As seen in the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Guidebook!

The abandoned Big Horn Mine

The trail to Big Horn Mine offers great views of Mt. Baldy

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved.  Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability.  All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Big Horn Mine

• Location:  Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest near Big Pines.  From highway 138,  take highway 2 for 15 miles to Vincent Gap.  Park in the large lot on the left.   When all of highway 2 is open, Vincent Gap can also be reached with a 53 mile drive from La Canada.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 per day or $30 per year) is required. Click here to purchase.
• Agency:  Angeles National Forest, Mojave and Santa Clara Rivers Ranger District
• Distance: 3.5 miles (out and back)
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Suggested time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty rating: PG
• Best season: April-November
• USGS topo map: “Crystal Lake”, “Mt. San Antoino”
• Recommended guidebook: Trails of the Angeles
• More information: here; Big Pines Visitor Center: 760-249-3504
• Rating: 7

This trail offers clean, fresh mountain air, great views of Mt. Baldy and the high country of the Angeles National Forest, a good workout–and a little history.  Its destination is the Big Horn Mine, which was built in 1894 and has long since been abandoned.  Visitation to the mine itself is off limits (although there has been talk of opening it up), but the trail allows hikers a good view.

From the parking lot, take the signed trail south for Mine Gulch.  Another trail branches off to the left; the route to the mine stays right and soon clings to the side of Mt. Baden-Powell.  On your left is the huge canyon of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, above which Mt. Baldy stands unmistakably.  There are a few places where the trail may be a little tricky but overall it should be easy to follow.  There are a few ups and downs along the way, but nothing too severe.

At about a mile and a half out, it swings suddenly to the right, and views to the south open up.  Then the mine itself comes into sight, perched carefully on the hillside.  Getting up close to the mine is tempting – but not advisable.  You can get a pretty good look at it from the trail without having to risk your safety.