Last Chance Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Last Chance Canyon
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The canyon near Cudahy Camp
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Johannesburg, California |
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| Area | 70,528 acres (28,542 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000225 |
| Added to NRHP | December 5, 1972 |
Last Chance Canyon is an amazing natural area in the El Paso Mountains of California. It's located near a town called Johannesburg. This long canyon stretches from Saltdale in the south all the way to Black Mountain in the north. Part of this special place is even inside Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Last Chance Canyon is full of history and natural beauty. You can find many ancient sites here. These include pictographs (rock paintings), old villages, and rock shelters where people once lived. There are also places where ancient people made tools or processed food, like mills and quarries. More recently, the canyon was home to historic gold mining camps.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management takes care of the canyon. This means it's open for everyone to enjoy! You can go hiking, camping, or explore the area with 4-wheel drive vehicles. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures.
Contents
A Journey Through Time
Last Chance Canyon is like a giant outdoor museum. It holds many clues about people who lived here long ago.
Ancient Life and Art
Imagine people living in this canyon thousands of years ago! They left behind amazing things.
- Pictographs: These are colorful drawings painted on rocks. They tell stories or show important events from the past.
- Villages: You can find the remains of old villages. These show where groups of people lived together.
- Rock Shelters: These natural caves or overhangs in the rocks offered protection from the weather. People used them as homes.
- Mills and Quarries: Ancient people used these sites to grind plants for food or to get special rocks for making tools.
The Gold Rush Era
Later, in more recent history, Last Chance Canyon became a busy place for gold miners.
- Gold Mining Camps: People came here hoping to find gold. They set up camps with cabins and workshops.
- Hard Work: Miners worked hard to find gold, often digging in the ground or sifting through riverbeds.
- Historic Sites: You can still see signs of these old mining operations today. They remind us of the exciting, tough times of the California Gold Rush.
Exploring the Canyon Today
Last Chance Canyon is a fantastic place for outdoor activities. The Bureau of Land Management makes sure it's safe and open for visitors.
Fun Activities
- Hiking: There are many trails to explore on foot. You can see amazing rock formations and learn about the plants and animals.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars! Camping in the canyon is a great way to experience nature.
- 4-Wheel Driving: If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can explore more remote parts of the canyon on designated trails. It's an exciting way to see the landscape.
Protecting This Special Place
Because Last Chance Canyon is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 5, 1972. This means it's recognized as a place with significant historical value. It helps make sure the canyon and its treasures are protected for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Gallery
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Cabin at Bickel Camp
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Workshop at Bickel Camp
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Otto Adams' gold mining claim
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South end of the canyon
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The canyon near Cudahy Camp
