Gold Rush Expeditions Inc. (GRE), Who we are...

GRE, stands for Gold Rush Expeditions, Gold Rush Expeditions is a not for profit organization dedicated to the preservation and documentation of Utah's historic mines and ghost towns. Utah is rich in history of all sorts, from Ancient Aztec tunnels, to Spanish Mining Activity, to our more recent mining history. The sites we have in Utah are like nothing else in the country. These are real areas where you can experience history. The preservation of these areas and your ability to access them is what Gold Rush Expeditions (GRE) is all about.

What we do...

Protest
The Office of Surface Mining doesn't think that there is any history in mining. They push for closures. John Baza, Mining advisor to Governor Huntsman has said that we need to let that past be forgotten and move on with the future. Governor John Huntsman Jr. has gone along with this recommendation and continues to sign for the destruction of Utah's Historical Mines and Ghost towns. The BLM has initiated programs, such as the FAST (Fix a Shaft Today) program to expedite the eradication of any historic mine sites not only in Utah but across the nation. Gold Rush Expeditions is to date, the only organization that has effectively put a thorn in the plans of the groups and individuals above. We work with the public and the local land management to preserve the sites that are of significance. If you truly want your efforts to make a difference, sign up to do something. Shirts, stickers and logos don't mean anything if you don't have the sites to visit. The time is now. We lose more sites every year.

Document
We average 2 sites per month.  A site can be anything from a specific mine, to a mining district, to any number of historically significant sites. We strive to document, accurately, the entire area. Giving a feel for what we are seeing and why it is important. So much of Utah's history is vanishing very rapidly, year by year. Its our hope that if you cant get out to see them in person, you will be able to enjoy them online.

Preserve
Our intention is to preserve these sites so that you can see the same things we have. However, we also feel that the best way to preserve these sites is to allow access. Ignoring a site, or putting it in the center of a Wilderness Study Area, does not preserve a site, it causes it to decay, and no one is able to understand or enjoy the history.

Change
We are looking to change the current mindset and laws, to more effectively preserve our right to see and experience these historical sites. Some laws are already in place and there are many others that need to be defined, or simply challenged. We are in constant contact with State and Federal Agencies pushing them for change that will benefit Utah's mining history.

Monitor
We keep tabs on the sites we have seen and often spend a lot of time and resources picking up trash, taking down illegal gates, and making sure that areas are safe for the average bear. If you have seen a site that you think may be dangerous, or illegally gated or otherwise deserves our attention, please contact us using the information provided on the our contact page. We will look into the site and report back to you.

Educate
The best weapon we have in these battles is information and education. We strive to share that same knowledge with you. Offering classes on mine exploration safety, off-road safety and training on many other skills that you will use while in the field.

Our Sponsors

GRE and all of its members would like to say 'thank-you' to our sponsors for their generous donations and support. Your actions are assisting us in the fight to preserve our Utah history and heritage.

If you are not currently a GRE sponsor, but are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact us using the information provided on the our contact page.