I did a post awhile back discussing the fact that the Park Service, by law, has to close up the mine shafts in Vanderbilt, but that the fellow doing this is trying very hard to keep the character of the place intact. Each shaft closure is custom-made, and the existing ladders, headstocks, and such are left in place. When possible, grates to close up adits are placed inside the entrances, so they aren't visible form the outside, and so you can walk int the adits a short way. They're making the best of the situation. In some respects, the shaft closures are better than the original open shafts - they are strong enough to climb on, so you can get an unobstructed view straight down the shaft. Cool!
I have a friend who has done some research on Vanderbilt, and thinks she knows which of the old foundations was from the hotel owned by the Earps.
There's also an amazing photo from an old ghost town book of the main street in Vanderbilt, with storefronts and everything. Tom has it - maybe he knows how to post photos on here?
Then there are the marble mines across the road from Vanderbilt, with several adits big enough to drive semi truck into. They're a great addition to any Vanderbilt trek, if it's still possible to get to them.
Can you tell, Vanderbilt is one of my favorite spots?
Oh, and I nominate Brad to run the trip! Maybe, with his help, I would finally learn my way around the dang place. It's so big, I always get confused.