Finding a 750-Foot Long Ore Chute at the Abandoned Hilton Mine

[@AbandonedMaine]

Needless to say, you're probably the first visitor in a long time. Spectacular site though. You're taking isolation to an extreme degree. Lol.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Drew, the hike up to this one was brutal -- only because of the unrelenting sun. Really had to pace myself so as not to use up all my water. Not sure how many people make it up to this one. Some probably do. One could drive almost all the way there which would leave about a mile hike up the mountain. I chose to hike the entire route, though. Thanks for dropping by here!

[@d4v3tm]

yes, all the ghosts were really happy to see him!

[@Antibiotics01]

@@AbandonedMines11 what kind camera you are using sir?

[@someguy332]

that part you picked up in the beginning looks to be an old wheel cylinder for drum brakes

[@AbandonedMines11]

I'll take your word for it! I had no idea what that was. Thanks for commenting, man!

[@jamesburke5709]

And if you still had the truck today it even gave you the replacement part number that you can still buy today to fix it and use it today too now

[@AbandonedMines11]

Amazing to know!

[@arvonjohn7364]

I just looked it up. 1946-47 Chevy pickup.

[@jamesburke5709]

@@moparedtn what does a wheel cylinder used for other than brakes there now

[@jamesburke5709]

Hello Gd evening to you guys the 5450620 part was a 1946 gm truck left side wheel brake cylinder on their ol work truck back in the day there have a great day now too

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for that detailed information, James! You viewers are amazing with some of the additional information you come up with. I appreciate it, though, and I'm sure the other viewers do, too. Thanks again!

[@jamesburke5709]

@@AbandonedMines11 all you have to do is pull the number up on Google search and itll tell you exactly what it was for and the year it was made and everything about it on there too have a great day now as well

[@AbandonedMines11]

I did not know that. Thanks again, James!

[@murielvaillancourt3855]

These miners were very courageous! What a hard lonely life! Thank you so much to give us the chance to come with you. You are awesome! Take care. I am so happy to see your camp site, Venus and hear the crickets in the desert! You can’t know how it’s a pleasure for those like me, who are in a bed all day since 2009! It’s like to smell the life outside and be alive again. Thanks for the trip.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you, Muriel! Glad you enjoyed the video from beginning to end. Yes, that shot of Venus was kind of spectacular. I watched it every night before falling asleep.

[@gunny8978]

I love the outdoors especially in the the mountains and deserts, cool video yes its an older video but my compliments sir

[@tarstakars]

Man, I just love the desert especially at night.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Exploring the desert at night is often the better choice because it’s a little bit cooler than in the daytime. That desert sun is relentless!

[@katiefrances531]

looks like utah? i could be wrong

[@AbandonedMines11]

Released9825 California.

[@2.7petabytes]

I can’t believe I missed this one! I’m glad it showed up next in my feed! As always, love your videos Frank! I usually watch your videos around bed time. I find them really relaxing

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you! A lot of people say it’s my voice.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Good effort making the hike to this area, Frank. That chute is really something. I don't think I've seen one that long before. You never know what you might find at these prospects. We've come across workings that look similar to these that were 1500 feet long. Nice shot of Venus from your campsite, and the mountain views...priceless

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Tom! The chute was interesting. Definitely one of the longest I've ever seen. Too bad it was tipped over in some spots and broken up. Would've been something to see it in use. As Alex mentioned yesterday in his comment on the picture of the chute, it would've been noisy hearing all those rocks tumble down the chute!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@AbandonedMines11 Yes, that chute would have made quite a rumble.

[@johndeacon6011]

Another great video, thanks for helping me keep my sanity during quarantine!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Happy to help! Thanks, John, for your comment!

[@beedumpling3820]

Very cool. That valley is my old stomping grounds. I was raised in Ridgecrest. We carved ruts into 395 we drove it so much going back and forth to go camping! I always wondered what was up there in those hills! Thanks for taking us along! :D

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Deborah! Nice to know that there’s a former Ridgecrest native here on my KZbin channel enjoying my videos. You’re probably very familiar with some of the places I’ve been, no doubt. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. Stay well!

