Grand Canyon, Orphan Mine

[antrtic]

I have wanted to explore the Orphan Mine at the Grand Canyon for some time... you can see the vertical opening below the Powell Point viewing area, and there is an entrance below the rim tower (about 100-150 feet). (still covered in snow last weekend)

Anyone done this or have any info about it. The vertical shaft is about 1500 feet, but there must be some horizontal? (Being in a national park may make it a little tricky!)

Thanks for any info.

Bill

[L Roebuck]

Hey Bill,

I have visited just one mine and it was a Tennessee limestone mine. Guess you can tell I'm a caver not a miner.

The National Park Service has information about the Orphan Mine Site as well as contact info at www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/upload/orphan1.pdf

Hope this helps?

[Azurerana]

antrtic said:

Anyone done this or have any info about it. The vertical shaft is about 1500 feet, but there must be some horizontal? (Being in a national park may make it a little tricky!)
Thanks for any info.
Bill

Being as the area is off limits because it is radioactively *hot* makes it even trickier. If it weren't in a national park, it would be a Superfund site already. Of course, if you don't care about having children, I guess it's OK.

Seriously, with all the cool places at GCNP, and you pick the 'hottest' one there? Take your lead-lined undies and a geiger counter, please.