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    Big Horn Mine

    4.7 (123 reviews)

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    Views from inside Big Horn Mine
    Jules B.

    In the 1800's, Big Horn Mine obtained its name from Civil War veteran, Charles Tom Vincent. Supposed fugitive, admitting to killing 3 men who robbed him, he fled out to live in the San Gabriel Mountains. Here is where he discovered gold, while hunting Big Horn Sheep. If you're reading this, there is NO MORAL of this story, lol. Due to the heavy snowstorm the night before, I started hiking from Grassy Hallow Visitor Center. Ended up hiking 11.7 miles out and back. The highest point 6,890 ft with 1,873 ft total elevation gain. During winter months, snowshoes definitely needed, microspikes, hiking poles and the remainder of your "10 essentials" (REI has a good list online, if you don't know what I'm referring to). Look out for the posted signs for directions or use AllTrails to help you navigate to the mines. I parked along the main road (lot was full when I arrived around 8AM), and used an Adventure Parking Pass/Permit in case. Due to Snow Summit Ski area nearby, traffic during winter season is horrendous. So plan your trip here, accordingly. Happy adventuring to you and yours. Lastly, stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) Yelping out there :)

    Ed T.

    This place was somewhat interesting to see even with all that unnecessary graffiti at the mine. There's a parking lot right at the trail and most likely packed over the weekends. The trail itself was ~3.9 miles total and took about 1.5 hours to complete. It was mostly a dirt road with rocks all over. Highly recommend wearing two socks plus hiking shoes for some cushioning. It kind of feels easy to roll your ankle too. There were a few areas where the path was narrow and you really want to pay attention and take it really slow. Not too many shades so hiking during the summer could be brutal. Once you reach the building, the mine is located at the top. Watch your steps and bring a flashlight if you're into that. I did not go into the mine so not sure what's in there.

    Trail starts behind this white gate
    Marcus F.

    One of the better hikes I've been on this summer (2020). It's about a 4 mile hike (total), mostly uphill over a gravely rocky road. Lots of great views of the Angeles Forest. Lots of graffiti too. TIP, there are two trailheads from the parking lot. You must take the trail behind the white gate.. If you take the other path (very busy with hikers) you'll end up at the top of Mount Baden-Powell. When you arrive the at mine building you have to walk up behind the building to find the mine entrance. Yes, you can walk into the mine because people have cut the steel bars off. Bring a flashlight or just use your cell phone light.. Beware, the mine has bats and is full of mosquitoes... Bring plenty if deet repellent. Note, the parking lot will be full by 8AM on weekends. There is limited street parking in this area so get here early, or after the morning rush 2pm... An adventure Pass is required to park in the lot.. The pass can be purchased in town for $5.. There are conflicting reports if the sheriffs are actually enforcing the Adventure Pass or not, but I recommend to play it safe. - Not good for dogs, too many sharp rocks on the trail.

    Cal W.

    Very unique, one of a kind hike. Most hikes you get nice views and nature. This one you get a mine and old structure you can take photos and chill. Inside the mine is pitch dark so make sure you bring a flashlight. Very fun to explore but be safe.

    Different areas on the hike to check out! I loved this little photo opportunity!
    Felicia Y.

    Love this place! Worth the hike! Definitely bring plenty of water, take breaks to enjoy the views and surroundings. I did it early in the morning and watched the sun rise.

    Lovely view
    Karen L.

    Hiked this over Memorial Day weekend to get away from the house during covid quarantine. Be warned that there are road closures on the 2 freeway currently, so make sure to check here before going: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ When I went, the 2 was closed between Islip Saddle and Grassy Hallows. If you're trying to get to this hike, come around the 15 and 138 to drive through Wrightwood/Big Pines. Then take the 2 as about as close as you can get to Vincent Gulch Divide, which means parking on the side of the road at Grassy Hallows since the 2 was closed for further car entry for us at that point. You can then start walking - there's the option to take the Pacific Crest Trail, although we ended up walking directly on the 2 since the road was closed at this section and we didn't have to worry about cars. Don't underestimate this hike if you're new to hiking. Normally this hike is more on the easier end, but the road closures add an extra 3-4 miles one way, making this hike closer to 9-10 miles round-trip. Also I'm not sure if this trail was in a better / easier shape in past years, but there were about 3 trickier washed out spots when we went, and required making sure you had a good footing / balance before proceeding. There was quite a bit of loose rock and narrow spots where the trail was washed out, so I personally wouldn't recommend younger kids on here since you might slip off the side if you're not paying attention.

    Lindsay D.

    Very cool spot to hike go early before the heat and sun are on the whole trail. Par at the Vincent Gulch Divide/Vincent Gap. You need an Adventure Pass to park here. Trail for Big Horn Mine started behind the white gate. At the fork in the road stay to the right. It is a gradual incline with some rocky and narrow spots on the trail. Lovely views and baby waterfall when you reach the end at the mines. Bring really good flashlights if you plan on going into the mine it's pitch black and cold in there. The mine has several bifurcations and a green string to follow to lead you out to the opening. Small stream of water and lots of rocks in the Min also so low points be careful not to hit your head. Definitely will be back.