[@TimmyLtd]

I love that the mountains are littered with these old mines. They're all interesting in their own way.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comments! Yes, these mines all have their own individual characteristics. Some do look alike but most are very unique in their own way.

[@dizzycheeser1920]

i appreciate the fact that you called the number on that rusted piece you picked up:)

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Frank, that view with the snow covered mountains was so beautiful to see. The ore chute was quite impressive in it's size and how they just bolted those pieces together was pretty amazing, I've never seen one that long either so kudos to the designers on that one. Thank you for sharing, take care. xx💖

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Sue! Those are the Sierra Nevada Mountains, by the way. Very scenic. Yes, putting the chute together and then setting it up must’ve been quite a chore. Hopefully it was done during the winter months when the daytime heat would be tolerable. Thank you for your comment!

[@SueGirling68]

@@AbandonedMines11 Yes I don't think they would have erected it in the Summer either as I can imagine it gets pretty hot in those months. Take care. x

[@chrisfallon77]

Love your videos. Thanks for sharing with us! Big fan here from Miami Beach. Ive always been interested in mines, mining and geology! Chris

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for checking in from Florida, Christopher! Glad you enjoy the videos and are getting something out of them. I think a lot of us who explore abandoned mines also have a passing interest in geology as well.

[@ronniecardy]

Loved the snow covered mountains ⛰ Just glad your back with more videos like listening to your voice be safe out there

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Ronnie! I thought that view of the mountains was pretty spectacular and worth including in the video. Thanks again for all of your support - I really appreciate it!

[@gingerbread6614]

Thank you for bringing us another mine.

[@AbandonedMines11]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support!

[@adamwright1619]

Awesome video as always. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks again, Adam! I appreciate your ongoing interest in my videos. Thank you exclamation

[@niveraswings]

Thanks for another great video Frank! Stay safe out there!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment!

[@morelenmir]

It is amusing you mention the tunnel was cool at 18C! I have been struggling since Christmas, sometimes with the fire piled up to the arch to keep my living room at 18C and mostly failing!!! Right now it is only 16C in here and May is about to arrive. It gives you an idea how *hot* those deserts really are when 18C can feel cool!!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Great comment! Thanks for sharing your anecdote. Temperature can sometimes be relative. I totally understand what you’re saying.

[@royjennison3916]

another great vidio . wow , well done i loved it

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the visit, Roy! Good hearing from you again.

[@ianisthegoat_18]

thank god your still with us

[@AbandonedMines11]

Still here! I'll have a new video dropping tomorrow afternoon (Monday) at 3 PM Pacific Time.

[@marceloromero4515]

Good afternoon Frank, the opening 2 minutes of this video might be the most breath taking footage you've shot yet!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the feedback, Marcelo! I couldn't pass up that view of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada Mountains. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again for your support.

[@kimbra1132]

Interesting ore in that mountain, good job.

[@deadmetal8692]

Man I bet you have an awesome rock collection.

[@dancjr2]

Awesome video as always!!! The view of those mountains was amazing!!! I wish that the chute was still standing, I would have thrown a few rock into it just to hear the noise it made, definitely impressive. The area looked extremely remote so I’d guess you’re probably the first visitor in a long time. Thanks for sharing Frank, stay safe.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Dan! It would have been cool to see the chute when it was still standing and still in use. Must’ve been kind of noisy with all those rocks tumbling down it!

[@Tiger351]

That ore chute looks a lot more impressive on video than the photo you posted. That's an insane amount of waste rock for just those tunnels you found, there has to be more on the mountain somewhere.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Well, I didn’t go up to the highest opening so there may have been more workings there - but I highly doubt it. That opening had a similar sized waste rock pile as the ones lower on the mountain. Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for checking it out, and thank you for commenting!

[@W7DSY]

Good as usual, Frank. I bet that ore chute was a nightmare to keep running, unless the angle down the hill was exceedingly steep.

