Lost Mine Trail
(return to Phil's Big Bend page) As I said on the main page, I often use this hike as a warmup.
It's only 2.4 miles or so to the top, and it's very handy to the Basin. If
the light is decent and the air not too hazy, there are some very nice views
from the top. The trail actually takes its name from the adjacent Lost Mine
Peak; which in turn, takes its name from the legend of a "lost" mine which
only shows its entrance when illuminated by the Easter morning sunrise.
The Lost Mine trailhead is well-marked
on the main park road into the Basin,
just west of Panther Pass. The
small parking lot can fill early
in the day sometimes.
At times, recently, there have been mountain lion warnings for this trail. As always, use a little common sense and check with the park service for current warnings. Attacks on humans are extremely rare, but have happened. Here's an NPS press release (link looks dead now-phil) from one in 2003. NPS has some information on mountain lions here.
View up Pine/Juniper canyons.
View from end of Lost Mine Trail
Good light and clear air make for nice views.
Phil Gavenda
Last updated: 4/11/2009