THE SWANSEA SALT TRAM

THE SWANSEA SALT TRAM
aka Saline Valley Salt Tram or Tramway

This tram and workings were used from the early 1900s to WWI and considering the harsh weather conditions it must see every year at such high altitude (9,000+ feet) we're amazed its in such fantastic shape! What also makes this an amazing site are the views! To the east you have breathtaking views of Saline valley and beyond and then to the west you have views of the Owens Valley, Owens dry lake and the Sierras, including Mt Whitney.

There is also a cabin located here that has been restored by the BLM, the Ridgecrest Gear Grinders and the Friends of the Minnietta Cabin.

There is also lots to see and find here. There is an old salt tram car laying on the hillside, extra cable, the engine is still basically there, and even a little house that I felt right at home in!

The Saline Valley side:

THE WESTERN DIAMOND BACK RATTLESNAKE

While visiting the Swansea salt tram I stuck my nose into a bush cheking for critters! I found one alright! I found this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and it struck me on the nose! Yes, thats a picture of the snake above! And as you can see from the pictures below, I swelled up pretty badly, Cat thought I looked like a Shar-pe!