This depression-era mining camp was founded by Walt Bickel in 1934. Walt mined placer gold in the area using unique tools and methods he experimented with and perfected. He kept busy by studying astronomy, edible plants, geology, and the archaeology of this fascinating area in the El Paso Mountains. He wasn’t often lonely, with over 40 cats for company and “to keep them rodents down!” Visitors can get a glimpse into the past, as Bickel Camp has since been turned into a museum site, with much of the equipment of the day remaining for all to see.