Big Horn Mine
Wrightwood, CA 92397
2 reviews for Big Horn Mine
At 4 miles round trip, this is a very nice and simple hike. Most of the trail is on a dirt fire road either lined with trees or wonderful views. There are maybe a couple of rocky parts but they aren't that much of an obstacle.
The best part of this hike is the Big Horn Mine. Perched on the east face of Mount Baden-Powell, this mine dates back to 1896 when gold was first discovered in a gold-bearing quartz vein. The old stamp mill built by civil-war veteran and fugitive Tom Vincent aka Dougherty is still standing today, however sadly defaced by a good amount of graffiti.
The mine itself supposedly has 8,700 feet (1.647 miles) of tunnel that is still accessible. It is very cold and wet inside the mine. Come prepared if you plan on entering the mine, with suitable footwear and sufficient flash lights.
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This is one of my favorite hikes! I actually start at the Vincent's Gap parking lot, and take the Mine Gulch trail, which is nine miles round trip (don't worry, it feels more like seven miles). The trail is pleasant, shrouded in trees in some parts and a few tricky places where landslides make the going a bit treacherous... but not too bad. It takes you past the foundation/pile of wood that was once the miner Vincent's cabin. The mine is awesome and easy to get lost for hours wandering around inside - it has six or seven different levels, and several entrances... and cute bats inside!!! The main entrance is below the abandoned stamp mill. Oh wait... exploring abandoned mines is DANGEROUS... I would NEVER..........