Tumco Townsite Loop

Trail Overview

This trail leads past a very popular winter camping area near the abandoned townsite of Tumco. The townsite is closed to all vehicle traffic but can be explored on foot. Take some time to walk around and explore if abandoned mining towns are your jam. There's a 1.5-mile self-guided tour with informational signs. Pack lots of water and look for rattlesnakes in the warmer months. The rest of the driving trail is a loop and heads across the hills past some great spots to dispersed camp. A few small to medium-sized rock gardens will head into tight turns with ironwood trees waiting to scratch your paint. There are some moderate little hills to drive as you cross the washes. There's a small section of tight trees to navigate through to get out that will also happily go after that clear coat. Mineshafts can be found in the area to explore. Please explore safely and from a distance. A few bars of Verizon 5G fade in and out.

Photos of Tumco Townsite Loop

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Difficulty

Multiple sharp and bumpy rocks gardens on this trail. Airing down tires is highly recommended for the rock gardens to prevent a flat or sidewall puncture. Tight narrow areas with dense trees to weave through, would be difficult for larger 4x4 vehicles. Short steep transitions into and out of sandy washes. SUV accessible from Highway to Tumco Mine site, would not recommend SUVs travel the trail beyond the main parking area where the kiosks are.

History

"Tumco is an abandoned gold mining town. It has a history spanning some 300 years, with several periods of boom and bust. The town was completely abandoned in 1905, victim to speculative over-expansion and increasing debt. 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." - BLM.gov

Technical Rating