Photo courtesy Orange County Archives
Join us for a trip into the Santa Ana Mountains through Pine Canyon to visit the ruins of the Blue Light Mine, founded by Santa Ana residents Hank Smith and William Curry after they discovered silver (which gave the canyon its name) in 1877. After staking their claim, digging commenced and didn’t stop until the mid-twentieth century, during which time zinc, lead, and gold were mined, as well.
This isn’t for the faint of heart. The hike to the lower Blue Light Mine is a reasonably easy mile each way with a gain of 100-200 elevation. However, the hike to the upper mine, where guide Mike Boeck claims, “the views are grand and the look-see into the mine is more interesting,” doubles the distance and more than triples the elevation gain. (If you arrive at the lower mine and don’t feel as if you can continue, someone will take you back to the trailhead while the rest of the group continues.) Phil Brigandi will offer the history of the area along the way.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Length: 4 hours
Bring: plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch
This is a very rare opportunity, but the hike is limited to 20 people.
Reservations are a MUST. Confirmation will be made by email and will include additional information regarding the trek.
This hike sponsored by the Orange County Historical Society in partnership with the Silverado Modjeska Recreation and Park District (SMRPD).
Follow up to the History Hike:
- Chris Jepsen’s Flickr photo set: OCHS at Blue Light Mine