If you’ve never heard of the Burro Schmidt Tunnel in Southern California, now is your chance to get a glimpse of this historic passage carved deep within the El Paso Mountains in the Mojave Desert. And this isn’t just any ordinary tunnel. This hidden mining tunnel stretches a half-mile long and was carved out entirely by hand by a single person. It’s one of the most unknown man-made wonders in Southern California and deserves a bit of time in the sun. If you haven’t visited this unique tunnel in SoCal, we’d highly recommend planning a trip. Learn all about it below!
The Burro Schmidt Tunnel
wikimedia commons William “Burro” H. Schmidt started digging this historic tunnel back in 1900 while he was mining for gold in the El Paso Mountains out of a need to create a shortcut to transport the ore from his mine to the Mojave smelter. Pictured here is the southern entrance to the Burro Schmidt Tunnel in Southern California.
flickr/david seibold Schmidt continued carving out the tunnel for over three decades. It was finally completed 38 years later after digging through 2,500 feet of solid granite using nothing more than small hand tools, a mining cart and dynamite to complete the job. He had no idea at the time that he was creating one of the most unique places in SoCal!
yelp/christine a. As you approach the entrance of the Burro Schmidt Tunnel, you will be greeted by this plaque that honors the late William H. Schmidt for his “dedication and perseverance” for this tremendous undertaking.
In case you are wondering where to find this hidden and incredibly unique tunnel in SoCal …
yelp/christine a.
You can find the tunnel off Highway 14 in a rugged and remote area north of Red Rock Canyon State Park.
yelp/christine a. Unofficial markers and arrows have been posted along the route by past visitors to help indicate you’re heading in the right direction.
yelp/christine a. Once inside the Burro Schmidt Tunnel, there is a half-mile trek to reach the other side. If you’re claustrophobic or afraid of the dark, this tunnel may actually give you the chills.
flickr/david seibold Although it’s not recommended to tour this hidden passage, for those who are adventurous and willing, they will be rewarded with this stunning landscape of the Mojave Desert at the other end of the most unique tunnel in SoCal.
What a bizarre story! Is this the first time you’ve heard of this historic passage in Southern California that was carved out completely by hand? Even if you’re not up for exploring inside this unique tunnel in SoCal, it’s quite the experience to see the surrounding area up close and in person so make it a day trip and go check it out.
wikimedia commons
William “Burro” H. Schmidt started digging this historic tunnel back in 1900 while he was mining for gold in the El Paso Mountains out of a need to create a shortcut to transport the ore from his mine to the Mojave smelter. Pictured here is the southern entrance to the Burro Schmidt Tunnel in Southern California.
flickr/david seibold
Schmidt continued carving out the tunnel for over three decades. It was finally completed 38 years later after digging through 2,500 feet of solid granite using nothing more than small hand tools, a mining cart and dynamite to complete the job. He had no idea at the time that he was creating one of the most unique places in SoCal!
yelp/christine a.
As you approach the entrance of the Burro Schmidt Tunnel, you will be greeted by this plaque that honors the late William H. Schmidt for his “dedication and perseverance” for this tremendous undertaking.
Unofficial markers and arrows have been posted along the route by past visitors to help indicate you’re heading in the right direction.
Once inside the Burro Schmidt Tunnel, there is a half-mile trek to reach the other side. If you’re claustrophobic or afraid of the dark, this tunnel may actually give you the chills.
Although it’s not recommended to tour this hidden passage, for those who are adventurous and willing, they will be rewarded with this stunning landscape of the Mojave Desert at the other end of the most unique tunnel in SoCal.
If you’re looking for more fun ways to experience the beauty of Southern California, then check out these 10 incredible hikes under 5 miles!