[@AbandonedMines11]

The chute was on wooden pylons which probably kept it at somewhat of a steeper angle than what the mountain side really is. It would’ve been something to see it all in operation, wouldn’t it? Thanks, Stan!

[@johnbrownlee7623]

thats a wheel cylinder....Sunny Jim, thats a honey pot....Well old son, thanks for the video.....Nice job...................JB................

[@timetogodoug]

Thanks Frank, have a great safe week!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Doug! Will do. Good hearing from you again.

[@Country_Girl63]

Thank you for taking us along!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

You bet! Thanks for your comment!

[@foxythunder481]

14:22 “I like that boulder. That is a NICE boulder.” 😂

[@AbandonedMines11]

I'm just glad it didn't fall on my head! LOL

[@frequencyfluxfandango8504]

Obviously none of these mines are easy to get to in the first place and obviously, that is a good thing. Thank you for all your missions, marching up mountains, down mines etc. I can imagine it must be exhausting, however it makes for excellent videos.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you like them! The hike to reach this one was only about 2.75 miles one way but it was a killer due to the desert heat and absolutely no shade along the route. Had to really pace myself out to conserve energy AND water. Took about three and a half hours to go 2.75 miles. The last mile and a half was all uphill and very difficult. The return hike only took two and a half hours. It wasn't as hot because the sun was setting and I was in shade of the mountain range most of the way home. This is why in some of my older videos you see Paul and I hiking across the desert at night -- much cooler to go at night.

[@tinas4838]

oh I wish it sounded like that here, it use too but now the small town traffic has grown

[@AbandonedMines11]

I hear what you're saying, Tina. I live in an urban environment, so it's always nice to escape and be somewhere at dusk where it's totally quiet.

[@stevetabor4447]

Cool area view for days I’m sure the material would cruise down that chute pretty fast great stuff

[@AbandonedMines11]

It would’ve been something to see and hear rocks going down that chute. Must’ve been kind of noisy! Thanks for your comment, Steve.

[@pa5287]

good one and the view is fantastic.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Paul! Glad you appreciated that view at the opening of the video. Thanks for your support!

[@Linsmith571]

That seems like a lot of chute and very little mine but it's amazing. Beautiful area too.

[@AbandonedMines11]

That’s what I was thinking, too! Seems like a lot of effort went into making that chute for what turned out to be minimal workings.

[@rdamp2374]

Fantastic Video. At 6:03 the second metal sheet has the ore cart track shape embedded in it

[@AbandonedMines11]

Damn, you have a good eye! I did not notice that detail. I see it now, though.

[@Senor0Droolcup]

SUPER cool!!! Awesome!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Brian! Good to hear from the legal contingent again. Thanks for being a subscriber for seven years now. I appreciate your support!

[@Antibiotics01]

Nice content as always

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you, Rommel!

[@AT-ki8jz]

Frank - Cool vid! Nothing to do out there which something tells me a miner or three probably slid down that Ore shoot back in the day 😂

[@AbandonedMines11]

I don’t know about that. The chute wasn’t that wide. It would be a tight squeeze. Great idea, though! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Thank you for the video

[@AbandonedMines11]

You're welcome, Larry! Thanks for watching!

[@markcantemail8018]

Thank you Frank for climbing up there for Us , that Chute is something else . I have a question . What Month was this Hike made ? I liked seeing Venus watching over your Camp . Stay safe and Healthy .

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Mark! I think the video was made in April. I'm losing track of the days! Don't ask me what year, though. Venus can be so prominent in the evening sky at certain times throughout the year. Always very striking to see it blazing away in the evening sky!

[@samueljohnstone3028]

thanks for the handy translation for the metric people 👍👍👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Samuel! Someone suggested I do that in a recent video. Makes sense.

[@efromhb]

I have a very good idea where this is. Nice views.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment! I'm intrigued by your KZbin channel name. I'm going to check out your channel, man.

