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changing desert and mountain scenery
without noticeable habitation, but there
are ranches far back in the mountains at
the end of narrow dirt roads. Now a
smooth and well maintained road, this
once was a dusty and rutted trail used
by ore freighters and covered wagons.
Forty miles from Warm Springs Junction
the road climbs out of a long valley,
through foothills looking like the wrinkled
hide of an elephant. Queen City
Summit, at an altitude of 5960 feet is
usually windy and cool. For the hardy
there is a point of interest just off the
highway to the east; a dim dirt road
right at the summit drops down to the
ruin of a one-room house and a dump
and cinnabar retort. About 30 years ago,
partners mining here quarreled over the
fortune they expected. One shot the
other and was sent to prison. The mine
operation ceased and the elements wiped
out the scars created by man.
Fifty-eight miles from Warm Springs
there is a good graded road where a
small sign points east to Tempiute. A
newly developed ranch is to the left as
the road heads for a clump of buildings
on the rim of a dry lake. One mile from
the highway a narrow and less used road
turns south to the mountains and the old
Tempiute diggings. Although no longer
maintained it is not steep or winding; the
climb is gradual and can be negotiated
by car, camper or vehicle with a small
trailer. The road ends in a scenic basin
where remains of the tungsten mining
and milling operation assures the explorer
that here is Tempiute. Parking and
carmping areas range from wide open
spaces, shelter under pine trees, or near
roofless buildings that provide windbreaks.
Day hours are warm. From the camp
the colors and view of the dry lake and
distant mountain range changes with the
angle of the sun. Nights are cool and
the stars seem very close. Sunrise is slow
in coming, climbing the mountain peaks
before warming the sheltered camp. Sun-