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    Burro Schmidt Tunnel

    4.6 (9 reviews)

    Burro Schmidt Tunnel Photos

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    Tunnel entrance
    Thony S.

    Very nice off road experience !! Great views! U should have a vehicle like and suv or truck Some areas required clearance

    May..Lene D.

    Want to bust a mission? Drive over sand, rocks, puddles and think you're going nowhere, then this is a must do! Although, everyone says you need/should take a 4x4, we went in a regular car and made it. Tread lightly and you'll be fine. The easiest route is off the 14 north. The 14 north has a worn out wooden sign on the righthandside that directs to a small open entrance. From the 14 south, look out for 3 big billboards (one that says 21 miles to shell gas station) - the entrance will be right after the billboards on the left. The entrance will look like it's gated off, but trust me there is a small opening. It's about 8-9 miles in, took us about 30-40 mins. to get to the tunnel but we were going extremely slow, with a 4x4, you'll prob get there faster. Follow the road and you'll see signs that tell you "schmidts tunnel this way". We thought we were going the wrong way, the signs are sporadic, so pay attention. Once you see Scmidts abandoned house, pass it and the tunnel will be at the end of the road. The tunnel is about a 1/2 mile, you can either go left or right at the end, we went right and got blessed with the most beautiful view. Bring a flashlight it's super dark, and pay attention, cuz at some parts the cave is low. I'm short and still banged my head. Such an amazing experience, to think that one man spent 30 years of his life carving this tunnel!

    Entrance to Burro Schmidt's Tunnel
    Christine A.

    So this guy spent over 30 years hand-digging this mile-long tunnel in the middle of nowhere. Brandon D. and I, while on a trip to visit his family in Ridgecrest, read up on William "Burro" Schmidt and got a bit curious about that tunnel of his. We all piled into Mr. D's truck and headed on down the 14, and found the wooden sign (which is only found on the northbound side - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#WNeeMag3NJb0CAARbWJa4A), that is the sole directional indicator of where the tunnel is along the road. The sign reads 8 miles, but it's really closer to 10. You turn onto EP 15 (listed as Last Chance Canyon Rd on Google), a rocky pathway toward the tunnel that I HIGHLY recommend having 4-wheel drive to navigate. All along the way we were passing dirtbikers and people in other off-roading vehicles. The signage along the way consisted mostly of "TUNNEL" with an arrow being spray-painted on various objects like rusted over barrels and detached car doors and even a large pipe (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#5nMUqmyv609yNrdWIXNQxA). The traditional signs have been weathered down and are often too small to see (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#xeoZh-T9wGUNAZfpJ6Z-mw). After passing Schmidt's abandoned cabin (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#2WSSZ0x8WZkrSARYg10_5g), we arrived at the tunnel to find loads of people parked outside (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#mqdYGo8yXdB4aSaWJsv8dw). At first I was a bit bummed, hoping to not have to deal with a crowd, but actually only so many people were going into the tunnel at a time and, really, it was comforting having that many people nearby in case there was trouble. There was no caretaker that we saw the entire time we were there. The tunnel itself (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#Pdv2rDB5ShFtpRthdrJ5Og) has a few low ceilings and you have to stoop a bit while going through or else this can happen (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#jGCds8lAp2zIpwNOOkS_Iw). From time to time we were finding bloody handprints on the walls (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#rS6Ptco9KutSAkh2XD5rEg). It gets pretty eerie in there. If you intend to explore the tunnel, BRING A FLASHLIGHT. It's pitch black in there, and after a few yards you stop seeing daylight. Here's a shot taken of our flashlight's shutter made smaller so the light is narrower, but goes further into the tunnel (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#uch7TuH5TLwIlj-H6LwK6Q). I'm not kidding. It's DARK. About a quarter of the way through the tunnel, on the left, there's a split with mining cart rails and a metal door (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#JJUP7FHymryEmFu67o4K9w). There's nothing really in there more than other people's litter. Near the end of the tunnel, it forks. To the right is an exit that opens to a pretty nice view from the summit (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#_3_YQZ2SFfUhsWqKacx9rA). The left fork leads to an ever curving and narrowing tunnel that gave us a rather spooky feeling. We turned back when Brandon's dad told us the wall near the fork was marked "STAY OUT." I am 5'6" and I was able to stand upright most of the time while going through the tunnel (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/burro-schmidts-tunnel-inyokern#hKAZIOJbbhLlMIJ1i5QCHQ), but I did have to bend down a few times while walking through. Truly, Burro Schmidt's is another case of roadside gold, if you're willing to make the trek.