[@davebeckley2584]

How disappointed do you think those miners were as they watched their less than round ore pick up speed in that ore chute only to throw itself out at all different distances other than the end where the truck was parked? Makes you wish the chute was intact and you had a skateboard. You could probably hit 80 mph before crashing into the valley floor. Hard to imagine that some miner didn't try his luck by sliding down on a flour sack. Longest chute I've ever seen that had the potential for some really painful fun. Thanks for sharing.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for commenting, Dave! It seems like the chute almost needed some kind of covering to keep the rocks from bouncing out.

[@SunnyTacos]

Really cool, that snowy mountain was impressive, was it too far away from where you were? It seemed within walking distance, I used to hike and camp a lot with my late dad so seeing this view brought back memories, thanks for the video Frank it's always incredible, stay safe.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Definitely not within walking distance. Glad you enjoyed that spectacular view, though. Sounds like you have some nice memories with your dad, and that’s a good thing. Thanks for your support!

[@anidaria]

love that little "Found some baby dolls in this mine!" notification. that's exactly what you want to find in a mine isn't it

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think the baby dolls have been one of the more stranger things that I found in an abandoned mine, that’s for sure! Hey, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment! I really do appreciate it.

[@ruthfield4083]

just found this video, a quick question, if some of these mines are 100 plus years old and only worked by a couple of men where the heck did they get the wood from, there doesnt appear to be any trees anywhere and going to get it and cart it up must have not only taken time but money as well and some of the timber even in the very old mines seems to be milled, seems like they worked hard for any little bit of gold , silver etc the got.....

[@sidneywright4466]

In new Zealand we had a coal mine called cascade it had 14kms of coal flames or chutes to get from the portal to the trains

[@AbandonedMines11]

Sounds impressive! That would be something to see. Thanks, Sidney, for taking the time to comment!

[@sidneywright4466]

Yer it would of been but long gone now we have old photos of some of it at work

[@1uptospeed]

shoot thats one long chute frank. now thats some social distancing you got going on. them talc mines make me pucker up .keeper safe my friend

[@AbandonedMines11]

I was a little disappointed that the underground workings were as minimal as they were. Wasn't able to find any production records for this mine, but with that long chute there, they must've had big plans. Seems like the plans didn't pan out.

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Y'all must have had a wet winter from the looks of those mountains. It will be interesting to see what they look like in July and August? Then the following year to measure snow pack growth. I have theory the globally moisture patterns are changing, for example our Winter was wet and the Spring hasn't been much different. The good part of being in the desert is other than isolation the flora will be spectacular in the next month or so.

[@AbandonedMines11]

There definitely is a lot of snow pack up there in those mountains. Lots of drinking water! Thanks, Mike, for your comment. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by, watch, and comment.

[@janblake9468]

Another unusual ore chute is in the northern portion of the Old Woman Mtns. The chute is approximately 20 feet wide at its widest at the upper end and 80 feet or so long. Has wood supports but the floor of the chute is concrete.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I have never heard of that chute, Jan. Sounds interesting -- especially the concrete floor! Might have to hike out to that one.

[@janblake9468]

@@AbandonedMines11 It's visible in satellite pics. Forgot to mention the floor is slightly curved so like a shallow half funnel.

[@Awon2zip]

How do you find these mines and the locations? I imagine many of these mines in such remote locations are forgotten about/difficult to find? Keep up the great content!

[@AbandonedMines11]

It requires a lot of research, at the very least. I’ve had my eye on this one for a couple of years now. Yes - sometimes it takes that long! Thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching the video!

[@realfoggy]

@@AbandonedMines11 Do you use any satellite imagery like Google Earth?

[@markraymond3886]

When looking at that ore chute I can only image the noise as ore was sent down. I wonder if there was a top on that chute because as the ore builds up speed it will tumble.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Didn't seem to be any kind of covering for the chute, Mark. I'm not sure how they would've prevented rocks of a larger size from bouncing out of the chute as they tumbled downward.

[@foamer443]

Knowing nothing about this, would gravity alone have been enough to get the dumped ore to the bottom? Would water have been used, though it doesn't exactly look like there would be source for that.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, they would’ve relied on gravity alone.

