnic areas as well.  Restroom facilities include showers.  There are 5 campgrounds and two 2-lane boat launch ramps.  Birdwatching, small game hunting for quail, doves, and ducks, and sportfishing are among other favorite activities at this recreation area.

View of the historic Kettle Falls Hotel

Water flows through the Kettle Falls Dam

Imperial Reservoir Area:  Picacho State Recreation Area

The Little Picacho Wilderness now contains a total of 38,214 acres and is
managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the
state of California. In 1994 the Little Picacho Wilderness became part of the
now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In
wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing
population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use
Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique
natural and experiential qualities.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The Little Picacho Wilderness now contains a total of 38,214 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Little Picacho Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Little Picacho Wilderness

The Picacho Peak Wilderness now contains a total of 8,858 acres and is managed
by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of
California. In 1994 the Picacho Peak Wilderness became part of the now over
109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you
can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities
for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing population, accompanied by
expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..."_ you play an important
role in helping to _"...secure for the American people of present and future
generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for
by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in
place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure
protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The Picacho Peak Wilderness now contains a total of 8,858 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Picacho Peak Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Picacho Peak Wilderness

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 8685 on
February 14, 1941. The 25,768-acre refuge protects 30 miles of wildlife
habitat along the lower Colorado River.

In 1938, Imperial Dam was completed on the river north of Yuma, Arizona. The
waters stored behind the dam formed numerous backwaters and marsh areas along
the edges of the river. These wetlands provided excellent resting, feeding,
and nesting habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.
Serving as a boundary between Arizona and California, this portion of the
river includes the last un-channelized section before its waters enter Mexico.
The river and its associated backwater lakes and wetlands are a green oasis
and a significant contrast with the surrounding desert mountains.  
  
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect these wetland
habitats. It includes more than 15,000 acres of federally designated
wilderness and is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national
network of lands and waters set aside for the benefit of wildlife, habitat and
you.

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 8685 on February 14, 1941. The 25,768-acre refuge protects 30 miles of wildlife habitat along the lower Colorado River.  In 1938, Imperial Dam was completed on the river north of Yuma, Arizona. The waters stored behind the dam formed numerous backwaters and marsh areas along the edges of the river. These wetlands provided excellent resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Serving as a boundary between Arizona and California, this portion of the river includes the last un-channelized section before its waters enter Mexico. The river and its associated backwater lakes and wetlands are a green oasis and a significant contrast with the surrounding desert mountains.    Imperial National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect these wetland habitats. It includes more than 15,000 acres of federally designated wilderness and is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national network of lands and waters set aside for the benefit of wildlife, habitat and you.

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

The Indian Pass Wilderness now contains a total of 32,418 acres and is managed
by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of
California. In 1994 the Indian Pass Wilderness became part of the now over 109
million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can
enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for
solitude. In an age of _"...increasing population, accompanied by expanding
settlement and growing mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in
helping to _"...secure for the American people of present and future
generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for
by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in
place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure
protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The Indian Pass Wilderness now contains a total of 32,418 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California. In 1994 the Indian Pass Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Indian Pass Wilderness

Day use parking and boat ramp on a water storage reservoir near Imperial Dam
in California. This site provides opportunities for picnics, swimming,
fishing, boating, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Wildlife species include
waterfowl, shore birds, coyotes, quail, and reptiles. The site also provides
access by boat to camping areas at Senator Wash North Shore and Senator Wash
South Shore. Use is limited to day use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are no
lifeguards at the swimming area. Other rules are posted or available from on-
site host. The site does not have boat access to the Colorado River. A valid
Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona.

## Draft Recreation Business Plan Fee Proposal

To continue providing a quality recreational experience on public lands, the
Bureau of Land Management has issued a draft business plan fee proposal for
this site, in addition to other BLM-managed recreation sites across Arizona.
The BLM wants to hear from you about these draft business plans. Visit the
Recreation Business Plan webpage or our announcement for more information
about how to share your input by October 21.