    Ledge when you reach the mines
    Mylesha D.

    You would never know this hike existed if you drove by, but let me tell you it is definitely a hidden treasure. Like all treasure you're going to have to work for it, just a bit. The hike is about 1.5 to 2 miles one-way. It took us two hours round trip, but that included stopping and admiring the views on the way. On the way there, it's pretty much uphill, nothing steep but it can be a little much if you have any type of lung or heart condition, and I personally wouldn't bring kids. (But there were kids on the trail) About halfway in the trail turns into walking on the side of a mountain so make sure you wear appropriate hiking shoes to avoid any accidents. The trail also can get pretty hot with the sun beaming. Apparently you can climb into the mines when you get there, but we didn't go that far. We just went to enjoy the views with good company and some snacks. I personally wouldn't bring my dog because some parts of the trail are pretty sketch but some people brought their dogs.

    Zahira J. G.

    Such an awesome hike! Definitely a little rocky! But the end view, beautiful! You can actually go inside the mine too, but definitely need a flashlight. You can't go too far in either, too much water. Little gas station inside the small town is where you can get the parking pass $5.

    Danny D.

    We arrive there around 8:30 ish, it gave us enough time to hike and have plenty of stops on the way. The hike it self was pretty easy, just be careful and beware of your surrounding . There is a mini waterfall along the way also If you want to hike the mine be prepare to have a good flashlight, it gets pitch black. Overall a fun hike, to take your dog or just for a mini getaway. Tip: Bring a flashlight if you are going to hike the mine. Water resistance jacket because there water dripping in there. Make sure to buy a parking pass $35 for 2 passes, basically $15 each for the whole year. Snacks for the hike is good and for energy.

    420hiker Jehu trying out our cannabis infused whiskey called Weedskey at the top of the mine
    Vanessa Donna M.

    Had such an amazing time yesterday! 420Hikers had an event, hikers and cannabis. We had a big group come down, some camp in for the weekend and others did a one day hike. We just had a good time. Explored and enjoyed some cannabis and edibles. This hike to Big Horn was short hike but once there you can enter the cave and explore what is left of this old mine.

    Olivia G.

    I'm a hiker, it's in my soul and this hike was one for the books. Don't miss out on it. When me and my family did this hike it was in January and still pretty cold out, Ice was stuck to the ground throughout the trail so I recommend sturdy, appropriate foot wear. We however didn't have any and went to a local store and bought yaktraks.. I believe that's how to spell it. They're this little wire contraption that you attach around your shoe and it hugs it providing support and grip against snow and ice. Id give this hike 100 stars if I could because the views speak for themselves, it's moderate in difficulty. Some portions of the hike are a little scary but so worth it. Just stay smart and safe. And bring water and snacks, the view at the top is breathtaking and a picnic is perfect! The entrance to the mine is technically blocked off but you can still get inside and it was a very cool creepy experience. If you love creepy like myself it's worth a peak!

    Having fun exploring and making my son nervous haha
    Jason R.

    It is so hard to differentiate between a 4 and 5 star hike for me sometimes...this is a solid 4, wait 5, no 4...you get the picture. We hiked it for the 1st time yesterday and really enjoyed it. We plan on returning to do the Baden-Powell summit since the trailhead for that hike is in the same parking lot. Location- knew it was going to be a pretty long drive coming from the SE part of LA and a car accident on the 15 to and also on our return made it even longer. You have to drive on the winding 2 for a while before you reach the Vincent Gulch parking lot (Paolo and Laramae's reviews were helpful). Parking lot was pretty big and not very many people drive this far to hike so not very many cars at all. Adventure Parking Pass is needed. Trail- right beyond the white closed road gate. You start off downhill and there were quite a few flying bugs in this part until you reach a wooden sign indicating 2 miles to Big Horn Mine and the trail is a steady up hill from there on. It is not difficult but you may have a bit of difficulty acclimating to the higher altitude. Parts of the trail have shade but for the most part it is exposed to the sun. There are some great views. We didn't come across anyone on our ascent and maybe 10-15 on our way back. Mine- outside part of the mine has spectacular views and photo ops. We entered the mine...a bit difficult for my larger body but doable. Make sure to bring flashlights...we went in about 100-150 ft.

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    Ask the Community - Big Horn Mine

    How does one reserve a camping space in Wrightwood? Or is it first come first serve?

    What's the exact address to here? We want to see the tunnel and the beautiful view!?

    lol there is no address... its a hike that you have to trek in to. Its a large parking lot on hwy 2 and if you google the parking lot it does show up on google maps...

