California Central (San Joaquin) Valley

At the point where you see these tailings pile, the pavement stops and there is a very steep climb on loose gravel. Considering that I hadn't seen anyone for an hour, I didn't want to risk having car problems so started hiking further on foot. At this point there was no sign of any structures and there wasn't for about 5 minutes more of walking.

The first sign of any structures for the mine or community of New Idria.

More of the initial signs of structures for the community. I knew that asbestos had been mined at the site and that asbestos dust could be a problem, so I decided to not venture off the road.

Surprising, considering that the nearby areas are known to be conservative, to see "Sierra Club Rules" as graffiti on an abandoned building. The sign on the utility pole at the corner of the building says "No Parking, Camping, Loitering, Stoping [sic] next 3 miles." Since I was already there, I figured it was too late to worry about violating it. Besides, I kept walking and so wasn't loitering or 'stoping.' This appears to have been a store.

Abandoned, and falling down, homes near the store.

New Idria welcome sign!

One of multiple pictures of the former furnace. The closest that you could get to the furnace was this point in the road. The fencing here is related to the Superfund status (see later picture).

More abandoned housing, but behind the Superfund fence here.

Sign indicating that parts of New Idria are a superfund site. Though the sign specified mercury contamination, asbestos was also mined there.

Looking down at the former furnace from a point in the upper parts of the community.

Housing near the furnace.

"I adore you", graffiti on some sort of shelter that looks like a bus stop, near the mine housing.

The furnace, from above.

Rock wall below mine housing, a basketball hoop, and slag heap.

The furnace at New Idria. There are multiple websites describing the furnace (just search on New Idria mine). Per one site, the furnace building was constructed in 1918.

The furnace at New Idria. There are multiple websites describing the furnace (just search on New Idria mine). Per one site, the furnace building was constructed in 1918.

The furnace at New Idria, which was apparently constructed in 1918. From the looks of the concrete in this and adjacent pictures, it appears to have either had an addition or remodeling at some later point.

The furnace at New Idria, which was apparently constructed in 1918. From the looks of the concrete in this and adjacent pictures, it appears to have either had an addition or remodeling at some later point.