Скачать или смотреть Abandoned Gold Mine Exploration: Scenic Ruins in the San Gabriel Mountains

This trek marked my fourth visit to the famous Big Horn Mine, and my first since the Bridge Fire, which burned over 56,000 acres just a year ago. The fire’s devastation is still evident along the trail, and sadly, nearly all the wooden parts of the mine have been lost, leaving only the metal frame and concrete foundation behind.

Located near Vincent Gap off Highway 2, this roughly 4-mile round-trip hike traverses narrow trails, pine forest, and offers views of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River.

The mine itself was discovered in 1888 by Charles Tom Vincent, a Civil War veteran seeking solace in the mountains. Vincent, while hunting bighorn sheep, stumbled upon a rich quartz vein, leading to the establishment of the Big Horn Mine in 1895

Over its operational years, the mine reached depths of 1,200 feet and extended 300 feet horizontally. Despite its vast potential, it yielded approximately $200,000 worth of gold between 1902 and 1910 under the Lowell and California Company. The mine's infrastructure included seven levels of tunnels, extensive shafts, and water-powered machinery.

After ceasing operations in 1985 due to declining gold prices, the Big Horn Mine's legacy continued through its transformation into a popular hiking destination. The Wilderness Land Trust acquired the 277-acre property in 2007 and later transferred it to the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring its preservation as part of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness.

Today, the Big Horn Mine remains a captivating site for history enthusiasts, "urban" explorers, and hikers, like me, offering a glimpse into the past amidst the scenic beauty of the Angeles National Forest.

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