May 25, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
ParkCalifornia, US
Skidoo
Skidoo is a remarkable ghost town nestled high in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park.
About
Skidoo is a remarkable ghost town nestled high in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park. Once a thriving gold mining camp, it stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of early 20th-century prospectors who sought fortune in the arid desert. It offers visitors a tangible connection to a bygone era, surrounded by breathtaking, stark desert landscapes.
The most prominent and impressive remaining structure is the Skidoo Stamp Mill, a unique water-powered facility built on a steep hillside that processed gold ore using a gravity-feed system. Visitors can also trace the remnants of the monumental 23-mile pipeline that supplied water to the mill from Telescope Peak, an engineering marvel for its time. Scattered mining equipment, abandoned mine shafts (to be viewed from a safe distance), and the panoramic views of Death Valley itself provide a rich tapestry for exploration and photography.
Visiting Skidoo is more than just seeing ruins; it's an immersive experience that transports you to a time of dreams, hardships, and raw determination. The dramatic scenery, coupled with the tangible history of a place that once pulsed with life, makes it an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking a unique adventure in the heart of Death Valley. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.
Skidoo's story began in 1906 when two prospectors, John Ramsey and John "One Eye" Thompson, stumbled upon gold-bearing ledges in the Panamint Range after being disoriented by a rare fog. This discovery quickly led to the establishment of a boomtown that, by 1907, boasted a population of around 700 residents, complete with amenities like a newspaper, bank, school, and telephone service. Initially named "23 Skidoo" after a popular slang term of the era, the "23" was dropped by the postal service, leaving it simply "Skidoo". The town's success was largely due to the Skidoo Mine, which produced approximately 75,000 ounces of gold, valued at over $1.5 million at the time, between 1906 and 1917. A remarkable engineering feat, a 23-mile pipeline, was constructed to bring water from Telescope Peak to power the fifteen-stamp amalgamation and cyanide mill, making it the only water-powered mill in the Death Valley area. However, by September 1917, the rich gold vein reportedly "pinched out," leading to the mine's permanent closure and the town's swift decline. Although there were sporadic mining activities in the decades that followed, the boomtown era of Skidoo had ended, leaving behind the remnants visible today.
What to do here
Explore the impressive stamp mill structure (from a safe distance due to structural integrity concerns), photograph the relics of the mining operation, walk the faint traces of the townsite, and enjoy the expansive desert views. Drive carefully along the unpaved road, stopping to appreciate the unique geological formations and potential desert flora.
Seasonal info
Winter offers pleasant hiking weather. Spring may bring desert wildflowers. Summer presents extreme heat dangers. Always check weather forecasts before visiting.
Accessibility
The road to Skidoo is unpaved and requires a high-clearance vehicle, with 4WD often recommended. The final 600 feet to the stamp mill is typically an easy walk after reaching the gated road end. The old townsite has no remaining structures but an interpretive sign marks its location.
Don't miss
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The Skidoo Stamp Mill, the visible scar of the 23-mile water pipeline, scattered mining equipment, and the interpretive sign at the original townsite.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Vehicle Preparation
Ensure your vehicle is high-clearance, and preferably 4WD, as the road to Skidoo is unpaved, rocky, and can be challenging.
Water and Supplies
Bring ample water, snacks, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) as there are no services available.
Safety First
Stay on marked paths and exercise extreme caution around any mine shafts or old structures, as they can be unstable and dangerous. Do not enter old mines.
Weather Awareness
Check Death Valley weather forecasts before you go, especially outside of the peak winter season, to avoid extreme heat or unexpected desert storms.
Navigation
Carry a detailed map and/or a GPS device, and let someone know your itinerary due to the remote nature of the location.
Leave No Trace
Respect the historical site and the natural environment by taking all trash with you and leaving artifacts undisturbed for future visitors.
Frequently asked questions
- While the original wooden buildings of Skidoo ghost town have largely vanished, visitors can still explore the impressive Skidoo Stamp Mill, which is the most intact remaining structure. You can also find remnants of the 23-mile water pipeline, scattered pieces of old mining equipment, and numerous mine shafts in the surrounding hills (which should be viewed from a safe distance). An interpretive sign marks the original townsite.
- The Skidoo Mine was highly productive for its time. Between 1906 and 1917, it yielded approximately 75,000 ounces of gold, which was valued at over $1.5 million at $20 per ounce. This made Skidoo one of the most productive gold camps in California.
- The 23-mile water pipeline at Skidoo was a phenomenal engineering feat, especially given the harsh desert environment. It was crucial because it supplied water from Telescope Peak to power the Skidoo Stamp Mill, making it the only water-powered milling plant in the Death Valley area. The pipeline allowed for efficient gold extraction using a gravity-feed system and is a testament to the innovative solutions employed by miners in challenging conditions.
Recent snaps at this place
May 25, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 25, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 25, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 25, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Aaron Liston, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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