Old Mines in Wrightwood

[Gypsy]

Can anyone give me some information about the old mines up there in Wrightwood? It seems some of my sons' friends took him up there yesterday, and they went in and explored them. My son said that there aren't any "NO TRESPASSING" signs posted and that the entrances are not closed off.   Are these mines safe, what type of mines were they, and are you allowed to go in them? Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated  .  

                                              Thanks Everyone,
                       
                                                         Gypsy

[Ensen]

The only one that I know much about is Big Horn Mine.  And there are no tresspassing signs.  Which everybody, including me ignore.  Except I wouldn't dare actually go inside one, sign or no sign.  These mines were dangerous places when they were being activly used.  Now after years of decay, I'd say they would be very dangerous places to be.  Even if they seem stable, imagine what would happen if he had the bad luck of being in one when an earthquake hit.  I'd say enjoy looking at them from the outside, but stay out, sign or no sign.

[mtntrekker]

Folks, mines are fun to explore- I've done my share, including the Bighorn Mine- but every abandoned mine should be considered very dangerous.  Crumbling is not the only danger.  There was a recent article in, I believe, the Daily Press about this.  The article gave statistics for the numbers of abandoned mines (I don't recall the numbers now, but it was amazing how many of them there are) and for the number of accidents people have had.  Check the Daily Press website and search for the article for more info.

[Ensen]

Bottom line it sounds like is... DON'T!

There are many other thrills and many other places to explore that arn't as dangerous.  Why risk it?

Ask your son if he has ever climbed to the top of Badden Powell.  There's a book at the top you can sign to say you've been there.  And the view is AWESOME.  360 degrees as that's the highest peak in the area.  And the trail head is the same as big horn mine - Vincent Gap.  It's straight up and can be done in 90 minutes by a fit person.  60 minutes is a challenge not many can meet.

[clint]

As a former Search and Rescue team member I will add my voice. DO NOT EVER enter an old mine. I have spent years rescuing people who perform such stupid acts. The main danger is not from cave ins. It does'nt matter how stable the rock looks to an amatuer. Your'e not a mining engineer! The danger is bad air, no air, toxic gasses. People die EVERY YEAR from entering caves and mines without the proper knowledge, training and equipment. Further, posted or not, most mines are private property and you are trespassing. JUST DON'T DO IT!

[mtntrekker]

I found the article I referred to in my previous post.
Here's the scoop:
In California there are 47,000 abandoned mines and 154,800 prospecting pits and tunnels.
Nationwide, abandoned mines have claimed the lives of 91 people since 1991.
The article goes on to say that mines pose three main dangers: horizontal shafts that suddenly become vertical drops, rotting beams that may collapse, and pockets of carbon dioxide.
Abandoned wells can also be a problem.  About 10 years ago a camper looking for firewood at night fell 137 feet into a well near Adelanto.

That being said, there are some cool things to see around the Big Horn mine.  About 100-200 yards before getting to the mine, turn left on a dirt trail into the old miner's camp.  Here you can explore some of the items left behind when the mine was closed.  I have found cylindrical core samples, pieces of rock about 2 inches in diameter and 4 or 5 inches long, here as well.  

[Gypsy]

Thanks to everyone for your help with this matter, I have let my son read all of your replies, and I can only hope that it will sink in. When he came home that evening and told us where he had been, my husband tried to tell him about the kinds of chemicals that were used in mines and how dangerous they can be, but sometimes hearing it from outsiders makes it sink in more than hearing it from your parents . Again, we really appreciate all your help.

                                   Thanks,
                                    Gypsy

[clint]

Great suggestion about Miner Vincent's cabin. Just as fun and much safer.