Burro Schmidt Tunnel, Historic mining tunnel in El Paso Mountains, California.
Burro Schmidt Tunnel is a hand-dug passage through granite rock in the northern Mojave Desert mountains. The passage measures about 6 feet (2 m) in height and 10 feet (3 m) wide, running roughly 2,000 feet (600 m) through solid rock.
William Schmidt began work on the passage in 1902, digging for nearly four decades using hand tools and occasional explosives. He completed the connection between the two valley sides in 1938, shortly before his death.
The passage dug by a single miner shows how people worked and lived in the early 20th century California desert. The preserved cabin near the entrance gives a sense of the simple conditions under which Schmidt spent decades.
Access follows dirt desert roads north of Mojave, suitable for high-clearance vehicles. Daytime visits are possible, and a flashlight helps explore the interior.
Schmidt dug the entire passage alone, without powered machinery or hired help, which is extraordinary for a construction project of this size. The site also includes the remains of his living quarters where he stayed during the work.
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