I live close to numerous abandoned mines (not strip mines) in the desert. Most are privately owned. I’m not sure why someone would want an abandoned mine. Hunting, maybe? I have a friend that is an avid “rock hound” and knows some of the owners. We joined him on a rock hunt. The areas we visited would be a paradise for off roading but the owners would not allow it. We found beautiful rocks, however. Calling them rocks really doesn’t do them justice.You guys out west still have it much better than most of us on the East here do, at least here in Indiana. I think the only public off-road park is Interlake, and then there are a few private areas. Back when I had my CJ there were thousands and thousands of acres of old strip mines, but those have either been re-striped and turned into prairies, or have been leased/ bought by hunting clubs.
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