On clear days the San Gabriel Mountains dominate
the horizon northeast of Los Angeles. The
highest point is Mt. Baldy. Eight rugged miles west
of Baldy, 9,399-foot Mt. Baden-Powell is the next
prominent summit in the range. Both mountains are
part of the 41,883-acre Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The
Pacific Crest Trail connects the Angeles Crest Highway
(Route 2) with the top of Baden-Powell, helping
to make the mountain one of Southern California’s
most popular high-country destinations.
Old Stamp Mill
at
Big Horn Mine
On the eastern flank of Baden-Powell is
the historic Big Horn Mine, whose venerated
structures provide reminders of early
California. Adventurous families picnic in the shade
where miners once toiled. Unbeknownst
to hikers visiting the site, Big Horn
Mine sits on 277 acres of private land
located entirely within the wilderness area.
The Sheep Mountain Wilderness is
located in eastern Los Angeles
County, close to more than
9 million people.
The white area shows the 277-acre parcel we are working to preserve.
Big Horn Mine Recreational Use
The old road leading to Big Horn Mine follows a
gentle contour 2 miles from the Pacific Crest Trailhead
on the Angeles Crest Highway. At places where the
roadbed is washed out hikers have maintained a clear
trail. For the rugged San Gabriel Mountains Big
Horn Mine is a remarkably gentle hike. At nearly
7,000 feet in elevation the air is clean and thin.
The scenery is spectacular, the pine forests smell
like the mountains. The historic stamp mill is a
fascinating attraction. At one point crystal clear
water (we tested its purity) pours out from an old
mine shaft.
The result of these features is that
it has become a popular destination
for hikers from throughout Southern
California.
San Gabriel River headwaters from
Big Horn Mine
There are good ecological reasons
for the property to be federally-protected
wilderness: It supports habitat for
Nelson’s bighorn sheep
from which the wilderness area gets
its name. The California spotted owl,
the mountain yellow-legged frog, and arroyo chub
are also found in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
But the most compelling argument for protecting
this land can be found on just about any weekend
when scores of hikers, individuals, families, and
organized groups, can be found enjoying the mountain
scenery.
The Wilderness Land Trust
bought the parcel in late 2006 from
an independent mining company. The owners
had already jumped through the hurdles
to reopen the gold mine once when the
Trust secured the property with a purchase
contract. On September 21st, 2007 the
Trust secured long-term financing for
the entire parcel in anticipation of
eventual transfer to Angeles National
Forest.