[@SUBZEROsnowboarding]

Do you know if this mine is related at all to the Hilton Creek Mine in Crowley lake, Ca? That mine is a brutal hike but there is lots of nearly untouched artifacts up there. I was 13 the last time I was there and it looked as if nobodies been there 40yrs before I hiked up there!

[@AbandonedMines11]

No relation whatsoever. The mine you described sounds fascinating! I think I have heard of that one, though. Never went up there myself. Might be worth a visit! Thanks for your comment!

[@SUBZEROsnowboarding]

@@AbandonedMines11 I think I actually told you about it wayyy back when I was a teen and had finished the hike. I'm glad to see you still doing what you love after all these years! I do know from my last visit that the nicoll Hilton creek mines portal was beginning to collapse most likely due to avalanches as the mountain its on is called Mount Morgan below Nevahbe Ridge. There are actually 2 different mines there the Nicoll Hilton Creek Mine and the Phelps Hilton Creek Mine. Phelps mine is about .5 mi closer to the 395 than the Nicoll mine. I've only ever hiked to the Nicoll mine so there is no telling what that portal looks like but I swear I saw a giant trommel sliding down the face of that mountain in front of the portal when I left last time. Definitley worth checking out there is a lot of very unique geology in that area with old country rock being intruded by an igneous magma body. The orange rock on top of Mt. Morgan is some of the oldest in California I'm pretty sure. The main mineral mined was tungsten but there are other localities of silver and lead all throught the area. Theres actually some good geological reports done on the mine you should check out! I hope you make it there one day and teach me something new! It is not an easy hike at all about 8 miles round trip with minimal cover majority of the way. My grandfather actually used to ride up in the mine truck with the miners when he was a kid so he could fish from the top of Hilton lakes all the way back down to his families french fishing camp way back. I hope you go! I can inform you a lot more about that area if you're ever interested!

[@infantryblack]

Any idea of the year of operation?

[@AbandonedMines11]

1950s or 1960s? I’m really not sure.

[@leehilton9932]

Very cool. I wonder if there's any pay left in it!? I'll take it either way just for the name. That first little find was a wheel cylinder for drum brakes. They haven't really changed that much over time, just the adjuster location. It was probably on a winch set-up for a brake. It would have been hell gettin supplies up there on your back. As always stay safe and healthy out there.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Lee! Glad you enjoyed this mine with your name on it. Other people have also identified that piece of equipment as part of a brake system. Based on the ore chute and everything else, I was expecting there to be more workings there than what turned out to be. Oh well - can’t win them all.

[@vincesuchy3724]

Interesting very very very interesting 👍😊

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Vince!

[@vincesuchy3724]

@@AbandonedMines11 Thank You for the response how long have you been doing this mining Hobby for just listening and watching for a week now how knowledgable you are doing what you do in your mining expeditions is really neat is that a body camera you wear cause your videos are so clean and clear with all your body movement keep up the good work on mining expeditions 😊👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

I’ve been doing this for about 13 years, believe it or not! I really scaled-back these last few years, though, because I was getting bored with it and wanted to move on to other things. I’m still getting out there once in a long while to explore and document an abandoned mine here and there. Thank you for the feedback on my camera work. I do need to get a new camera because the one I’ve been using for the last five years or so is on its last legs and is about ready to die. I simply hold the camera in my hand while I’m exploring an abandoned mine. No fancy gimbals or stabilization devices here!

[@vincesuchy3724]

@@AbandonedMines11 Thank You again for responding to my questions I can only imagine that you are a busy man with all of your mining expeditions with all of the messages to each of video that you post which is very time consuming I'm guessing it's always nice to hear from someone from many many many miles and not my country 😊👍🇨🇦 Canada of course but it's very interesting to see and watch what you do Thank You once again all the way from Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@breadcat6454]

Can you please head back there and drop some ore down the chute? I was waiting for it the whole video!

[@AbandonedMines11]

The chute is unfortunately in bad repair and collapsed. I don't think a tossed rock would make it very far down any section of that chute. Would've been cool to see it standing upright and functioning normally, though.

