| Last Chance Canyon is, first of all a gorgeous geological area with its
chocolate, yellow, pink, and red hills; and, second a fantastic gem
locality with hunting areas too numerous to mention in this book. There
are untold hours of enjoyable exploration in Last Chance Canyon for those
who like to "see what they can find." The locality featured here was
chosen because the material is very plentiful and of good quality. It is
possible to reach the palm root in a passenger car, however a 4-wheel drive
vehicle would be desirable. |
Type of material found
|
Petrified Palm Root
|
Description of material
|
Mostly dark brown agate containing som blue agate sections. Look closely
and you can see the palm root fibers and eyes as contrasting, light colored
agate in the brown. Some pieces contain much more of the palm than others.
This is a very good grade agate and it takes an excellent polish. Best
suited for jewelry.
|
Equipment needed
|
Rock pick
|
How to get there
|
The route from Highway 14 is described here as it is the
easiest to traverse. At 13.8 miles north of Mojave on left is abandoned
buildings of Hart's Place. Directly opposite Hart's Place a good dirt
road heads east off Hwy 14 across a cattle guard and out across open flat
lands. Take this road approximately 5 miles and you will pass a fairly
good sized mining operation on the right. Stay on main road which now
drops down and follows washbed to junction with Last Chance Canyon Rd.
which is 6.8 miles from turnoff at Hwy 14. From here you will view the
spectacular pink hues in the hills bordering the washbed. In the bluffs
along the road you will notice many old gold prospect holes of yesteryear.
Continue down washbed 3 miles (watch for sandy spots) to main crossroad.
(To the left is site of Cudahy Camp, once a thriving gold camp.) Turn
right .2 mile, then right again around base of hill and bear left .5 mile
toward colunmar hills. This last .5 mile is sometimes rough from winter
storms and may require 4-wheel drive. Park on level area and hike across
the narrow wash to slope of hill. The petrified palm is in float all over
slope.
|
