The Dawn Mine Trail was a popular moderate 2.2 mile hike past Millard Falls up to Dawn Mine but the trail was closed and fenced by forest service due to a 2009 fire. In 2011 hikers began reaching the mine through a more difficult route via Mt. Lowe Rd to Sunset Ridge Trail. The trail from there is a difficult and narrow old burro trail. There is also a trail head at 34° 13′ 17.11″ N 118° 7′ 40.74″ W.
Gold mining began in 1902 and continued to 1954. There are two tunnels, the lower tunnel is 700′ long and the upper less frequented tunnel is 200′ long. A few pieces of equipment lay on the west slope identifying the location, a compressor and an old gas engine. Been there? Comment below.
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Below is a link to the water pump outside the lower portal, taken in 2016. Originally there were four separate mines associated with the Dawn. One was blown up, the other three still exist, although two have been gated. Ore was hauled up to the Mt. Lowe Railway by mule where it was picked up at Dawn Mine Station, a small kiosk shelter, and then was taken to Los Angeles for processing.
Dawn Mine Water Pump