[@bobrenner7213]

Just a thought - the ore chute was less maintenance than having a cable tram line setup needing an engine to move the cars - at least one less person that would have to run the drive mechanism.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Very true, Bob! It seems that a tram would be a lot more problematic and have a lot more maintenance issues than a simple chute. .

[@kevinthompson5827]

That little part that you held up is a brake cylinder from an old car or the brakes used on a winch system.

[@adventureswithducky4088]

That's a GM brake cylinder used in various vehicles from the '70s thru the 90s

[@AbandonedMines11]

Awesome! Thanks for the info, Henry.

[@johnpurdy3336]

What mountain range was that at the beginning? Kinda looked like the Eastern Sierra

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, it was.

[@johnpurdy3336]

@@AbandonedMines11 Awesome! Hoping to make it up to the mammoth area at the end of May to get away from all the chaos going on rn lol. Stay safe and keep up the great work sir 👍

[@iainhunneybell]

So in your first adit you’ve about 100 feet to the face but no stopes, drifts or anything, so was this a bust? They dug that far and gave up without finding a good vein to actually mine?

[@AbandonedMines11]

It seems to be that way. I’m not sure why that first tunnel was dug unless it was a separate mine altogether.

[@RobertLassche]

Darn, I was hoping for some of those darn tommyknockers...perfect spot...no visitors for a long time !

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Robert, for watching and commenting!

[@chamuco97]

Great job thanks for sharing

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching!

[@hoseman317]

I just cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to build that chute and to haul all that material up there. Do you ever encounter rattle snakes on your adventures? There must be a danger of them being just inside the tunnel entrances and I am sure those mine rats make a nice snack for them also.

[@AbandonedMines11]

With all of the cross-country hiking I do in the desert and mountains, one would think that I would have come across tons of rattlesnakes. However, over the last 13 years or so, I have probably only seen seven or eight snakes. Either I'm just very lucky or I walk right past them without noticing them and they ignore me. You're right about how difficult it must've been to build that chute on the side of that mountain. Those miners certainly were some hardy people!

[@o2wow]

Another adventure, but do I ever miss camping in the desert.

[@AbandonedMines11]

It certainly is nice camping out in the desert. I especially like being out there in the summertime when it's 110-degrees or so. Believe it or not, it still got kind of chilly the nights I was there when making this video. I think it got down in the mid-50s or so. That will change over the next month or so as summer gets nearer. I like those nighttime lows of 98 degrees! LOL Thanks for your comment!

[@o2wow]

@@AbandonedMines11 Oh, I believe! Cool nights during hot weather are something I've really missed since leaving California. 85+ degree/99% humidity nights killed our tent camping.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I never use a tent when camping in the desert. I sleep outside on a cot. Tried using a tent a few times back in 2009 or so and found it to be a hassle. The tent made too much noise at night anyway when the wind blew. Kept me awake. It never rains in the desert, and I plan my trips far enough out so I always know what the weather will be. If it would rain, I'd just move into my car. Haven't had to do that yet once. Nothing's better than sleeping outside!

[@o2wow]

@@AbandonedMines11 true! But, with a wife and two children it was tents, plus we often camped in the mountains and in all seasons. The last time in California was at Mitchell's Caverns State park, the wind blew so hard it was going under the tent and rolling us around.

[@JamesClark993311]

That campsite reminds me of the song peaceful easy feeling

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment, James!

[@rabbibacongrease88]

That part you picked up is a wheel cylinder for drum brakes on a Car or truck

[@WilbertRamos777]

Mr. balls of steel this guy goes at anytime to any mine by himself if it was me I would be carrying a 10mm extended mag on it & some extra mags

[@AbandonedMines11]

I'm always armed when out there. No doubt about that!

[@WilbertRamos777]

@@AbandonedMines11 that's good to knw bud be safe out there i command you is not easy being out there by yourself God bless & protect you 🙏

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, man!

[@deltame3264]

@@AbandonedMines11 is it for pumas?

[@stevenwood7131]

if you ever visit Wa state, let me know. we have some wet mines out this way.

[@HondaGoldwingGL1800]

That heavy thingy that you picked up jut before going into the mine is a wheel brake cylinder. The number is the part number.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Got it! Thanks for the info!

