I’m only giving this 3 stars because of google. Not bc of the trail. Google said this was good for kids. Let’s get this straight, if it’s good for kids, we’re talking 17 y/o soccer players that have played on state champ teams for 4 years straight. The trail is steep AF. My wife and I had to rest in the mine for an hour before and after making it up to Flag Rock just to cool down. Granted, our timing was off. Not wise to hike in prime daylight when it was 100 degrees outside, but we never expected the hike to take that long since we thought it was good for kids. It took us about 85 minutes to get to Flag Rock, not counting the hour rest in the cool mine. The mine saved our lives (probably literally). Take plenty of water. And when you think you have enough, take more. We ran out. It was over 4 hours round trip (with our 2 hour-long breaks in the mine). Good luck, you’re gonna need it, unless you’re said soccer player.That being said, the trip was worth it. The mine is awesome and the views are spectacular... if you don’t die.
From the trailhead, take the trail to the right. The left trail fades into a water run-off path that goes directly up the mountain. Its slippery and challenging. I suspect those who didnt have a good hiking experience took that (its obvious many people have). The trail to the right is the family - friendly switch-back that leads you to a short hike across the mountain, then up through a narrow trail to the mine. After the switchback, is the first trail marker. The hike is full-sun. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore the mine (my phone flashlight wouldnt cut it).Firebreak road, the road thatll get you closest to the trailhead from the north, has a couple of really rough spots and a high clearance vehicle is a must.
Just hiked Patsys mine today! 8, 7, 6, and 5 year old kids all made it! Nice day. It is pretty steep! Snacks, water bottles, and waterproof boots for the muddy cave are suggested! One kid asked where the treasure was!
Very good trail. My siblings and I used this trail in preparation for a backpacking trip. There is not much shade and the trail itself can become very steep, but you can see the end destination from nearly every point on the hike and for us that made it easier. I would however recommend caution as to Patsys Mine itself. Upon one arrival we discovered a large rattlesnake roughly 3 feet in length at the entrance.
Cool little cave at the top. Decent ascent at first then it levels out a bit, switchbacks the whole way, or you can choose a shortcut straight up or down which is a bit more challenging.
Amazing and breathtaking took my 7 year old and he loved it as well. Be sure to stop by both the mine and the flag
Enjoyed this place. Sad theyre closing it down
Enjoyed the hike to the mine with the kids ages 3 to 10
The mine is a fun place to explore. The trail up is steep without any shade. While the view can be amazing, youll hear the freeway the entire hike.
I only gave this 4 stars because the trail was pretty confusing at the beginning. We had to back track a bit.The mine was really fun, my 3, 4 and 7 year old kids were able to do the hike.Not much shade on this trail, so the cool mine is very welcome on a hot day.
This is a great hike. Take a black light! The quartz is photo luminescent and glows!!!
Hike was good a little steeper then I thought it would be but the views were awesome! The mine was really cool (in more ways then one ) and the flag at the top was awesome as well! Would recommend for some great views of the lake!
Really fun hike and cave
Maintained trail, good signage, fun hike. Can continue up to flag rock as well from here
Challenging but fun.