With all of the golf courses, high-rise buildings, and the new Valley Metro light rail system, you might think that Phoenix has lost its Wild West charm. Although downtown is full of modern amenities, let me assure you that the desert is still a dangerous place. This is Arizona after all, where activities such as mining run deep in our history (and our land!). I think this is a great time to talk about the dangers of abandoned mines.Phoenix has grown tremendously since the 1940s, when many of the mines in Arizona were shut down due to World War II. Mines that were once in remote areas are now literally in people's backyards. Our growing city is full of people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, climbing, rock hounding, and 4-wheeling. Many of these people are unaware of the dangers of abandoned mines as they venture out into the desert for fun and adventure.
