Exploring a Multi-Level Gold Mine in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles County Mines #13:

This multi-level gold mine is a hidden gem of the San Gabriel Mountains. It features two explorable levels that include some interesting stopes and winzes. The only point of entry is through the upper portal, as the two lower ones are either gated or collapsed. The lower level can be accessed by a winze with a ladder.

Two portals that were closed the last time I was at this site have been reopened. One of them was the second portal to lower level. However, according to modern maps there is a total collapse not too far inside. The other reopened adit was even lower than the others. This adit has been mapped in an old study of the area, and it probably goes in about 100 ft or less. The opening has re-eroded so I may come back to widen it. It should not connect to the main workings.

This mine has an interesting history. Apparently, most of the workings were dug in the late 1800’s by an unknown operation. It is possible that during this period it was known as the Tujungo Group, which is an old mine reported to be in the area. During this phase the ore was crushed in arrastres. The second period of mining was during the 1950’s when a 24-bucket aerial tramway was built from the mine to a 5-stamp mill in the canyon below. The tramway was either too unreliable or too expensive to operate so a road was built instead. The third phase of operation was in the 1970’s. During this period the 5-stamp mill was burned down in a fire and a new mill was built to replace it. However, the forest service has since destroyed the cabin and mill at the site.