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Address: Burro Schmidt Tunnel Rd, Randsburg, CA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Tunnel in SoCal June 05, 2020 Meghan Kraft Where can I hike to a cave in Southern California? Southern California has quite a few caves to explore, whether you’re hiking in or experiencing them as a part of a historical tour. The Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves remains one of the largest known cave systems in the state and is located in the famed Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. If you’re looking for a cave that’s accessible for folks of all ages and levels, then head to the Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve. The light as it hits the cave floor is both a photographer’s dream and a perfect hiking view. The sandstone Vanalden Cave in Tarzana boasts historic carvings inside, and you can even bring your own flashlight to catch a better glimpse. If you’re looking for sea caves as opposed to desert treks, then make sure to check out the waterfront natural wonders at Leo Carillo State Beach in Malibu. Can I hike to historical sites in Southern California? A cave is its own form of natural history in Southern California. The nice thing about living in such a sunny place is that it makes it easy to trek a. four-season path, with the weather remaining good enough to adventure any month of the year. Crystal Cove State Park was once a high-end Hollywood getaway and has a series of historic cottages on the waterfront. It’s accessible by a small trail that runs from the main road to the beach and finishes in a staircase. The Pacific Crest Trail spans the western nation, and hiking Solstice Canyon or the Bridge to Nowhere puts you on par with hikers from days of yore. Does Southern California have any natural wonders? Yes, absolutely! Among the many is Joshua Tree National Park, known for its cacti and tree formations, and Zabriskie Point in Death Valley which is composed of a lake that dried up over 5 million years ago. The topography is both varied and almost eerie come sunset. Head to Point Dume in Malibu to see one of the most iconic rock formations along the beachfront. You may recognize it because it’s shown up in so many movies! The tufa spires known as the Trona Pinnacles can be found in the Mojave Desert, and the natural formations are a jaw-dropping sight to see.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Tunnel in SoCal
June 05, 2020
Meghan Kraft
Where can I hike to a cave in Southern California? Southern California has quite a few caves to explore, whether you’re hiking in or experiencing them as a part of a historical tour. The Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves remains one of the largest known cave systems in the state and is located in the famed Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. If you’re looking for a cave that’s accessible for folks of all ages and levels, then head to the Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve. The light as it hits the cave floor is both a photographer’s dream and a perfect hiking view. The sandstone Vanalden Cave in Tarzana boasts historic carvings inside, and you can even bring your own flashlight to catch a better glimpse. If you’re looking for sea caves as opposed to desert treks, then make sure to check out the waterfront natural wonders at Leo Carillo State Beach in Malibu. Can I hike to historical sites in Southern California? A cave is its own form of natural history in Southern California. The nice thing about living in such a sunny place is that it makes it easy to trek a. four-season path, with the weather remaining good enough to adventure any month of the year. Crystal Cove State Park was once a high-end Hollywood getaway and has a series of historic cottages on the waterfront. It’s accessible by a small trail that runs from the main road to the beach and finishes in a staircase. The Pacific Crest Trail spans the western nation, and hiking Solstice Canyon or the Bridge to Nowhere puts you on par with hikers from days of yore. Does Southern California have any natural wonders? Yes, absolutely! Among the many is Joshua Tree National Park, known for its cacti and tree formations, and Zabriskie Point in Death Valley which is composed of a lake that dried up over 5 million years ago. The topography is both varied and almost eerie come sunset. Head to Point Dume in Malibu to see one of the most iconic rock formations along the beachfront. You may recognize it because it’s shown up in so many movies! The tufa spires known as the Trona Pinnacles can be found in the Mojave Desert, and the natural formations are a jaw-dropping sight to see.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southern California has quite a few caves to explore, whether you’re hiking in or experiencing them as a part of a historical tour. The Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves remains one of the largest known cave systems in the state and is located in the famed Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. If you’re looking for a cave that’s accessible for folks of all ages and levels, then head to the Lava Tube in the Mojave National Preserve. The light as it hits the cave floor is both a photographer’s dream and a perfect hiking view. The sandstone Vanalden Cave in Tarzana boasts historic carvings inside, and you can even bring your own flashlight to catch a better glimpse. If you’re looking for sea caves as opposed to desert treks, then make sure to check out the waterfront natural wonders at Leo Carillo State Beach in Malibu.
Can I hike to historical sites in Southern California?
A cave is its own form of natural history in Southern California. The nice thing about living in such a sunny place is that it makes it easy to trek a. four-season path, with the weather remaining good enough to adventure any month of the year. Crystal Cove State Park was once a high-end Hollywood getaway and has a series of historic cottages on the waterfront. It’s accessible by a small trail that runs from the main road to the beach and finishes in a staircase. The Pacific Crest Trail spans the western nation, and hiking Solstice Canyon or the Bridge to Nowhere puts you on par with hikers from days of yore.
Does Southern California have any natural wonders?
Yes, absolutely! Among the many is Joshua Tree National Park, known for its cacti and tree formations, and Zabriskie Point in Death Valley which is composed of a lake that dried up over 5 million years ago. The topography is both varied and almost eerie come sunset. Head to Point Dume in Malibu to see one of the most iconic rock formations along the beachfront. You may recognize it because it’s shown up in so many movies! The tufa spires known as the Trona Pinnacles can be found in the Mojave Desert, and the natural formations are a jaw-dropping sight to see.
