Bighorn Mine

Hiked: 8/31/2019
Distance: 3.9 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 7044' (Mine)
Elevation Gain: 1200'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 0.9
Round trip time: 2 hours
Recommended water: 36 oz.
Parking/Fees: Adventure Pass at Vincent Gap
Difficulty: Easy

Leisa wanted to do a hike over Labor Day weekend, but not something too involved. We decided to check out Bighorn Mine, a popular hike on the side Mt. Baden-Powell. We arrived at Vincent Gap around 8:30 AM and the large parking lot was already 80% full. The mine trail starts behind the white gated road and drops a hundred feet or so before turning up. I guessed that most visitors were heading to the mine, but as we got down the trail, at least half were headed toward Baden-Powell. The trail starts wide, eventually shrinking to a single track. Enough bugs were buzzing that we both put on our bug nets. There was one partially washed out section of trail at a major gully, but it was not difficult to drop into the gully to get by. As we approached the mine building, we could see several parties milling around. The building was in poor repair, but large sections were standing. We took photos and enjoyed the views of Baldy, Iron #1, Ross, and the surrounding mountains. Just above the main floor was the entrance to the mine. The mine sealed years ago, but two steel bars had been completely cut in the entrance allowing easy access. We broke out our flashlights and headlamps and replaced the batteries. At first, Leisa was unsure about going in, but I talked her into going to the first junction.

Passing the washout

Bighorn Mine building

The main shaft went straight into the mountain about 150' to the first junction. It was high enough to walk without hunching except in one spot. The mine operated until 1985 and a lot of the support beams looked strong. It was refreshingly cool in the mine. Graffiti was everywhere. There were three or four other people hanging out at the first junction. From the first junction, the main shaft veers left, while the right tunnel leads down. Leisa spent a few minutes looking around, then returned to wait for me at the entrance. I went down the right tunnel until it ended quickly at a partial cave in. I was able to look around the debris to see two large drain pipes that we had seen on our way up. I returned and followed the main shaft to the 2nd major junction. There were three branch points. I took the left tunnel that led to a higher floor and a couple of large rooms that had no continuation. I felt I had seen enough of the mine for a first visit and started back before Leisa got worried. The pictures I took in the mine mostly turned out blurry. However, I did get pretty good video heading into the main shaft toward the first junction.

Leisa getting ready to enter the mine

Lower collapsed area leading to the drain pipes