Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail Loop
We came to Dawn Mine Trail one day in February. This trail is listed as hard on AllTrails website, but based on most of the reviews, people think this is a moderate and beautiful hike, and I second that. Dawn Mine could very well be our new favorite hike.
Dawn Mine Trail
- Route : Loop
- Length : 6 mi
- Elevation : 1,633 ft
At the day we arrived, we were pretty confused in the beginning because there was not much sign to follow. I finally pulled out my phone before losing reception, and thanks to the AllTrails map recording function, we were able to make sure we were walking on the right track which was surprisingly useful. Didn’t know why I never thought about giving that app a try in the past.
After we saw a small house, we made a left and went down into the canyon, later followed the stream all the way up to the mine. It’s a well shaded forested valley.
The mine part was a bit disappointing and not much to see, but the hike was really peaceful and pretty.
After looping back via Sunset Trail, we were treated by this beautiful scenery out of surprise.
I told Quentin:
Not gonna lie, I really like this hike because of how beautiful and secluded it is.
The trail back we took was very narrow and gravel, although some people complained about this part and think doing a loop isn’t worth it, but I enjoyed the view Sunset Trail provides more than the view down in the canyon. I also think taking Dawn Mine first than looping back on Sunset trail is a better choice.
Even though enjoying the sunset up there gives us a different experience if we stayed in the mountains longer, we left before it happened. The sky erupted into a blaze of fiery oranges and reds on our way back home. We stopped our car to take this photo with my phone, I became too lazy that I rarely have other long lenses with me on hikes anymore.
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