Newfoundland Mountains
Box Elder County, Utah
Page One of Two

As the mining boom of the American West took hold, people flocked, with dollar signs in their eyes, to even the most remote, unforgiving places in the West. The Newfoundland Mountains were no exception. Despite the remote location, inhospitable topography, dry, salt-laden wind, and scant wildlife, people came. They lived here under the harshest of conditions. The list of reasons not to settle here could go on for pages. But the list of reasons to visit the Newfoundland Mountain Range today is equally compelling.

We met up with Mike Tomany, our guide for the day, at Locomotive Springs on the north shore of the Great Salt Lake. He pulled into camp at 9:00 AM. After rolling up the tent and loading our wares into the truck, we followed him and Jeff, his traveling companion, through some 80 miles of spectacular desert scenery, through the ghost town of Kelton and south through the Hogup Mountains. We stopped at a few sites along the way to learn interesting historical and geographical factoids.

We finally hit the rails at Hogup and drove west in a straight line headed for the Newfoundland Mountains.

Our first stop in the range was Mike's favorite camping spot, a strange collection of granite outcroppings at the northern terminus of the range. Taken by the spectacular formations, the four of us were hundreds of feet above our vehicles within minutes of our arrival. After returning from our climb, Ryan and I decided to claim the place as our camp for the next two nights.

The following few photos show only partially how surreal this landscape is.

A closeup of the rock reveals odd "pock-marks".

As we climed, the "pores" began to look more and more like caves.

And before long, we were crawling and walking through hollowed out boulders.

The Newfoundland Range is an oddity indeed. Given better vehicle access, this might be a well-traveled place for climbers and outdoor-enthusiasts of all breeds. As it is, access is limited to an easily-missed entry point from the railroad's right of way at the north end of the range, preceded by a long trip over miles of marginal dirt roads. On previous outings in this part of Utah we have learned the value of being prepared with not one, but two spare tires. We lucked out this time around with no tire incidents, but suggest over-preparing to anyone venturing out.

A hollowed out boulder not far from our camp spot had obviously looked ideal to others over the years. Complete wth a table, smooth, flat surfaces on which to lay bedding, and a fire pit with a natural chimney at the back of the cave, it's only drawback was a bit of a hike for us to carry our equipment and provisions that had already been unloaded from the truck down below.

Mike Tomany has actively explored the Newfoundland Mountains for over two decades.

After "refueling" and rehydrating, we returned to the vehicles for the next adventure--Miner's Basin.

Around the north tip of the range and south a few miles down the west side was a fairly unassuming road leading off into the hills. It wasn't long, however, before we were in 4wd taking it slow--not for steepness or lack of traction as much as for knowing how unpleasant it would be to change a tire here. Negotiating the spear-like rocks in the road made us glad to have Mike leading the way. We were soon high above the basin at a remote silver mining camp we found as perplexing as the view was spectacular.

What could be worth so much that you would come all the way out here, build a house of stone, haul in a 12 ton steam engine and dig dozens of mines in the rocky cliffs of the Newfoundlands? Not to mention that they had none of the modern machinery to mine, or get the equipment there and the silver out... Strange indeed, but it makes for a fascinating place to visit.

Mike and Ryan spotted a rat in the mine.

After spending a couple good hours at Miner's Basin, Ryan and Mike having a look about in some mines, we were pooped. Mike had already been high centered twice; we had hiked more than our winter-fattened bodies were ready to handle in one day, and were starting to look forward to some cold drinks, dinner, and bed. Mike guided us back to our camp and departed for Brigham City. Without Mike, we might not have been adventurous enough to make the trek to Miner's Basin. We are indebted to him for his hospitality, energy and kindness in showing us parts of this spectacular range.

Look closely for our tent (left center).

Writing on the side of a rock indicating someone might have spent time here in 1895. We can't verify its authenticity, but it looked convincing.

View east from our camp as evening approaches.

View south from our camp as evening approaches.

The next day would prove to be equally adventurous and rewarding. Click here to continue.

Return to Main Page

© desertislands.org | All Rights Reserved.