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