Linda Greene, chief of resource management in Death Valley National Park, foreground, and Linda Manning, a wildlife biologist and expert on abandoned mines, walk near an old mining facility in Skidoo, once one of the most productive gold mining sites in Death Valley. Abandoned mines can be dangerous to park visitors. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
A small dark hole on the side of hill leads to an old gold mine in Death Valley National Park, where authorities are concerned about visitor safety. An estimated 10,000 and 50,000 old mines dot the park’s grounds. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
An old wooden door bars entry to one of the abandoned gold mines in Skidoo in Death Valley. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Linda Greene checks an old gold mine in Skidoo. The steel gate prevents people from walking deeper into the mine but allows bats and other wildlife to enter. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
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Linda Greene, left, and Linda Manning walk near an old mine that is covered with strong steel mesh to prevent people from falling in. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
A bird is perched on an abandoned structure near a gold mine in Skidoo. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
