Southern California has quite a unique history from the Wild West days. One of the best parts is discovering hidden parts of its past. One example is the Big Horn Mine Trail, which leads you to an abandoned gold mine. You can even take a route to pass an old gold miner’s cabin along the way. Grab your hiking shoes because this hike has some interesting things to explore.

The Big Horn Mine Trailhead begins in the Vincent Gap Parking Area. As part of the Pacific Crest Trail, this hike has lots of history to explore along the way.
Steve McCuen/AllTrails
At less than four miles long, this easy hike is suitable for all skill levels and it takes you past some beautiful views of the mountains and valley. Accented with lush green trees, it’s a peaceful escape into nature.
april/AllTrails
If you choose to take the trail to the left about a quarter-mile in, it’ll lead you to Vincent’s Cabin. As history tells it, he was a gold miner from Arizona who fled to California after killing bandits who stole gold from his mine.
Brandon West/AllTrails

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On the original trail, if you veer to the right, it’ll lead you to the Big Horn Mine. The mine was established in 1895 and was the biggest gold mine in California during its peak.
Ronda Greenlee-Berkowitz/AllTrails
Once you reach the mine, it’s a great place to sightsee and take pictures. This living piece of history will take you back in time to the boom-and-bust era when people flocked to California to strike it rich.
Carm C/AllTrails
Big Horn Mine was discovered by Charles “Tom” Vincent while he was hunting for bighorn sheep in the mountains. Hence the name “Big Horn Mine” was born.
Louie Navarro/AllTrails
Once you reach the top of the mountain at the mine, it’s a great place to stop and eat lunch. Take a much-needed breather and then head back down to your starting point.
Ronda Greenlee-Berkowitz/AllTrails

Would you like to hike to this abandoned mine? Make sure to always exercise caution and safety and do not attempt to enter the mine. If you’re interested in more unique hikes, check out our other article with 10 Trails in Southern California that have amazing final destinations. These are some incredible hikes you won’t want to miss out on!

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Big Horn Mine Rd, California 91702, USA