[@danielbailey1489]

Awesome footage! Have you ever found an old hit n’ miss engine at any of these mines? Seems like something they might have. Great video 👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

I can’t recall, Daniel. Probably so. At the very least, probably parts of one.

[@desertrat8322]

Awesome video , is this mine in the Owens Valley??

[@AbandonedMines11]

The mine is not in Owens Valley. The opening shot, though, is of the Sierra Nevada Mountains taken north of Owens Valley

[@garybolton7916]

I agree, that is a brake cylinder for shoe style brakes!

[@MrPhenomenon1]

was that white fuzzy stuff asbestos poss?

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think it was most likely some kind of crystal growth

[@foamer443]

The bulk of the worlds asbestos came from (recently renamed) Asbestos Quebec. It does occur naturally in other places. I've seen a small patch exposed at the side of the road around Temagami Ontario. Nasty crap. I have to be aware of it at work, due to the age of some of the buildings I work on.

[@simonhenry7415]

I swear, it has to make you wonder how the men used to have the energy to operate mines like this manually back in the day. Everything is automated these days, so if they are blasting and shovelling rock, I sure hope they had some solid grades in that material. It really must have been a difficult way to carve out a living.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Good observations, Simon! I think you’re spot on! It probably was a very difficult life and very backbreaking.

[@BrunoEmanuell]

hey friend could you return those mines where you saw strange things and see if they reappear

[@420BulletSponge]

One has to wonder how much untapped ore is still in all of those majestic mountains across the valley

[@AbandonedMines11]

That’s for sure! Thank you for watching the video and for commenting! I appreciate it

[@vkubotajohnv]

here I thought I would be smart but you all beat me to it.. lol, It is in fact a drum brake wheel cylinder.. I found the part # is good for a bunch of things, it supersedes older numbers as well as compatible with some old Porsche cars, to a few tractors & other equipment.. 49 - 50 chevy 1 ton truck.. and many more... but honestly, if I had to guess, I would say this was just cheap and available. I say this because of where you found it.. I think it most likely came from a brake for a cable/winch system that use to live on the wooden cribbing.. They probably used it to get stuff up and down the mountain as well as pulling ore carts . I would also guess all of that equiptment was moved with the ore carts and missing track.. there was most likely a roller system as well.. BUT, your guess is as good as mine...

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for all the information in your comment, John! I always appreciate when you viewers contribute your own thoughts and musings on what is seen in my videos. I know I often don’t supply the correct information while narrating. I guess you could say these videos are a group effort to some extent! LOL Thanks again for watching and commenting - I appreciate it.

[@vkubotajohnv]

THANK YOU for risking your neck making these videos! Since finding your channel I can't wait for my day to end so I can sit and binge watch them.. I have been wanting to do this (and cave exploration) for as long as I can remember... have you explored the east coast at all?

[@AbandonedMines11]

I haven't been on the East Coast at all. Thanks for watching my videos, John! I do appreciate it. I've got some good ones that'll be uploaded over the course of the next couple of weeks.

[@vkubotajohnv]

@@AbandonedMines11 I will surely be watching for those new videos to post. Stay safe out there man!

[@Smackvttv]

Looks like a wheel cylinder for drum breaks

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think you're right. Other viewers have said similar things.

[@Cwra1smith]

The top adit you neglected to explore is full of gold embedded in quartz monzonite.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Well, that’s good to know. I have no plans on going back there, though. Thanks for the comment, Craig!

[@wyvern7548]

Que buen video amigó

[@AbandonedMines11]

Gracias por su comentario! Me alegra que hayan disfrutado del video. I 'll estar subiendo más videos pronto.

[@ezequielcastro2857]

Hi! I love your videos, Im from Argentina. How do you find all the mines? Do you have an old datsabase?

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Ezequiel! Thanks for chiming in all the way from Argentina! A lot of mines can be found by looking at other explorers' websites, pictures, and trip reports. Older topographic maps are also a great resource. I have found the BLM websites (Bureau of Land Management) to be another excellent source of information, too. Make no doubt about it -- finding these mines requires a lot of research! Thanks for your support here on my channel.