    Lucky S.

    It's hard to believe that people accessed places like this over 100 years ago BEFORE roads and cars, when getting to them now in the comfort of a 4wd truck with good suspension is an adventure. To get to the tunnel and the house he lived in for years, you travel about 10 miles on a all dirt, somewhat rocky path, passing the occasional off the grid-er, all the while wondering when the hills have eyes people are going to come hunt you down. We saw no signage until way more than half way in. "TUNNEL" with an arrow on a oil can reminded us why we were taking this journey and gave us time to really admire the determination of this Schmidt guy that spent 35+ years living and building a tunnel in this terrain without automated machinery. To be perfectly honest...half admire, half think he was down right nuts. But I suppose the lure of gold will do that to some people. You arrive to the remnants of his house that are fenced off. It's perched on a hill with a damn good view, overlooking the area we traveled to get there. It does have a fence around it, but easily accessible. It's wall papered with old boxes and newspapers from decades ago. There are even some artifacts laying on a table that I'm shocked no one has stolen. Up above from the house it the famous tunnel, basically a hole in the side of the mountain. Digging it all of the dirt and rocks would not be how I would want to spend my life, but job well done Mr. Schmidt. :)

    Dean P.

    Out in the middle of the Mojave desert William Henry Schmidt spent 38 years hand digging this tunnel through a mountain. Everyone likes the tunnel, I was fascinated by his house and the work shed or garage. Inside the building there are tons of old labels from food wrappers, tabacco and old magazines dated back to the 30s. They have fenced off the house because morons were damaging it. Let's not trash this place, the weather out here does enough damage.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Be careful there's an old man deep inside the tunnel who likes to pull the pants off young girls

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    3 years ago

    Always fun to go there with the kids lots of exploring to do here. A high clearance vehicles is needed. Awesome place

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    Rainbow Basin Natural Area

    Rainbow Basin Natural Area

    4.7(3 reviews)
    19.3 mi

    I've a bit of the wanderlust running through me, and it's getting stronger with each day passing…read more To try and negate some of this growing restlessness, I thought perhaps reviewing one of my past adventures would help to calm the stormy seas inside of me before I go insane. I have a dirty past. Quite literally. I am one of very few chicks that dug dirt and rocks from a very tender age (mind the bad pun). And they continue to excite me even after a decade away from school. There's hardly anything more exciting than hiking to gods know where for some geologic/paleontologic mindjob. Was that TMI? Oops, my bad. But, please, don't go anywhere! Allow me to share one of my fondest geology trips with you. I loved my majour in college. What's not to love about a study that allows you to spend more than half of your collegiate time outdoors, rain or shine? I was never much one for classroom settings. Don't let the geeky exterior fool you. I'm the type to bring a laptop out into the wild unknown to play my video games. ^_- Whoever said you can't have it all? All that's missing is a wonderful companion to share it all with. My Spring Fieldtrip assignment was to map Rainbow Basin, outside of Barstow, California. I believe the area we had to map was about 3 square miles, up and down peaks and in and out of valleys. 9 glorious days did we spend out there. Rainbow Basin is a gorgeous stretch of land. If you haven't been there yet, promise me you will. If only for a day. The best part is during sunset in the main valley. There's a specific point in the valley where you crest a rise and just sit there, waiting for the magickal moment where the sun dips just low enough in the sky to light up the cliff face where there's a huge syncline composed of various oxidized layers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbow_Basin.JPG). These layers, composed of various different minerals, oxidized over time to produce different shades of colours - red, purple, yellow, green, blue... The beauty is when the sun lights up these different layers to give you the most amazing display of coloured rock ever. Hence, the name of the basin itself. I'm thinking of a road trip back there this summer to view this phenomenom once more; only this time, I'll be bringing a camera to document my memories. Will you join me? Bring your sleeping bag, but forget the tent. We'll snuggle under the summer stars together.

