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UER Forum > US: Pacific Southwest > The Daybreak Mine (Viewed 2861 times)
Austtie 


Location: Ventura County
Gender: Male
Total Likes: 127 likes




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The Daybreak Mine
< on 4/20/2015 2:54 AM >
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Last month I took the famously unpredictable hike to a gold mine somewhere in LA county. After visiting once and exploring one adit, I knew a return trip was in order.

Our first trek included finding a way past the 'restricted' zone; a waterfall trail blocked off to the public after a large fire devastated the canyon. Following some searching, we circled past the fenced off trailhead, which was being protected by a live-in security guard in an unkempt bus-home.

The hike from here was strenuous, taking place over fallen trees, compromised paths, and recovering flora. Luckily, we made it to a refreshing waterfall few have seen since the trail's closure in 2009.

On our second trip, we realized there was a much easier trailhead to the mine, which didn't involve the closed waterfall path.

For some background on this mine, it was operated from 1895 up until the 1950's, under several different owners. Each had varying levels of success, though overall the mine produced less than sufficient amounts of gold to become immortalized. Fortunately, plenty of hikers still make the trek to observe at least one of the mine's two entrances.

The first, lower, entrance presents flooded pathways, a 55 foot abyss filled with water of a strange blue tinge, and a small waterfall pouring from an open portion of the rocky ceiling.

The mysterious abyss was undoubtedly our favorite section of the mine.





We made our way through a flooded drift with our legs submerged in the numbing water. Underneath us, we could feel pieces of wood and various mining scraps.



Finally, the path dried up and the drift abruptly ended. At the heart of this mine was nothing extraordinary, although the shiny, dripping, calcium-coated walls were a worthwhile spectacle.



Another entrance is located 100 feet above the first, up a steep rocky wall. This shorter tunnel features a 17 foot drop off, as well as completely dry pathways.



For anyone interested, it's quite easy to pinpoint the location of this mine. Be wary, however, of the confusing paths creating a 6+ mile round trip through some (overcomable) obstacles (including many rattlesnakes).

For even more info, here's a link to Hugh




https://www.flickr...otos/97773368@N06/
Cracked 


Location: Bay Area
Gender: Male
Total Likes: 108 likes




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Re: The Daybreak Mine
< Reply # 1 on 4/20/2015 4:21 AM >
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Really awesome stuff here, thanks for this! Great photos too.




Not Pr0.
Flashyfashionfraud 


Location: Los Angeles, CA
Gender: Neither
Total Likes: 187 likes




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Re: The Daybreak Mine
< Reply # 2 on 4/20/2015 4:22 AM >
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That is seriously super cool, I give you so much credit for taking the hike and going through the water. The trip was obviously worth it from your story and pictures, glad to see you posting (sort of) again.




“Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!" — Dr. Strangelove
robk700 


Location: Los Angeles / D.C.
Gender: Male
Total Likes: 20 likes




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Re: The Daybreak Mine
< Reply # 3 on 4/20/2015 6:32 AM >
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This is a great hike. Or at least since before the fire. Haven't been back since. That live in guy's a bit rough around the edges. If you liked this the next valley east has a ton of mines and or water tunnels. I've heard between 8 and 12 but I've only been to four. You gotta be ballsy but if you can brave it one has an ore cart. I say that cause you gotta crawl for a bit. And there's a guy who's been living in an exploratory adit (truth and hint) above it. At least for the past year. Big Horn is my favorite mine. Not sure if it's currently open. Been to Stanley-Miller (since collapsed), Alison, the Horseshoes, Castac's hopper. I don't think I'll be going back to those anytime soon due to their sketch factor. Mostly getting there.



[last edit 4/20/2015 6:39 AM by robk700 - edited 1 times]

Austtie 


Location: Ventura County
Gender: Male
Total Likes: 127 likes




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Re: The Daybreak Mine
< Reply # 4 on 4/25/2015 9:16 PM >
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Posted by Cracked
Really awesome stuff here, thanks for this! Great photos too.

Thank you!

Post by Flashyfashionfraud
That is seriously super cool, I give you so much credit for taking the hike and going through the water. The trip was obviously worth it from your story and pictures, glad to see you posting (sort of) again.

Thanks! Both the trips were very laid back, especially in the mines. There's a certain calm atmosphere underground that I've always enjoyed.

Post by robk700/i]
If you liked this the next valley east has a ton of mines and or water tunnels. I've heard between 8 and 12 but I've only been to four

Thanks for the insight, Rob. I've been to the valley you speak of, and have explored three of those tunnels. I'm new to the mining scene, so it's nice to see some seasoned explorers are still invested in these LA mines (like you and Dav!).




https://www.flickr...otos/97773368@N06/
DertyJerty 


Location: Bay Area
Gender: Male
Total Likes: 11 likes




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Re: The Daybreak Mine
< Reply # 5 on 5/12/2015 4:27 PM >
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Picture #2 is incredible! I love abandoned places and I love water holes, combining my two favorite elements not to mention glorious turquoise clear water! Cheers!




UER Forum > US: Pacific Southwest > The Daybreak Mine (Viewed 2861 times)


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