Reward Mine: a risky drive into an abandoned mine in California
Usa, north-america
N/A
152 m
hard
Year-round
Ever dreamed of driving through a real mine? Head to Inyo County, California, and you might just get your chance! Tucked away at the foot of the Inyo Mountains, between Independence and Lone Pine, lies the Reward Mine (aka Brown Monster Mine), a sprawling relic from the late 1800s gold and lead rush.
This place is massive, with eight interconnected levels stretching over 500 feet! The main tunnel is so huge, rumor has it you can drive a 4x4 right through it. You'll find the mine just east of the Manzanar Historical Monument, a somber but important WWII internment camp definitely worth a visit.
Now, for the adventurous drivers: the trail leading to the mine entrance is steep and rocky, definitely requiring 4WD, good clearance, and excellent off-road tires. Once inside, the terrain mellows out to soft dirt, and you can supposedly drive over a quarter mile into the earth. The main tunnel itself can fit multiple vehicles!
A word of serious caution: this mine is showing its age, and collapses are a real risk. This is earthquake country, so a cave-in could happen anytime. Driving in alone is not recommended, and extreme caution is a must. Even though it's tempting, driving into the depths of the mine is a dangerous and risky adventure. Despite the risk, the reward is driving into a real mine, something very few get to experience.
Where is it?
Reward Mine: a risky drive into an abandoned mine in California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.9176, -101.8786
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 152 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.9176, -101.8786
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