I was somewhat skeptical when hearing about the caves of Dublin Gulch. I had passed by this way once before, on the way back from Death Valley. I had no idea what type of irishmen had inhabited these parts of the desert near Shoshone Junction. They had to be risk takers. To live and mine in a desert, you would have to be someone who goes from broke. It was either going to be an interesting desert hike, or it would be a bust. I love old ruins, and architecture, so for me this seemed like a must see.
You would have to be a hardy individual to make your way in this part of the world. To think people lived in caves here, in these parched desert hills seems like something out of a fairytale. In either direction here is desert. With no cell service, you must have a map downloaded before you go.
I pulled off of Highway 127 at the Shoshone Junction, and reached the trailhead, after parking along the dirt road. There is no parking lot, and the sign was tough to make out, which read Dublin Gulch.
Before long, I began to spot the caves in the side of the rock plateau. The insulating factor of these caves, and orientation to the sun, provided needed relief from the desert heat for those who worked in mines. They were used to being surrounded by rock after all. Most of the dwellings would be just a quarter-mile up the road, so this is not a tough hike, and most hikers can easily access these caves.
There was no garbage dump back then, except the one several yards from your door. These tin cans are slowly succumbing to the effects of sun, wind, and extreme dryness.
If you called this a veranda, or a front yard, it would be a stretch.
Some of the save homes had doors, and some were locked shut. I was able to take a peek inside a few of them, through the wire mesh screens.
Once brightly painted doors, were not faded and grey, with slight hints of color remaining.
The outhouse, of corrugated metal, would have put you in the hot seat of a 100 degree day, while sweltering inside.
If you ever had a fantasy of living like the Flintstones, you may have enjoyed living here Dublin Gulch.
But mostly, I just enjoyed the landscape here, rugged and peaceful, strewn with occasional remnants of the past, and eerily quiet, as are most places out this way.
I explored around on this cool Mid-February day. The winter months of January and February are prime time for desert exploring.
I walked up, down, and around the small hills. I hiked the winding trails through the sandy terrain and shrubs. I hiked up to a mesa, and turned around, instead of doing the loop. It would be easy to get lost in the midst of all this, so I was glad to have a map already downloaded.
If you’re here exploring the area around Death Valley, this is an interesting short detour. I only hiked about 3.5 miles, and it is not necessary to do the whole loop as indicated, to enjoy taking a peek into California mining history.
The History of the Gulch
These are thought to be constructed around “1870” which is carved near one dwelling, and they remained inhabited until the mid-1970s. Several notable people are said to have visited these caves or stayed in them over the years. A Death Valley prospector named Frank “Shorty” Harris is said to have lived in Dublin Gulch. Why it is called a gulch, I am not sure, other than that is proper mining speak for things.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!Follow my Journey…@serafinabenjaminYoutubeBe sure to Like and Subscribe to My Youtube Channel where I post videos!Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2025 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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