Projects
Bee Hive Kilns, Frisco Utah – A Glimpse into the Past
Capturing the Frisco Mine Ruins (2012)
With a one-day window, we had just enough time to drive out and photograph the haunting ruins of the Frisco Mine—a once-thriving mining town now standing in desolate silence. Located in the remote desert of Utah’s Beaver County, Frisco was founded in the late 1800s, experiencing a meteoric rise in the mining industry before its eventual collapse.
At its peak, Frisco had over 6,000 residents, 23 saloons, and a reputation for lawlessness, with reports of two murders a night. However, a devastating mine collapse in 1885 marked the beginning of its decline, leading to abandonment. Today, only remnants of its past remain, including the distinctive Bee Hive Kilns, which were used to produce charcoal for the smelters that once powered the mining operations.
As with all my self-financed projects, my goal was to capture these kilns in a way that engenders connection and inspiration, preserving their story before they succumb to time and nature.
📽 Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Video: Behind the Scenes Video
🖼 Own a Piece of History – Buy a Custom Archival Print: Buy Print
History of the Frisco Mines and Bee Hive Kilns
The Frisco Mine was established in 1875 after the discovery of high-grade silver ore. The Horn Silver Mine, as it was known, quickly became one of the richest silver producers in the West, attracting miners, fortune seekers, and opportunists. However, the extreme mining methods led to unstable tunnels, and in 1885, a massive cave-in destroyed much of the mine’s infrastructure. While some mining continued, the town never recovered, and by the early 1900s, Frisco was well on its way to becoming a ghost town.
The Bee Hive Kilns, made of brick and stone, were used to convert wood into charcoal, an essential fuel source for the smelters that refined ore. These kilns are among the best-preserved relics of Frisco’s industrial past, and their distinctive beehive shape has made them an iconic landmark for ghost town explorers and history enthusiasts.
How to Visit the Frisco Mine Ruins
📍 Location: Frisco, Utah (Beaver County)
🗺 GPS Coordinates: 38.4547° N, 113.2727° W
Directions from Salt Lake City:
- Take I-15 South for approximately 200 miles to Beaver, Utah.
- Exit onto UT-21 West and drive about 15 miles to Milford.
- Continue another 15 miles west on UT-21 until you reach Frisco.
🚗 Road Conditions: The main road is paved, but side roads to the kilns and mine ruins are dirt and gravel. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.
🚧 What to Expect:
- Remnants of mining structures, including the smelter, mine shafts, and kilns.
- No facilities – bring water, snacks, and fuel up beforehand.
- Respect the site – many structures are fragile and unsafe for climbing.
Preserving Utah’s Forgotten History
Frisco, Utah, is a window into the boom-and-bust cycle of mining towns that shaped the American West. The Bee Hive Kilns and mine ruins stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, slowly being reclaimed by the desert. Through photography, I hope to capture and share these places before they fade completely.
If you’re an explorer, historian, or simply drawn to the beauty of abandoned places, Frisco is a must-visit ghost town in Utah.
📽 Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Video: Behind the Scenes Video
🖼 Own a Custom Archival Print: Buy Print
