Underground Explorers is a group of dedicated mine enthusiasts with a insatiable desire to explore, understand and document the incredible mining history of California.  Our goal is to thoroughly explore, document, photograph and map each mine, no matter how long or how many visits it takes.  We often spend up to twelve hours at a stretch or more exploring a mine and concentrate our efforts down to the smallest details, including the shape, size and extent of each stope.  We use only removable, non-destructive marking methods and always pack out our trash.  Depths are documented using redundant mountaineering quality altimeters while heading is recorded using a quality compass.  Distances are recorded with a measuring wheel when possible or paced out in difficult terrain.  Finally, we employ a precision clinometer for determining the angles of shafts and winzes.  In addition to exploring and documenting abandoned mines we also provide survey services to mines owners who need to assess the condition and safety of their properties.

We also specialize in mine search and recovery (SAR).  Our experience and equipment allows us to safely access places that most search and rescue organizations (and even county mine teams) cannot.  In 2010 we teamed up with the Mojave Underground and the San Bernardino County Sherriff's office to search for April Pitzer.  This young mother of two has been missing since 2004 and evidence suggests her body may have been placed in a Mojave Desert mine.  Our search spanned three days and covered six primary mine complexes.  The search was featured on the Discovery Investigations Channel show Disappeared (Mojave Mystery) which first aired in November 2010.

We take safety seriously and employ the latest descending and ascending equipment, 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 also employ a Spot emergency satellite beacon in locations too remote for mobile telephone coverage.

Mining, mines and their histories are an important part of our country and the story of America is not complete without them.  Unfortunately, mining and mines (particularly abandoned mines) tend to be perceived poorly by the public.  Abandoned mines are easy targets for reclamation and ongoing operations are subject to intense scrutiny from all sides.  Our mission is to record the histories of these mines before they are lost forever and to do whatever is possible to stop the wonton reclamation of abandoned mines by state, local and Federal agencies.  Our economy cannot exist without mining.  If it can't be grown, it must be mined!

If you have any questions or would like additional information please e-mail us at info@undergroundexplorers.com.  You can also follow our trips and find additional information at http://www.facebook.com/undergroundexplorers.

Dave has been exploring mines in the California desert since the late 80's (usually with Stacy).  Back then, the only essential equipment was a MagLite and sometimes a hemp rope, seatbelt harness and a Figure 8.  Dave has been in mines all over the Joshua Tree and Calico area plus many other parts of the high desert.  Dave really enjoys vertical exploring and technical rope work and also makes an outstanding scout.

Jeff's first time mine exploring was at Calico in 2008.  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 the group's primary rigger and is very adept at defining safe routes into and through the mines.

Mike started exploring small mines in the Big Bear area in the late 90's.  Mike shares responsibility for rigging with Kurt and is the group's primary photographer.  Mike is also responsible for documenting mine features while underground and locating the mines themselves.  Mike loves technical exploring and being on rope.  He also loves gadgets and is easy to pick out with his distinctive equipment vest.

Stacy spent a lot of time exploring mines with Dave starting in the 80's.  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 has great endurance and is easily in the best shape and is the group's best scout.

Ken has extensive experience on ropes as an arborist and is also an experienced diver.  Ken, an avid hiker and backpacker, became interested in abandoned mines and has jumped into mine exploring without looking back.  His rope expertise and excellent physical fitness has proven to be a huge asset.  Ken shares rigging responsibilities with Kurt and Mike.

Lee has been fascinated with underground places since childhood.  He started off exploring costal bunkers and storm drains and moved onto mines as a teenager.  Exploring underground brings out his "inner kid" and he's not satisfied until he's personally explored every accessible part of a mine.  This tenacity led Lee to make diagrams of the places he explores.  Lee is the group's surveyor and cartographer and produces maps of incredible quality.  He's also a superb scout, getting into (and out of) places seemingly impossible for the rest of us. 

Robert began exploring abandoned cement factories and limestone mines in his native New York as a teenager.  His father owned a photography lab and he developed a passion for that as well.  He soon combined his interests, rappelling into mines with bulky film cameras and tripods.  After moving to California he joined with other mine explorers and also joined the digital photography age.  Robert prefers to photograph scenes painted with light as a more accurate representation of what we see in mines.  His goal is to photograph the historic places we visit before they are destroyed or access to them is lost forever.