Underground Explorers is a group of dedicated mine enthusiasts with a burning desire to explore, understand and document the incredible mining history of California.  We embark on our trips with the express purpose of thoroughly exploring our target mine, no matter how long it takes.  We regularly spend eight to twelve hours in a single mine exploring, documenting and photographing each level and drift.  We use only removable, non-destruction marking methods and always pack out our trash.  We also document depths using a mountaineering quality altimeter.   We try to take one trip a month whenever possible and typically tow a travel trailer or toy hauler for lodging.  This provides a comfortable home base and showers which are very welcome after a day underground.  For moderate terrain our 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4x4 tow vehicle does the job of transporting the group to the mine.  For more extreme terrain we have several Jeep and Land Rover 4x4 vehicles at our disposal.

We take safety seriously and employ the latest descending and ascending gear, ropes, helmets, lights and gas sensors.  Through consultation with members of the National Speleological Society we have adapted vertical caving techniques and best practices for mine exploring.  We carry a Spot emergency satellite beacon and also use it's check-in features for remote fail-safe monitoring in case the group does not emerge from a mine in the specified time period.

Mine exploring is a passion and we just can't get enough.  We are associated with a number of other mine and ghost town exploring groups in the west and enjoy joint trips and the sharing of information.  If you have any questions or have found one of our cards please get in touch and let us know.

Dave has been exploring mines since the late 80's (usually with Stacy).  Back then it was just Dave, a MagLite and sometimes a hemp rope.  Dave has been in mines all over the Joshua Tree area and many other parts of the high desert.  He started exploring in earnest in 2008 along with the rest of the group after a camping trip to Calico.  Dave really enjoys vertical exploring and technical rope work.

Jeff's first time mine exploring was with Dave, Mike and Stacy while camping in Calico.  He was totally hooked and has been on every exploring trip since.  Jeff really likes to explore the mines and is not as into the vertical rope work as the rest of the group.  That didn't stop him from simply climbing all the way down to the bottom of the Columbia #2 mine while the rest of us spent time setting up,  rigging and rappelling down.

Kurt has been camping and exploring all over the southwest for dozens of years.  He's spent time in caves and mines and also has extensive rock climbing experience.  Kurt is excellent with ropes and rigging and that knowledge has been invaluable to the rest of the group.  Kurt loves to explore and also enjoys the vertical and technical rope aspects of mine exploring.

Mike started exploring mines in Big Bear in the late 90's.  After hearing countless mine exploring stories from Dave and Stacy he kept pushing for the group to get properly equipped and start hardcore mine exploration.  Mike got a quick taste of bigger (and more interesting) mines while camping in Calico and everything took off from there.  Mike loves gadgets and takes care of mine depth readings, compass headings of drifts, photography, GPS navigation and driving Stacy crazy.

Stacy spent a lot of time exploring mines with Dave starting in the 80's (with the same MagLite and hemp rope)  Stacy loves to explore and wants to see every inch of each mine for himself.  He likes rappelling and ascending and thrives on the vertical rope work.  Stacy got back into mine exploring after camping in Calico and has been totally gung ho ever since.  Stacy is easily in the best shape and likes wearing the rest of us out.