277 ACRES IN THE SHEEP MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS PROTECTED
Big Horn Mine within the Sheep Mountain Wilderness
In December 28, 2006
The Wilderness Land Trust purchased
the historic 277-acre Big Horn Mine
in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness of
the Angeles National Forest. The Trust
will transfer the mine property to the
Forest Service for incorporation into
the surrounding Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
The Big Horn Mine is an extremely popular
hiking destination and its preservation
is vital to maintaining the surrounding
wildlife habitat and wilderness values.
The mine, named after the Nelson's Big Horn Sheep that still roam across the San Gabriel Mountains, is
located near Mt. Baden-Powell and Vincent Gap along Highway 2 in northern Los Angeles County.
The Big Horn Mine is situated at the headwaters of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. The area supports
an interesting mixture of high elevation and desert vegetation - yucca and sagebrush are found growing under
Jeffrey pine and big-cone Douglas fir. The former owner considered marketing the property for its remaining
mineral resources. Abundant water from springs also increased the value of the mine property for potential
development as a mountain retreat.
