Trail is an easy, gravel covered trail walk from the parking lot, in similar condition like all BBNP to start for ~3/4 mile, but requires some climbing up at the end, over uneven surfaces, rocks and boulders. The road starts out as a nicely graded, for about 3/4-1 mile. The remaining 5+ miles (after recent rains during our visit), becomes rougher in places, but was still mostly passable, for 2WD SUV’s when exercising appropriate caution. NOTE: while most bill this as “improved dirt road” It is not advisable for low clearance automobiles!!
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Getting down into the river bed from the end of the Lost Mine Trail is a moderately steep bushwhack and can be tricky at the beginning but once in the creek, navigation requires only following the creek. Of course there is no water in the creek except at the end in some tinajas. The hike took me about 2 hours from the end of Lost Mine and I carried only water and a few other small items. The view from the top of the pour off is worth the hike. For anyone looking to rappel this a 200 foot rope should suffice if you plan on climbing back up. There are plenty of anchors about 30 feet from the edge but nothing at the edge.
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The payoff of the South Rim overlook can’t be captured by photos. You need to go there and take it all in yourself.
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Great road with a few challenges. Take it slow, air down and use a spotter in the gap and you’ll be fine. Enjoy!
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Drove Old Ore Rd. Nice drive, but rocky, rough, and steep road. Wonderful views and terrain.
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Really great hike in winter. Multiple canyons and great vistas. Unbeatable sunset. Well marked and groomed trail conditions make for a great overall experience costing moderate difficult.
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This hike was awesome and should not be missed if you like to hike and want amazing scenery. Parking is limited at the trailhead so you may want to factor in some extra time. The trailhead is not at the visitor center as we were led to believe.
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This is the best moderate hike in the park. Wonderful views. Lost Mine Trail far exceeds the trail to the window and only requires a little more effort. If you are not able to hike all the way to the end, just hike the 3/4 mile to the saddle for a great view of Juniper Canyon. This part is an easy walk with a gradual incline.
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Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. 4wd a must and high clearance def recommended. Did the trail North to South. It gets to the point right off the bat! Was a great day of wheelin! You can turn around and go back down the trail or continue going (which is what we did) and follow the River Road all around the park. Took us about 5 hours of backroad trail driving to get back to a main road and was worth every minute. Some of the best views in the park. And with the summer monsoon season upon us, made for some killer storm watching!
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Okay first of all. I was warned not to do this trail near the summer months. But it was a part of the park I haven’t seen and seemed like a challenge I could accept. It was hot and there was NOT a lot of shade. We took breaks in what little shade we could find. But it was still manageable. We wanted to go further but we found a nice shaded spot to setup camp. And as the day settled into night it was very enjoyable. Our plan was to finish the hike in the morning. But we decided we didn’t want to risk getting caught out in the heat again. So we left early unable to finish the entire trail. The walk back in the morning being mostly down hill and in the shade was very enjoyable. This is where it gets bad. Unfortunately as we approached my vehicle parked at the trailhead. It had been broken into. With a lot of my fiancé’s valuables taken. Mostly likely by illegals. We made a report with the ranger. They were very professional and I appreciate all the help received by them. A lot of folks near the visitors center offered help. Which all made us feel a lot better. All and all if you consider doing this trail. Do it during the cooler months and plan to do a a single day hike. It’s just to secluded and too close to the border.
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