Burro Schmidt Tunnel - January 29-30, 2011

[SteveInLA]

This is Central Mountains #24 in the Peter Massey Backcountry Adventures: Southern California book. For those who aren't familiar with this spot, check out http://burroschmidttunnel.org. We followed the book's route in reverse, going in off Randsberg Road and coming out at Highway 14. We camped overnight right near the cabins and had the place to ourselves. The section of road on EP 100 was pretty tame but caution had to be used due to the number of dirtbikes and ATV's around. EP 15 had some sections that I walked first and used my spotter just to be safe. I was glad to have taken an offroad driving course first! The tunnel was really cool and we found two geocaches at the other end. The cabins are fenced off and appear to have been pillaged over time, but still pretty neat. Great trip! All of my photos from this trip can be seen at http://photos.stevenportnoy.com/Travel/ ... midt-2011/

On our way:
[photo:2xjw06es]12808[/photo:2xjw06es]

South end of the tunnel:
[photo:2xjw06es]12809[/photo:2xjw06es]

Cabins:
[photo:2xjw06es]12810[/photo:2xjw06es]

Our campsite:
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The Bonanza Post Office, exterior:
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The Bonanza Post Office, interior:
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Abandoned cleanser mine equipment:
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Steve in L.A.

 

[EMrider]

Very cool, thanks for sharing. I have ridden motos all over that area and have never visited the BS tunnel! I will get there someday. You were very wise to scout ahead and drive carefully on EP15. A lot of riders let it rip on that route with zero awareness of potential oncoming traffis.
R

 

[cellularSTEVE]

That is a nice trip and neat place to visit. What trail did you take in from the Randsburg Road?

Did you also go to Bickel Camp which has a lot of history? If so was the caretaker there to give you a tour?

steve :c3:

 

[SteveInLA]

What trail did you take in from the Randsburg Road?
Did you also go to Bickel Camp which has a lot of history?

I took Mesquite Springs Road in from Randsburg Road. We skipped Bickel Camp. The road looked rougher than I was willing to try being just a single vehicle. Ever since being stranded in Death Valley, I err on the side of caution as much as possible when traveling alone. I would love to go back, so if anyone ever wants to go as a group, you can count me in.

Steve in L.A.

 

[Greggde]

Great trip ! The fact that this individual spent 3/4 s of his life digging this tunnel by himself and by hand is mind boggling . The Bickel Camp road is doable but you are wise not to tackle any unknown road by yourself until you are comfortable with your vehicle and it's capabilities . Thanks for the reminder and great photographs of the the tunnel , some of my younger Grandsons haven't been there yet so upon my return next week I think we will take a nice little ride .
Greggde

 

[cellularSTEVE]

I went to Bickel Camp 2 years ago and I don't remember it being anything more than just a short dirt road, no different than the trail to the Burro Schmidt tunnel. I did come in from Hwy 14 so maybe that is the easy way. Of course weather conditions always change trail conditions.

I did try to enter via Last Chance Canyon last year, and if weren't for daveb I would still be stuck there!

steve :c3: