In a Dangerous, Underground Maze at the Abandoned Sacramento Mine (Part 1)

What a grueling, steep hike to reach this abandoned mine! But, oh boy, was it ever worth it! I joined Tom and Julie and made the arduous trek to the abandoned Sacramento Mine high up in the White Mountains. Tom and Julie had explored some of the mine on an earlier visit a few years back, and I had always wanted to explore this mine. So we made it happen.
An old mining report said the Sacramento Mine was worked from 1890 to 1950. Known as a gold mine, it also produced silver, lead, and copper. We found very colorful veins of ore in the drift tunnels as we explored a few levels of this mine. We also found an old explosives box lid that was still intact with printing on it.
Even though Tom and Julie's good friend Max (who used to work in this mine) provided a map of the mine's layout, it was a difficult mine to navigate. The mine is laid out rather haphazardly. I compare it to Swiss cheese. There are a handful of levels that are interconnected by short and long inclined tunnels and stopes. We entered three tunnels altogether while at the site. In the first two tunnels, Tom and Julie noticed that earthquake activity has collapsed a lot of areas in those two tunnels since their initial visit a few years ago. The third tunnel, however, was quite open and passable, and it led to somewhat extensive workings. From the third tunnel, we ascended and descended to other levels inside the mine.
Don't miss the sneak-peek previews from Part 2 at the end of this video!
Part 2 will go live this Sunday, November 22nd at 9:00 AM Pacifc time.
#ExploringAbandonedMines
#AbandonedMines
#MineExploring
#UndergroundExploration

[@rem45acp]

These videos are great. No annoying intro, no foul language, no requests to like and subscribe. Passion for exploring, good filming.

[@lordlandbeast]

Exactly why i watch! No offense to the other channels, this is just more interesting to me

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment! Never in this channel's 14 year history have I ever requested people to "like and subscribe" or "rate, comment, and subscribe." Not once. Never said it and never wrote it. Never needed to. Thanks for noticing that!

[@markmullin4246]

Tom n Julie are ALWAYS way ahead of you!

[@AbandonedMines11]

We like to keep spaced out. In case something happens -- like a collapse.

[@dallasgibson7578]

Just got home from work, perfect timing

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for taking time out of your day to watch my latest video and for commenting - I appreciate it.

[@Linsmith571]

A little sketchy? Wow, you guys are brave. Beautiful area.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Maybe "kinda sketchy" would've been a better description. LOL Thanks for commenting. Glad you enjoyed the scenery at the beginning of the video.

[@neilurwin9670]

A Very Interesting Mine With Them Different Colours In The Rock Mine All The Best Of Health There Frank.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your observant comment, Neil! Quite a hike to get up to this one - but definitely worth it in the end.

[@frank9709]

I never skip ads on this channel in hopes that it makes you more revenue

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you, Frank! I appreciate that. I do the same thing when watching other channels I'm subscribed to (and even sometimes ones I'm not subscribed to). Pay it forward.

[@billclaussen5255]

I guess it's a matter of High Adventure over Self Preservation!!! lol I would have stayed out!!! Thanks for showing me around, it's the only way I would ever see it!!! Peace Bill

[@AbandonedMines11]

No problem, Bill! Thank you again for your support here.

[@JoeyBaby47]

"Danger." Let's go further inside the mine. Me: Nope, let's go back.

[@stevetabor4447]

Hey frank awesome mine just love all the old school timbering/arches puts some age to it,,the views are absolutely amazing,,really like it when you guys collaborate together awesome stuff guys / frank 👍👍as always be safe

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Steve! The views from up there were pretty spectacular because there is a large valley that separates the two mountain ranges. It would’ve been more spectacular had there not been any smoky haze like there was that day. Glad you enjoyed the video, and I thank you for your ongoing support. Yes, it’s always fun to collaborate with Tom & Julie.

[@hisgreasiness]

Thank you for the consistent content and satiating my curiosity. I'd never have the nerve to do what you do.

[@AbandonedMines11]

My pleasure! And thank you, too, for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it.

[@skillian09]

I think I'm going to make dinner and stream this on the tv man. Thanks for posting. Hope you've been safe. Happy holidays to you and your family.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Seth! Happy holidays to you, too!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Fun stuff, Frank! Now you might want to think about hiring a burro for your next hike up there to explore the upper workings, which are rumored to be the most interesting.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think a burro would be most appropriate! LOL I still cannot believe those miners hiked that trail twice a day after working a back-breaking shift in the mine. I bet they either had burros or rode down in the aerial tram buckets. But if your buddy Max said they walked it, then I guess they walked it.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

@@AbandonedMines11 Max had the mine in the 1980's and the tram was not running then. I wonder if they did ride the tram up and down. The trsm was never powered, it was a back and forth gravity type on one cable.

[@royjennison3916]

great colours in hat mine , and fantastic views too , well done frank .

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it, Roy. The colors in that one area were quite striking. Always cool to see that. Thank you for your continued support here.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

A very nice one again, that place reminds me of that old cake i had yesterday, it fell apart in my hand, Danger, do not enter, this place is condemned, oh dear how bad and still we enter hehe stay safe maty.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks again, Rolf! Glad you enjoyed the video. Cake sounds good right about now, so let me head into my kitchen and see what's there. LOL

[@christophernegus]

Keep up all the awesome videos and stay safe frank

[@AbandonedMines11]

Always! Thanks, Chris!

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

What a Mountain Goat Trail that is with Awsum Views “Smoke or Not”.. Swiss Cheese Mine With All Flavors of Materials ForSure... Mr. Danger Haha Great Mine Video Frank 👍🏻🇺🇸🤠

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting! When I got to the top of that mountain after that steep hike, do you know what I needed? Another one of your snow margaritas! LOL

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

LMAO... I Would Have to Say Maybe Two Of Them Snow Margaritas For That Hike👍🏻🇺🇸🤠

[@AbandonedMines11]

Let’s make it an even three and throw in one of those HDLT sandwiches of yours! LOL And some of my spinach dip.

[@stabbincabbincowbboy3770]

Good Lord its a Date - Haha !!! Better Yet I’m Sure We Can Make a Camp Mine Explorer Cook Out Sum Day For Sure... LMAO (Stand By For a New TGIF Vid tomorrow)

[@zacchambers2418]

Mad lad indeed! Great video Frank, thanks for bringing us along on your adventures!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Zac! Glad you enjoyed the video and got something out of it. Thanks for your comment and for your support!

[@danmiller6051]

Good to hear your voice again ,Frank. Glad to see that you're still making your great videos. Keep it up.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Nice hearing from you again, too, Dan! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@Paulman50]

Part 2, can't wait.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Already out. Thanks, Paul!

[@LostMines]

Awsome footage , you should come over to the UK we can hook up come see some extremely old mines. Al

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, you guys have the mines that are thousands of years old. We only have century-old mines over here in the New World. Thanks for stopping by here and commenting!

[@paulcarpenter2800]

Great explore ot the last tunnelling. The scenery of the location is magical. Thanks for sharing, Paul in Lower Boddington UK

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Paul! Nice hearing from you from across the pond. Thanks for checking out the video and for leaving a comment. Thanks for your feedback, too.

[@JeffCowan]

More great mine action, Frank. On a clear day the view must be awesome!

[@AbandonedMines11]

What’s that old song? “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.“ LOL Thank you, Jeff, for dropping by and checking out my latest video. I do appreciate it.

[@RJM1011]

Another video with great landscape and other to see thank you from the UK and thumbs UP. :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Richard.

[@GoodsDell7]

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Frank. Hoping you and your family will remain healthy throughout. Your videos make me feel as if I'm there with you. Thank you very much :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

I love hearing when viewers feel like they're right there with me. Thanks for that! Yes, you have a great, safe Thanksgiving, too, Mike! Thanks again for all of your support on here.

[@Nexfero]

Can't wait for part2!! keep em coming!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Coming soon!

[@1206chaos]

That would be scary to be in there when a quake kicked off. You have courage as it is.

[@AbandonedMines11]

It would be quite an experience to be underground during an earthquake. However, from what I’ve researched and from what I’ve heard from other people who’ve actually experienced that, one would not be aware that an earthquake was taking place. The shaking only manifests itself on the surface. Apparently the seismic waves aren’t noticeable underground. It seems counterintuitive, but I think it makes sense. The only way I’ll ever know for sure is if I am underground when an earthquake happens. What are the odds of that? LOL

[@1206chaos]

@@AbandonedMines11 thanks for sharing that info. I’ve always wondered about that. 👍😉

[@vincesuchy3724]

Thank you for the video as always 😊🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your support, Vince! I appreciate it.

[@joecaruso9990]

Beautiful scenery! Reminds me when I lived in rural Nevada.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it, Joe! Thank you for stopping by.

[@Aengus42]

Great video! Looking forward to part 2.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your support.

[@o2wow]

Thanks for making that substantial climb!

[@AbandonedMines11]

No problem! While it was somewhat daunting, it was nice to do it.

[@MattyEngland]

Great video as always. Thanks for all your hard work making them

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thank you, Matty! As long as you keep watching them, I'll keep making them.

[@UKAbandonedMineExplores]

Did a 2 mile hike up a valley to a mine for a video in a few weeks, I was absolutely screwed by the time we got to the mine. Can't imagine what it's like walking all the way up there! Very inconsiderate of the miners to put it up there ;) Wow, first I've heard of those wildfires. Truely is magnificent desolation around there!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Sometimes you have to do a long, uphill hike to reach a really remote, abandoned mine. It’s usually worth it, though, as I’m sure you will agree. Thanks, man, for taking the time to watch and comment. Will have to keep an eye out for your video that features your 2 mile long hike!

[@Miner49er1]

Those ores were really neat! I wonder what each of the different colors were. Thanks for sharing this one, and glad you made it out safely!

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think that blue colored ore was copper. But I’m not sure. This was definitely a high altitude mine and had quite a climb to reach it. It’s fun hiking on an old trail like that, though. Going back down was a lot easier and much faster. Thanks for dropping by, Nick!

[@kimbra1132]

@@AbandonedMines11 yes the blue is copper.

[@jennarose4748]

Wow that ore is really colorful

[@AbandonedMines11]

It certainly was, wasn’t it? Thanks for your comment, Jenna!

[@jennarose4748]

@@AbandonedMines11 I didn't even know that quartz came in that shade of blue, fascinating.

[@andreyknod5192]

Hola amigo, espero que estés super, soy de Colombia espero ver tus videos con sudtitulado en español, saludos andrey

[@RockerRed]

Thank you!

[@AbandonedMines11]

You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@nistramo]

Let me say...appreciated for your effort!!!!!!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Awesome! Thank you so much. Really glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@frankgaletzka8477]

This is a amazing landscape and a hard way to get up there When i think that the miners had to carry the maschines and all their supplys up that mountains Then i wonder what was harder the work or the way to get there Niche mine looking forward for more Stay safe and healthy Best wishes Frank Galetzks

[@AbandonedMines11]

It definitely is quite a hike. But, as Tom mentioned when we were there, those miners were probably all in their early 20s and 30s. The hike might’ve been relatively easy for them since they were probably in pretty good physical condition and accustomed to doing it day after day. Thanks for your comment, Frank!

[@DebrisBall420]

Love your vids buddy!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for watching! And thanks for your comments, Johnny!

[@richardwarnock2789]

Nice Minerals big Quartz Zones!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

I agree, Richard! It was kind of cool how a surveyor had designated all the ore veins by using red spray paint.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Frank, that sure was one heck of a climb. It was very nice of someone to paint danger on that timber so you see it after you've clambered over the sketchy pile of rocks 😬. A nice little mine, I loved the blue minerals in it, was that Malachite or Azurite ???. A cool explore, thanks for sharing, much love. xx💖

[@AbandonedMines11]

I noticed, too, that the “danger“ sign was facing the wrong way. LOL Thanks for stopping by, Sue, and checking out this latest video of mine. I think that blue ore was copper. But I’m not totally sure. Along with gold, they did mine copper here as well as silver and some zinc, I believe.

[@SueGirling68]

@@AbandonedMines11 Yes Malachite and Azurite are minerals associated with copper ore. x

[@AbandonedMines11]

I did not know that! If that’s the case, then it could’ve been either of those. You would think with me having explored all of these abandoned mines that I would know more about the underground geology. But I really don’t. When I’m inside these abandoned mines, I’m more into the history of the place as well as how the mines were constructed and how they are laid out. I’m also interested in the artifacts to a certain degree. The underground geology is interesting, and I have picked up a few things here and there over the years regarding my knowledge of it, but I am far from being an expert. About six or seven years ago I did explore a mine in Southern California that was called the Azurite Mine. Never knew that it was related to copper.