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    Review Highlights - Big Horn Mine

    An Adventure Pass is required for parking, but I winged it and managed to get dirt parking so I was okay.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    Blue Ridge Trail - Little pinecones on a stump...I thought it looked cute

    Blue Ridge Trail

    4.6(13 reviews)
    0.1 km

    Well maintained trail with lots of shade and high elevation. Some parking available in a small lot…read morenear the beginning of the trailhead. The map had me go through the ski resort next door to safely get to the off road to park. I was confused at first but realized that Google Maps would not break any traffic laws therefore I couldn't cross the double yellow lines and make a left into the lot. The trail was peaceful with birds chirping, the sound of water flowing from a stream and beautiful views. I didn't see a bridge as I had in a couple pictures online, not sure if they removed it? I hiked the trail on the AllTrails app and noticed there was a fork near the bench (about the half-way). It's possible that the bridge was on one of those offshoot trails. The trail leads up to a campground area and also the Discovery ski lift connected with the ski resort nextdoor. A little beyond the trail you will find the PCT. I met five people and two dogs on the trail. It was a beautiful day and a good hike. Oh, I placed my annual pass signature side up on my dashboard of my car for the hike but I'm not sure if anyone checked. I went to what appeared to be a ranger station after my hike and it was closed, no one was there. It said it was open to the public on Saturday I think. Either way it's better safe than sorry. You never know when someone will check for the adventure pass (or interagency pass) so yes, I believe a pass is still recommended.

    This has become one of my fave local trails - a great workout, gorgeous views, peace & quiet, small…read morewaterfall, snow in season!! Everything you could want in a trail! I say local but, well, sorta "local" I guess - it's about an hour from the greater LA area near Wrightwood but well worth the drive! Google maps takes you right to the trailhead parking lot - it's small but we've always found parking. There are bathrooms too but sometimes they're locked so plan ahead. AllTrails has the trail right at 4 miles and 1,079 feet elevation gain. But the trail also links up with the PCT so you can go further and I highly recommend it if you can - you'll be rewarded with some pretty incredible sweeping mountain vistas! Last time we went, we did around 7 1/2 miles and just over 1500 feet - I was whooped but it was 100% worth it! And there are no bathrooms along the trail or at the end either. The trail is moderate when there's no snow and mostly shaded - a true mountain pine forest habitat. But when there's snow, I'd bump it up to moderate-hard. The snow can last all the way into late April sometimes - it gets deep and the trail is very narrow in lots of places. With snow on the trail, you'll definitely need micro spikes and poles - and a good trail map bc the snow is deceiving regarding trail width and you'll fall if you misstep. To find the part that links up with the PCT, just keep going at the end of the AllTrails map towards the ski lift to the left and you'll see the signs - about another mile and a half and you'll reach the top and there's all the gorgeous views!! It also shows all the area trails that link up inside the AllTrails app so I highly recommend downloading it before you go bc the signal is very spotty out there. And I would recommend snacks and bear spray too.

    Photos
    Blue Ridge Trail - It was 27 degrees at the start of the hike

    It was 27 degrees at the start of the hike

    Blue Ridge Trail - Trees going up to the sky

    Trees going up to the sky

    Blue Ridge Trail - Views from the trail

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    Views from the trail

    Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail

    Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail

    4.8(4 reviews)
    29.4 km

    The Pacific Crest Trailhead - Mojave River Forks End of Road serves as a significant access point…read moreto the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Southern California. Situated at an elevation of 923 meters in the Mojave Desert region, this trailhead marks a unique intersection where the vast wilderness of the PCT meets the end of California Highway 173. It is a crucial gateway for exploring the diverse landscapes of the San Bernardino Mountains foothills and the unique desert environment. Visitors consistently highlight this trailhead as the most accessible starting point for reaching the popular Deep Creek Hot Springs, making it a favored destination for hikers. The opportunity to experience a distinctive desert section of the Pacific Crest Trail, with its scenic Deep Creek Canyon and lush riparian vegetation, is another major draw. The convenience of a wide parking area at the end of the paved road also contributes to its popularity among those looking for day hikes or shorter excursions on the PCT. Before setting out, hikers should be prepared for a creek crossing within about a mile of the trailhead, as Deep Creek must be forded. While often shallow or dry, especially during certain times of the year, water levels can rise significantly after rain or snowmelt, potentially requiring an alternative parallel track near the dam. The trailhead offers ample free parking at the dead-end of Highway 173, making it easily reachable by passenger vehicle. This trailhead is ideal for hiking and trail running, particularly for those aiming for the Deep Creek Hot Springs, which is typically a 12-mile out-and-back journey. The arid desert climate suggests that spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration, avoiding the extreme heat of summer or potential high waters in winter. Its location also provides convenient access to nearby amenities at Mojave River Forks Regional Park, including camping and recreational opportunities at Silverwood Lake.

    i love this trail, but do it on a cloudy day, wont recommend hiking this on a hot day because…read moretheres no shade the whole time. and pls. pick up after your pet. parking is kinda sketchy too. so take the risk. Other than that love the bridge at the end of the trail!

    Photos
    Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail
    Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail
    Rainbow Bridge Via Pacific Crest Trail

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    Big Horn Mine - hiking - Updated May 2026

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