Day use parking and boat ramp on a water storage reservoir near Imperial Dam in California. This site provides opportunities for picnics, swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Wildlife species include waterfowl, shore birds, coyotes, quail, and reptiles. The site also provides access by boat to camping areas at Senator Wash North Shore and Senator Wash South Shore. Use is limited to day use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are no lifeguards at the swimming area. Other rules are posted or available from on-site host. The site does not have boat access to the Colorado River. A valid Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona.

<h2>Draft Recreation Business Plan Fee Proposal</h2>

To continue providing a quality recreational experience on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a draft business plan fee proposal for this site, in addition to other BLM-managed recreation sites across Arizona. The BLM wants to hear from you about these draft business plans. Visit the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans" rel="nofollow">Recreation Business Plan webpage</a> or <a href="https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-business-plans-modernize-management-arizona-recreation" rel="nofollow">our announcement</a> for more information about how to share your input by October 21.

Senator Wash Boat Ramp Day Use Area

The Trigo Mountain Wilderness (30,300 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the
Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Trigo Mountain Wilderness became part
of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System
established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy
challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for
solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave
No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural
and experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace
principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky
Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about
how they apply. Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical
transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as
wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs),
motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the
landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more
information about regulations. The summer climate in this wilderness unit is
harsh. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are over 100 degrees.
Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30th. The terrain
in Tres Alamos Wilderness is extremely rugged. A few old vehicle ways provide
hiking routes in some places, but the most commonly used routes are the sand
washes which dissect the area. Burro trails can sometimes be located and
followed on uplands. No formal hiking trails exist in this wilderness unit.
Water is relatively scarce in this wilderness. Springs shown on topographic
maps can generally be relied upon for drinking water, but a call to the BLM
office to confirm this would be prudent. Purification of all water is a
necessity. Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally
administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not
cross or use these lands without their permission.

The Trigo Mountain Wilderness (30,300 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Trigo Mountain Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The summer climate in this wilderness unit is harsh. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are over 100 degrees. Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30th.

The terrain in Tres Alamos Wilderness is extremely rugged. A few old vehicle ways provide hiking routes in some places, but the most commonly used routes are the sand washes which dissect the area. Burro trails can sometimes be located and followed on uplands. No formal hiking trails exist in this wilderness unit.

Water is relatively scarce in this wilderness. Springs shown on topographic maps can generally be relied upon for drinking water, but a call to the BLM office to confirm this would be prudent. Purification of all water is a necessity.

Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

Trigo Mountain Wilderness

Betty's Kitchen is a wildlife interpretive area along the Colorado River just
upstream of Laguna Dam. Heavy vegetation and access to water attracts herons,
songbirds, waterfowl, and egrets.

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/bettys-kitchen-watchable-wildlife-viewing-area-and-national-recreation-trail" rel="nofollow">Betty's Kitchen</a> is a wildlife interpretive area along the Colorado River just upstream of Laguna Dam. Heavy vegetation and access to water attracts herons, songbirds, waterfowl, and egrets.

Bill Williams River Locality

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area lies in and adjacent to the floodplain of the
Colorado River between Laguna and Imperial Dams. Mittry Lake covers
approximately 750 acres, with much of the shoreline covered with cattails and
bullrush. Mittry Lake has recently undergone rehabilitation work including
marsh dredging, revegetation and fish habitat improvement, making it an ideal
location for small game hunting and sportfishing. Major species for small game
hunting include waterfowl, doves, quail, rabbit and raccoon. Major species of
fish in the lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish,
crappie, and bluegill. There are no camping facilities and the area is for day
use only. However there is a 3-lane boat launch ramp for motorized boating on
the lake. The area is also very popular for nature study and birdwatching.
More information.