    Beautiful place. Love the colors and formations. Geology is wonderful. Enjoyed the scenic drives as…read morethe valley walls get closer and closer as your car wanders through the basin. The road Is nicely graded that goes through a wash. Very epic, scenic panoramic views. Highly recommend spring, fall or winter times to visit as it can get hot!! We went in February, Not too far of a drive from Barstow or on the dirt road. We also hiked among the Mojave desert vegetation and enjoyed the Joshua trees. Think we got a glimpse of the lakebed with Goldstone. Great picture taking opportunities!

    Photos
    Rainbow Basin Natural Area
    Rainbow Basin Natural Area
    Rainbow Basin Natural Area

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    Last Chance Canyon - Around our camping side

    Last Chance Canyon

    5.0(1 review)
    30.1 mi

    Just a few comments on the local Mojave area around Edwards, not on this specifically posted…read more(business)location. Although the posted commentary of the first reviewer certainly sounds typical, I'd somewhat question the comment about hot nights in the Mojave. My personal experience has been that typically, about 4 PM every day, a strong wind comes up across the Mojave and temps usually can drop over 50 degrees from day to night. North of Edwards, in the eastern reaches of California City, there used to be (not sure if still there) a long dirt road-trail across the desert, that one might drive, knowing that you were traversing the old and famous 20 mule-team Borax Trail, from Death Valley to the railhead at Mojave. (See: http://home.earthlink.net/~cyberkiwi/desertexploration/trborax.htm) East of Edwards, there is an area famous for Hot-Air Ballooning. South of Edwards, east of Lancaster, off a desert road, a hillside encropment, host an open mine entrance, with old tracks and an unsafe old wooden ladder, that descends into the almost vertical depths of the old mine, only to find the bottom-of-the-shaft filled with water. A friend once slowly descended into the water, to find a horizontal water-filled shaft with air-pockets under the roof. (Not recommended!) If you can access Edwards itself, South Edwards may yet have traces of the old Edwards Sled-Track, on which the Astronauts rode a rocket-sled across the desert, to experience G-forces. The track was moved to Holloman AB, New Mexico years ago. Along the south rim of Rogers Dry Lake Bed, are the old remaining buildings and roads of the original Edwards, nee Muroc Army Air Station, made famous in air-flight history, with famous names like Chuck Yeager, X-1 rocket ship and more. Just walking through this area, when the wind blows, one can almost feel the winds of history! And finally (here), there is the famous Edwards Rocket Base, on the ridge overlooking Rogers Dry Lake, somewhat south-east of Edwards. Here is a website (link) to another website with a quote that 'paints-a-magnificent-picture', of the time-and-place of Rocket Base in history, as told in the Foreword to an online Hollywood Documentary screenplay. Enjoy! http://www.fiwd.org/Reality.htm

    Photos
    Last Chance Canyon
    Last Chance Canyon - Just beautiful and great experience for few days

    Just beautiful and great experience for few days

    Last Chance Canyon

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    Rademacher Hills Trail - Mine shaft visible along the Sunland Trail

    Rademacher Hills Trail

    4.3(4 reviews)
    16.4 mi

    It was sunset on the trail... I had never been to Ridgecrest before…read more An important little place in the middle of a desert. As for this trail hike, we took a moderate one up the mountain to the peak to sit and take in the views on all sides. It really depends who you go with. The desert can be a lonely place. Especially as the day comes to a close, it is so quiet here, it could be just you and your thoughts. Sobering. We saw some rabbits and lizards. Be on the watch for coyotes and rattlesnakes. The steep trek down I thought, was harder than going up. Make sure you have really good hiking shoes. If you come here on a whim let's say, sandals or flip flops are not going to cut it. Bring plenty of water, very hot in summer and keep in mind that there are no bathrooms here. Please pick up all your trash. This was a beautiful, clean place. The parking area felt safe and fortunately for us, there were not a lot of people there on this given Sunday. I would go back in a heartbeat. The summit views were spectacular and I always welcome the exercise and time to reflect. It can also feel very romantic. I love the desert.

    I just arrived in town and this was suggested to me at the Maturango Museum, as a quick place to go…read moreto become acquainted with some of the local plants. There were a couple of trail heads, the one behind the college having a parking lot close to the road. I walked a bit to see what was there and took some photos. I'm sure it would be more interesting the further out a person could go. It reminded me of bike rides in a state forest in Florida and I'm sure a quicker view would be more interesting but less productive for photography.

    Photos
    Rademacher Hills Trail - There are multiple trail heads.

    There are multiple trail heads.

