Visit An abandoned Mine on This Easy Hike

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Big Horn Mine Trail Hike

For a hike that has a little of everything: beauty, trees, nature, history, views, mines, heights, etc. this one has you covered. The drive to it is pretty easy and it is sure to be a group pleaser. It is not a well traveled trail and will provide some totally insta-worthy photos!

Trail-head: Located near Wrightwood: Vincent Gap Parking lot take the Mine Gulch Trail— we just put Bighorn Mine Trail in the maps and parked at the parking lot near where the trail showed to start.

When you come to this sign make sure to take the trail to the right for the mine.

4 miles out and back

Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Time: 1.5-2 hours

Dog friendly. Not stroller friendly. Not wheel chair friendly. Need an adventure parking pass ($5-Southern California only) or (National Parks Pass would work too). Trail is narrow- beware.

Big Horn Mine from a distance as you hike up to it.

Located South-West of Wrightwood on Mt. Baden Powell. Big Horn Mine was discovered by Charles “Tom” Vincent who found gold here in 1895. His cabin, which can be explored in the area as well (and is a bit shorter) can be hiked to if you simply take the trail to the left instead of the right; which will lead you to the mine.

The mine is reported to have produced gold, silver and copper. It is 300 feet deep and runs a distance of 1200 feet in length.

The views are extraordinary. So is the drop off in front of this!

Exploring a little of the actual mine area.

It now sits abandoned and you will have to traverse narrow ledges on steep ridges during your hike to reach the bones of the mine building and if you are feeling very adventurous the inside of the mine itself. Warning: if you really REALLY don’t like heights, this one may not be for you. The hike itself takes you on narrow ledges pretty high up— it’s not completely treacherous but if you aren’t good with heights you probably won’t like this one. One of my children who is a little more timid had a hard time at one point and was crying and pushing back. We held hands and watched our feet to make it through that part.

Here you get a little glimpse of the narrow trail.

More of the trail at some of the more narrow parts.

However, once you arrive feel free to explore the mine building as well as take a look in the shafts. The actual mine where you can get inside is located behind the building itself. You have to cross over some old wood beams and crawl through the shaft doors. Make sure to bring a flashlight or at least the light on your phone, because it gets DARK inside! But BEWARE: it is an old building and you should proceed with caution as the wooden planks are old and can give way at any time.

The mine is dark so you will want a light.

Watch your step inside the abandoned Big Horn Mine.

The trail itself while narrow at parts is incredibly easy to follow and does not gain or lose elevation at any incredible rate; making it quite an enjoyable hike with a pretty fantastic end destination. One of the more unique ones in the area.

The trail is relatively flat and easy to maneuver.

So, while you are out, enjoy the beautiful awe inspiring views of Mt. Baden Powell. Take a deep breath and just enjoy being out in nature. And most importantly: be careful and have fun!