Big Horn Mine from Vincent Gap(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate trail in Sheep Mountain Wilderness that starts at the popular Vincent Gap Trailhead (start of the switchbacks on the PCT to Baden-Powell.) The trail winds up the mine features by traveling uphill on the poorly maintained trail. A portion has been damaged by winter avalanches, and takes some careful walking along spots with a goodly drop off.

The reward for this are the accessible mine features. The mine mouth structures are a legendarily popular photo spot. There are at a least two accessible mine entrances. One is readily accessible and obvious as you get close to the mine mouth on the right. The second is beyond the mine mouth and dubious from a safety standpoint: the access is over fallen boards, and one must climb through a hole in a metal covering to enter. So, you've been warned. As in all mines, the interior of both are filled with slips, trips, debris, sharp metal, wires, and water hazards. You've been warned!

Getting Started

The Vincent Gap Saddle and parking lot is readily accessible from Hwy 2. The trailhead is one the west side of the parking lot, the one that is Not PCT and Baden-Powell. As you start down the trail, there is a fork you reach immediately that marks the split between this trail, Big Horn Mine, and the trail that drops down into Vincent Gulch. Hang right at this fork. The rest is easy.

Taking Children

I've noted the hazards of the mines. The hike is, however moderate except for the places where the trail has been damaged by avalanches.