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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very easy, yet rewarding hike. There are a few steep drops in some places, and it isn't all flat, although the uphill shouldn't give anyone any trouble. It is a relatively short jaunt; it's but a couple of miles to the old stamp mill. We had lunch and I went a little way into each of the shafts. I didn't bring my headlamp, so I couldn't explore further. I would say to be very careful, but if this is your type of thing, and you know what you are doing, enjoy. Interestingly enough, the mines smell much the same as the simulated ones at Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland. The only real bummer is the graffiti, well and the trash. Next time I go, I am bringing a trash bag along, please do the same if you should decide to go. All along the way you get great vistas of Baldy, Pine, Wright and Iron Mountain. This is a great hike. Trailhead: Take Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) through the Angeles Forest to the Vincent Gap. It is signed as Vincent Gulch/PCT parking. Here you can catch 3 trails - the Vincent Gulch Trail, The PCT to Baden Powell or back towards San Bernardino, and the trail/road to Big Horn Mine. Park on the South Side The trail is very easy to find - just look for the road closed sign - follow the old wagon road the entire way. There are spots where the road is washed out, and you will come across the trail to Vincent Gulch behind the Sheep Mountain Wilderness Sign, but you should just follow the road. (Lat:34.35695 Lon:-117.74504) Trail Guides for Big Horn Mine: Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California by Allen Riedel (Mountaineers books) Trails of the Angeles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Grassy Hollow Visitor Center (626) 821-6737 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by chazz on 5/15/2008 yes, there are underwater (at times) tunnels. some you must crawl on your belly. there are vertical shafts, also. there are at least 4 stories of tunnels. there must be two miles, at least. it is by far the most amazing thing i have ever seen. i have not been since the 80's. sounds like it is still a blast. i agree. bring plenty flashlights. nearly all our adventures ended when the flashlights started to go out. well, there was the one that ended when my gf fell down a 25 foot mine shaft. don't worry, she only injured an ankle :)
Reviewed by Victor on 4/26/2008 This is one of my most favorite hikes! On 04/21/08, my friends and started this hike at 9pm! I would only recommend doing this hike at night during a full moon, and also with a group of 4 or more. Hike in a tighter group so that you are not a target for mountain lions. I went once last month, and there was a lot more snow. Also, if you plan on going into the mine anytime soon, bring an extra pair of shoes, because your feet will get wet! Does anyone know about the famed underwater shafts? Next time I go, I am taking goggles and an underwater flashlight for sure! 
Reviewed by Mike L. on 3/30/2008 Nice hike. First time doing it. We did the Mine Gulch (which takes you to the mine entrances. We did it at the end of March so if you go around that time, THERE IS SNOW. It was actually foggy, cloudy, and snowing! But the weather did add a scenic mood. Just be prepared with good hiking boots, a good jacket, hat, and gloves. There were many areas of the trail covered in snow and some areas of the trail that were washed out by rocks or mud. So BE CAREFUL when walking on these parts... it is quite slippery. I would definitely love to do this again when the weather is better.
Reviewed by Cory H. on 11/11/2007 I've done this hike twice before and am actually going tomorrow. It's easy to find from the trail head. A couple of spots where the road/trail has slid away but still passable. The mines were really interesting as well as spooky. First time we went, we only made it about 200 ft. in. The second trip we were in the mines for a good hour and a half. Many different tunnels to explore. I would reccomend bringing as many flashlights as people. We also brought glow sticks and hung them at forks in the tunnels. There are also many arrows paintd on the walls indicating dead ends, cave-ins, and exit routes...(only one) I rcently started hiking a lot of the local mountains and this is by far one of the most rewarding and adventurous
Reviewed by Jennifer on 10/30/2007 The Angeles National Forest has been temporarily closed because of the high fire danger, and the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center will be closed until the Forest is reopened! http://www.grassyhollow.net/pages/main.html for updates.
Reviewed by jonathan gast on 10/2/2007 i really enjoyed this campout with our boy scout troop 391.its thanks to our troop and of course wes and (crazy)jerry.this would be a definate that we go back.i really like the mine it was nice and cool inside there still with some of the old railroad track left.
Reviewed by Johnny Hill on 9/17/2007 This hike is fairly short. Great for a lunch trip. My first experiance in the mine was awesome. I returned the following week only to find that the mine had caved in. I will be very carefull from here on out, not to walk into the wrong caves. Are you going on this hike just for the cave? I would be very careful, Or just stay out all together.
Reviewed by Kurt on 6/9/2007 We took our 5 kids (youngest 6) and the payoff of running around in a mine was beyond comparison. Here are some things I would have liked to known. Vincent Gulch is about 9 miles past Wrightwood. If you make the turn on highway 2 you cannot miss it. The sign says Mine Gulch 4.5 miles. The hike is 2 miles in and 2 miles out. Halfway is when the trail starts going up. When you get to the chainlink fence you are about 200 yards. Each kid had to wear a glow stick and carry a flashlight. You need an Adventure pass to park and the ranger station does not open before 10. We did the hike early 8AM and we had the mine to ourselves. On the way back we ran into one large group and several small groups. We had the kids pickup any trash they found. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Bernardino County Hiking, San Bernardino County Trails, San Bernardino County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||