Trail Report: Historic Oro Grande Mining District

[Mitch]

I had a chance to show Dave a new local mining area that he had not seen before. We headed out to the Historic Oro Grande Mining District for some exploring. There were some things that I did not check before due to being alone so this worked out great for both of us.

This area was one of the first gold discovery spots in the high desert with gold being found as early as 1860. A couple of the spots that I had not been to before had full soldered cans (bottom and sides) that dates pre 1900. A few trails were almost grown over and begining to disappear. As I've stated so many times, so much more to explore in this area. I have posted pictures and video's inside some of the mines, but the safest way is to stay out. The big mine goes in at least 250 feet and then branches left and right. Kids and pets should be watched closely in this area.

Mitch

That's what is holding up the ceiling!

Colorful mineral veins

Steel door

Dave exploring the big Mine



Something a little different





Old Explosives storage room



Faint trail to a old mine that I hadn't seen before / 15 Fwy in the distance



Dave knows that I don't like the "tippy thing" / But here I am again!



Mine Exploring about 250 feet in!


Jeepin!

[MyBrokenJeep]

Great report!

Great report Mitch! Another successful day of exploration!

I tell you, I would like to take care of those people who tagged up the mine shafts and that steel door! It is a shame that they destroy and deface these things that are so cool, interesting, and even historical.

[flatpoint]

With out a doubt, one of the best mining trips EVER!!! Any one who thinks they might enjoy checking out mines who lives in this area MUST come up here! The mines range frome safe kid stuff to pucker factor 10! See them before they are gone! Great time Mitch, let's find that road that leeds to those last 2,3,4 mines that we spotted!

[Mitch]

Dave,

My USGS Topo program doesn't show a trail, and I can't find a trail off of Google Earth. That just means plan on some hiking. We can get close up that wash we talked about, and I know that your winch can get out of those tough spots! I see a return trip here soon! There is several that we didn't see plus that hill, it is calling me! Thanks for the awesome day!

Mitch

[flatpoint]

I don't get it..... those mines PRODUCED, make no mistake....tram? Got to get up to them....and what hill is "calling you"????? The way off camber trail we found? Is it "Tippy time" for Mitch?

[Mitch]

Dave,

I need to drive down the hill we turned around at just because I walked it before. You know the one we stopped at. I'm handling those old fears. Thanks again for the off-camber trails, I saw that you didn't notice that they were tippy but you waited for me to see if I noticed (YES I DID!. Getting better all the time.

Mitch

[flatpoint]

Mitch....(this is the sweet,unconfortable part) I will always go if front of you, if you are not feeling too good about a trail, and it's ok. Hell, I am still trying to figure out just what these little "Jeep" things are capable of....so if I flip, do not follow, it's all good.

[dirtman13]

Nice pics and report Mitch. When is your book coming out?

[Mitch]

Chuck,

What book is that? The tippy, off-camber trails that I could have skipped or the local mining activity of the Lucerne Valley?

Mitch

[LEADFOOTjosh]

always enjoy the threads by great88

[xjkevin]

heck ya he takes great pics///

[GP4Play]

LOL, Thanks for another great cave ride guys.

[mkjeepers]

Chuck,

What book is that? The tippy, off-camber trails that I could have skipped or the local mining activity of the Lucerne Valley?

Mitch

[COLOR="Blue"]The book your going to write on all the mines of the high desert, complete with pictures. Including a detailed map on how we can find them all - you know!![/COLOR]

[ECV Jeep]

I agree with Mike..........Mitch you need to publish a book of your adventures. I sure hope I can be at BIckel Camp next weekend to surprise you.

Its a Jeep..........which means that there ain't nothing bout her you can't fix with enough time and money....and I am running out of both.

[dirtman13]

[COLOR=Blue]The book your going to write on all the mines of the high desert, complete with pictures. Including a detailed map on how we can find them all - you know!![/COLOR]

Exactly!!!