Half-mile hand-dug tunnel through solid granite in the El Paso Mountains — one man, pick and dynamite, 1906–1938. NRHP-listed desert oddity overlooking Fremont Valley; bring a flashlight and walk the full bore to a high ledge view.
Field facts
| Region | Kern County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35.4103, -117.8758 |
| Length | 0.5 mi (≈2,500 ft of rock) |
| Builder | William “Burro” Schmidt |
| Era | 1906–1938 |
| Status | NRHP 2003; BLM-managed public land |
| Access | Dirt roads east of CA-14 / Last Chance Canyon area; high-clearance preferred |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Rec areaEl Paso Mountains Wilderness6.2 km away
- Visitor centerVisitors Station9.6 km away
- RestroomRestrooms9.6 km away
- ParkingParking Area10.3 km away
- RestroomRestroom12.9 km away
- Rec areaDove Springs OHV Area15.2 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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