Skidoo
Skidoo was Death Valley's last great gold camp, named after the slang phrase '23 Skidoo.' Its stamp
State: California
County: Inyo County
Founded: 1906
Abandoned: 1917
Peak Population: 700
Skidoo was Death Valley's last great gold camp, named after the slang phrase '23 Skidoo.' Its stamp mill was powered by water piped 23 miles from Telescope Peak—the only water-powered mill in Death Valley. Produced 75,000 ounces of gold before closing in 1917. Used as filming location for 'Greed' (1923).
Timeline
- 1906 - Gold Discovery Two miners discovered gold while en route to Harrisburg.
- 1907 - Town Founded James Arnold founded Skidoo. By March, 400-500 residents. At peak: 700 people, newspaper, bank, school, telephone line to Rhyolite.
- 1907 - The Pipeline A $250,000 pipeline brought water 23 miles from Telescope Peak, dropping 1,800 feet. It powered Death Valley's only water-powered stamp mill.
- 1906-1917 - Production Skidoo Mine produced approximately 75,000 ounces of gold, valued at over $1.5 million.
- September 1917 - Mine Closes Rich ore veins exhausted. Town abandoned.
- 1922 - Last Resident Only 'Old Tom Adams' remained.
- 1923 - Filming Used as location for 'Greed,' the first feature film made in Death Valley.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: October-April
Difficulty: Moderate - 4WD recommended
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Tips
- No original structures remain
- Stamp mill remnants visible
- Abandoned mines—stay safe
- Within Death Valley National Park
Quick Facts
- The 23-mile pipeline may have inspired the name '23 Skidoo'
- Only water-powered stamp mill in Death Valley
- First feature film shot in Death Valley ('Greed,' 1923) was filmed here
- The postal service refused '23' as part of the official name
Location
Address: Panamint Mountains, Death Valley National Park
Coordinates: 36.4167, -117.1333