HAG WILD
Mining equipment at the Dawn Mine site juts out from the canyon wall. The outcropping hiding the mineshaft entrance is to the left of the spot where the photo was taken. The trail leading to this location is to the right (Photo Kitty Cahalan)
Dawn Mine Trail is a 4.2 mile out-and-back that ends at a gold mine in the Angeles National Forest that operated from 1895-1954.
By Kitty Cahalan
From the trailhead, go east on the paved Mt Lowe Road about 0.35 miles before taking the left fork to Sunset Ridge Trail, a single track with views into Millard Canyon below. Wind along the southeast side of the canyon and look for the “Dawn Mine” sign pointing to the left fork. Descend past the cabin to the streambed of Millard Creek.
After damage from the Station Fire, these trails were closed for several years, so note the excellent maintenance by volunteers that made a return to this area possible. A few rock scrambles are necessary at an area called “the Boulders,” after which remnants of the mining activity in the area can be seen. Stay to the left at what looks like a fork, and climb the rock stairs, which are followed by a few switchbacks. Look for the “Dawn Mine” sign, and to your left, you’ll spy mining equipment jutting out from a rock wall. Sometimes this equipment has a swing hanging from it, so if it’s your lucky day, you’ll have a place to relax at your destination! Just past the mining equipment, a rock outcropping hides the gated mine shaft. The mine itself is an anticlimax, but the beauty and the evidence of the area’s interesting history make up for the dim view down the shaft.
On your way back, look for that arrow on the left side of the stream, pointing to the left away from the creekbed. If you overshoot, your journey will naturally end about 0.1 miles later, when you come to top of Millard Falls and note the lack of trail any farther!
Dog-walkers and joggers are your most common companions on this trail. The portions on Sunset Ridge are exposed (watch for rattlesnakes) but along the creek is shady and cool (watch for poison oak). Water and sturdy shoes with grip are a must; trekking poles recommended if you need help with the creek crossings.
Parking
A small lot at the trailhead at the intersection of Mt Lowe Rd and Chaney Trail fills quickly, with overflow parked on the west side of Chaney Trail. Watch for car and bike traffic on the narrow road when exiting your car. An Adventure Pass is required.
Hiked: 8/7/2020 and 7/25/2020
I’ve hiked in many a hidden and rugged California mountain areas and I was always amazed at the heavy iron and often very huge mining machinery that was hauled into and left abandoned in those mountains. Some very hardy and hardened men who worked those way back then.