[@Rolando1414]

Your videos are awesome.Keep up the great work.👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks a ton! I appreciate your support.

[@Rolando1414]

@@AbandonedMines11 hey I got a question basically how do find these mines are they all in the area you live or do you travel around the world.

[@AbandonedMines11]

No global traveling here. I stay within the United States.

[@marceloromero4515]

Were you able to figure out what that white fuzzy stuff was? 8:05

[@AbandonedMines11]

No, I wasn't. Probably some crystal growth from the rock. The mine was not wet or damp. I'm not really sure.

[@rayc.1396]

Waiting for a burrow to bray and break the silence. Neat place.

[@AbandonedMines11]

You and me both! Didn't happen, though. Thanks for watching and commenting, Ray!

[@victoryfaust289]

How do you find these places?!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Through lots and lots of research. It takes time.

[@victoryfaust289]

I'm sure it does! I love your channel, keep up the great work! Come to Colorado, seems there could be a couple mines out here ;) @@AbandonedMines11

[@sleepingpowder1595]

is this in Kern county?

[@AbandonedMines11]

The opening shot of the mountains is in Inyo County, I believe.

[@collecter3456]

So does this chute go into the Horton mine, or does it go to a mine near the Horton mine? I just came to see the chute, so I might have missed a few details. Cool video.

[@darinclark1853]

Frank...! What mountains?! ☺ Are you still driving your Toyota?

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes I am! I'm really close to turning over 400,000 miles on the odometer. You can be sure that I'll be posting a video of that big occasion. Thanks, Darin, for watching and commenting!

[@darinclark1853]

@@AbandonedMines11 but what mountains at the beginning?

[@AbandonedMines11]

Sierra Nevada Mountains.

[@BobC777]

If the blast holes (6:40) are filled with explosives I would think they'd be blown apart. But we still see them.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Good point! I’m not sure how deep they made those drill holes for the dynamite. They may have gone in several feet but only packed dynamite in the first six or 8 inches or so. Maybe somebody with some mining knowledge will let us know how it was exactly done..These blast holes, though, are quite common in these abandoned mines. We see them all the time.

[@BobC777]

@@AbandonedMines11 Thx - I like that theory about the blast holes. There are a number of Hilton Mines - what state was this one in?

[@AbandonedMines11]

California.

[@RENunez-sd6ov]

Right on Frank, hey back in the 1960's bunch of us long hairs use to camp out at some of those mines. We lost a few on a some of the trips. Hey Frank if you should run into any of them. Tell them the war is over man, you can come home now. Keep up the great work.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Great comment! Thanks, man, for watching the vid. If I run into any of those guys, I'll let them know. LOL

[@handyandy2618]

That’s a brake wheel cylinder. For hydraulic brakes

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your input, Handy Andy!

[@JoshPadgett]

I bet it was pretty quiet out there... until you busted out your guitar and started singing Bad Moon Rising!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Great comment, Josh! LOL! Thank you for checking out the video and for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@t0pa]

metric user says thank you!

[@AbandonedMines11]

You're welcome!

[@Yo_Hahn]

Do they measur the lenght of their hands in foot?

[@planeguysexploration]

@@Yo_Hahn No, inches.

[@theslamer67]

that little part you found is a wheel cylinder

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, man!

[@glenngutshall5507]

@2:56 - it's a brake wheel cylinder.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the info, Glenn!

[@sampointau]

Part of a clutch or Brake hydraulic cylinder.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Sam! Thanks for your comment! A lot of people seem to agree with you. Thanks again for stopping by and checking out the video. I appreciate it!

[@sampointau]

@@AbandonedMines11 no worries, you can blame Frank and Justin for me dropping by, LoL I've helped out Frank and Justin a few times on things, remotely though as I live in the antipodes, hahahaha I've worked on/helped restore old mine equipment as well as seen a few mines on 3 continents and some Pacific islands, not for work, either had family involved in the mines or just investigations of old workings.