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area lies in and adjacent to the floodplain of the Colorado River between <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=297" rel="nofollow">Laguna</a> and <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=150" rel="nofollow">Imperial Dams</a>. Mittry Lake covers approximately 750 acres, with much of the shoreline covered with cattails and bullrush. Mittry Lake has recently undergone rehabilitation work including marsh dredging, revegetation and fish habitat improvement, making it an ideal location for small game hunting and sportfishing. Major species for small game hunting include waterfowl, doves, quail, rabbit and raccoon. Major species of fish in the lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and bluegill. There are no camping facilities and the area is for day use only. However there is a 3-lane boat launch ramp for motorized boating on the lake. The area is also very popular for nature study and birdwatching. <a href="http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/watchable/mittry.html" rel="nofollow"> More information. </a>

Imperial Reservoir Area:  Mittry Lake Wildlife Area

The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes about 600 acres of water surface and
2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of vegetative and wildlife
species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges.
Numerous serpentine waterways connect to main lake body and make exploring by
boat a unique experience. This area is jointly managed by the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes about 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of vegetative and wildlife species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges. Numerous serpentine waterways connect to main lake body and make exploring by boat a unique experience. This area is jointly managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area

Tumco is an abandoned gold mining town and is also one of the earliest gold
mining areas in California. It has a history spanning some 300 years, with
several periods of boom and bust. Originally named Hedges, the town was
completely abandoned in 1905, victim to speculative over-expansion and
increasing debt. Renamed Tumco in 1910 -- after The United Mines Company --
another attempt to go after the gold proved just as costly.

By 1911, the diminishing prospects of the mines forced the miners and their
families to return to Yuma, signaling the end of Hedges/Tumco as a community.
Gold was first discovered by Spanish colonists as they moved northward from
Sonora, Mexico. According to legend, two young boys came into their camp one
evening with their shirts filled with gold ore. These muchachos cargados
(loaded boys) were the namesake for the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, where the
Tumco deposits occur. Following the first discovery of gold, numerous small
mines were operated by Mexican settlers for many years.

In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed the Yuma to Los Angeles line
of its transcontinental route. With the presence of the mountains, a gold rush
into the area began. This initial rush to stake mining claims soon gave way to
mining companies that moved into the area, purchased claims and developed the
mines on a large scale. A 12 mile wood pipeline pumped over 100,000 gallons of
water from the Colorado River per day, and the railroad carried mine timbers
from northern Arizona for use in the expansive underground workings.
Ultimately, over 200,000 ounces of gold was taken from the mines in the area.
Tumco was a typical mining town of its day.

Historical accounts talk of rich eastern investors, unscrupulous charlatans
and colorful characters in the raucous townsite and the mining boom ultimately
leading to financial ruin. Although little can be seen of Tumco, during the
boom time of the 1890's, it supported a population of at least 500 people and
the 40 and 100 stamp mills of the mine produced $1,000 per day in gold.

Tumco is an abandoned gold mining town and is also one of the earliest gold mining areas in California. It has a history spanning some 300 years, with several periods of boom and bust. Originally named Hedges, the town was completely abandoned in 1905, victim to speculative over-expansion and increasing debt. Renamed Tumco in 1910 -- after The United Mines Company -- another attempt to go after the gold proved just as costly.

By 1911, the diminishing prospects of the mines forced the miners and their families to return to Yuma, signaling the end of Hedges/Tumco as a community. Gold was first discovered by Spanish colonists as they moved northward from Sonora, Mexico. According to legend, two young boys came into their camp one evening with their shirts filled with gold ore. These muchachos cargados (loaded boys) were the namesake for the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, where the Tumco deposits occur. Following the first discovery of gold, numerous small mines were operated by Mexican settlers for many years.



In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed the Yuma to Los Angeles line of its transcontinental route. With the presence of the mountains, a gold rush into the area began. This initial rush to stake mining claims soon gave way to mining companies that moved into the area, purchased claims and developed the mines on a large scale. A 12 mile wood pipeline pumped over 100,000 gallons of water from the Colorado River per day, and the railroad carried mine timbers from northern Arizona for use in the expansive underground workings. Ultimately, over 200,000 ounces of gold was taken from the mines in the area. Tumco was a typical mining town of its day.

Historical accounts talk of rich eastern investors, unscrupulous charlatans and colorful characters in the raucous townsite and the mining boom ultimately leading to financial ruin. Although little can be seen of Tumco, during the boom time of the 1890's, it supported a population of at least 500 people and the 40 and 100 stamp mills of the mine produced $1,000 per day in gold.

Picacho SRA

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