    Rademacher Hills Trail - You don't have to go far from the parking lot to see how beautiful nature can be.

    You don't have to go far from the parking lot to see how beautiful nature can be.

    Rademacher Hills Trail - Pano view

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    Pano view

    Rademacher Hills Viewshed - A friend of the hills

    Rademacher Hills Viewshed

    4.0(1 review)
    15.0 mi

    My hubs recently was told by a local that a great place to hike is RHV, which is near the 365…read morehighway and where S. China Lake Blvd meet or end depending on where you're coming from. It can be easy to miss if your coming from out of town, but thankfully there is a tall brown sign that helps you find the right turn in spot. Just a word of advice, if you have a truck or a car that sits higher, definitely take that as opposed to a low riding car. My car sits low and was painful to hear the scratching noise it made while I drove into the parking area and out. There's actually no designated parking lot but you do have the option of parking closer toward the entrance or further in. I wasn't sure exactly how far to go, so I parked near a semi circle where there were a row of rocks and noticed while we were walking, if we went in a little further, we would've found another lot. This was our first time there and I LOVED it! We normally go to RH behind Cerro Coso College, but we've been trying to find alternative routes since we like to let our dog off the lease and there tends to be way more hikers/atv/mountain bike/bikers there. There were a few other cars there but we didn't run into anyone walking. We did see a few bikers, but thankfully there's a couple paths to choose from that lead to similar trails. The only thing I didn't like about this area, which like the other is there aren't any trash cans around. But other than that, there are definitely some challenging trails with steep paths, that seem to go on and on for miles. We also saw a couple piles of shingles, broken bottles, trash, shotgun shells and heard what sounded like loud booms (which I've heard on the other side of RH plenty of times. Now that it's getting warmer and soon, very very hot, make sure you take plenty of water, as there are no water fountains nearby. There is a Shell gas station about a quarter of a mile away, so you can pick up a couple bottles if you forgot your own!

    Photos
    Rademacher Hills Viewshed - Looking down towards S. China Lake Blvd

    Looking down towards S. China Lake Blvd

    Rademacher Hills Viewshed - The hills are filled with beautiful flowers!

    The hills are filled with beautiful flowers!

    Rademacher Hills Viewshed - Off S. China Lake Blvd.

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    Off S. China Lake Blvd.

    Kern River Preserve - Bird landing on its nesting box

    Kern River Preserve

    4.2(9 reviews)
    30.0 mi

    Definitely a super hidden gem in the Kern River Valley…read more Kern River Preserve has always been on my list of places to visit and finally, over the summer, I had a chance to explore. Mind you, the heat can be somewhat unbearable in July. And in all likelihood Spring and Fall are the more common seasons. A little background of the Kern River Preserve. It's actually owned by the National Audubon Society. It's also located in one of the largest contiguous riparian forests in the stata at 3,000 acres. There is a small visitors center. I highly suggest calling before arriving to find out if there will be a docent or guide. Best times to visit are spring. You'll get the best of flora and fauna with blooming flowers and migratory birds. ' The Kern Audubon Society is a wealth of knowledge and happy to help with info.

    I've had great times at the Kern River Preserve. Lots to see and learn about. Very interesting…read more Sometimes, well before Covid anyway, people would come and they would have something going on at the preserve where other people would come and show what animals or plants, just anything that you could literally find at the preserve that they had ppl bring their stuff and teach us about different snakes that are Indigenous to this area and won't harm you, and which will. People have been here before and pointed out the difference in good plants, harmful plants, plants people have different not wonderful reactions to like stinging nettle and what it looks like. It's really interesting stuff. Call and find out if there are tours or if the trails are open for hiking due to covid, as maybe the trails are overgrown??? Some on the backside of the lake look very bad. I was given tours there when we were in jr college at Cerro Coso Community College in Lake Isabella (21 yrs ago). I've had them teach us things too when there's an event, so look for that. I don't know if anything's going on their since Covid? Ask them about the turkey vultures, and volunteer to count them if they're still doing that! That was a blast! Trina (Guerra) B.

    Photos
    Kern River Preserve - Hummingbirds getting breakfast

    Hummingbirds getting breakfast

    Kern River Preserve - Nesting boxes

    Nesting boxes

    Kern River Preserve - On the trail

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    On the trail

    Burro Schmidt Tunnel - hiking - Updated May 2026

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