[@SueGirling68]

@@AbandonedMines11 I must admit that I'm into the history side and layouts too, when you think back in the 1800's they didn't have earth movers etc so it really amazes me how they created such long drifts, raises and winzes all with their own 2 hands and pretty much primitive tools, an awesome feat. xx

[@AbandonedMines11]

I agree! Technology back then was basically nothing compared to what it is today. It’s amazing what we can do as a species if we really put our minds to it.

[@julieturner2194]

Love the views great video to

[@AbandonedMines11]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you, Julie!

[@moratorresyessica2687]

I'm a new subscriber and I already love your videos. I find all your content very interesting, keep it up!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Welcome aboard, Yessica! Thanks for subscribing - I really appreciate it. It’s nice having you along for all the adventures whether underground or above ground. Feel free to comment or ask questions on any video. I really do try to answer them all if I can. Thanks again for your support!

[@moratorresyessica2687]

@@AbandonedMines11 ¡Really thank you very much!

[@RENunez-sd6ov]

Now what we have here, is another fine example of mine exploring. You all have a great turkey and we'll leave the light on for yeah. Blue! come on boy, it's dinner time, BLUE! where's that dog at.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for your comment, Ren!

[@MeAuntieNora]

Wow, impressive views from up there.

[@AbandonedMines11]

We were definitely at a high altitude. The hike was long and difficult -- but worth it in the end. Thanks for your comment!

[@DFDuck55]

I find it interesting that the stacked waste rock is called Gobbing. Since so many of our early minors were Irish and Welsh, and gobbing is a British slang for... well.. the closest American term I can think of is Hock a Loogie.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Someone else left a comment on this video earlier today saying that the word “gob” is Welsh for unused or unwanted or waste.

[@DFDuck55]

Gob has several informal slang meanings. 1. a lump or clot of a slimy or viscous substance. 2. a large amount. (make a gob of money.) 3. mouth (like "shut your gob", goblet (large mouth drinking glass.)) 4. gobsmacked (utterly astonished; astounded. (jaw dropping, mouth open?)

[@kimbra1132]

Yes, in England and Wales they call gobbing, deads, for waste rock.

[@hisgreasiness]

Besides your uploads, I need to find channels devoted to aquatic cave exploring, deep sea diving, underwater welding and lastly, exorcisms to cover all my phobias.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I'm sure there are KZbin channels dedicated to all those subjects. Thanks for spending some of your time here on my channel!

[@AlWaYsFrOmThEbAy]

I live here this is so cool just found your channel

[@AbandonedMines11]

Bishop?

[@fuzzwack1]

Makes you wonder where they got all the timbers from,As I didnt see any trees on the mountain!

[@AbandonedMines11]

The timbering industry was a big thing back then, I guess. A lot of it came from the forests in California as well as the forests in the higher elevations of Nevada.

[@hunterkayhr203]

Eyy!! 👍

[@dancjr2]

Fantastic video as always! Frank, smoke or no smoke, that’s amazing scenery, that trek looked daunting , definitely not a trail for an evening exploration, out of curiosity, how high up were you? Thanks again for sharing, I’m definitely looking forward to part 2, stay safe.

[@AbandonedMines11]

The trail began at an elevation of 5225 feet. It ended at an elevation of 6564 feet. So that's an elevation gain of 1339 feet! The trail was exactly 1 mile in length due to all the switchbacks. As the crow flies, the end of the hike was about .45 miles away from the starting point. A mile hike is usually nothing, but in this case it was a mile hike with an elevation gain of 1340 feet! To me, that's steep and makes what otherwise would've been an easy, one-mile hike somewhat difficult!

[@DebrisBall420]

Gold, silver & copper were mined here if I'm not mistaken...

[@AbandonedMines11]

Yes, that's correct.

[@Goyavaib]

great video bro love from india

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks a ton! Nice hearing from a fan all the way over in India!

[@worldfilmclips1]

Lovely scenery when walking to the mine👍. Did you say they may have used donkeys on the trail? If you get a chance and you see a vein of quartz, wash, wipe or spray it with some water. I have seen miners do this in the past and if the ore is of high grade, you may/will see specks of gold in it👍.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I would've used a donkey or burro if I had to walk that trail twice a day after a back-breaking shift underground. But the burros may have not been available. So hiking that trail would be the only way to get up and down the mountain.

[@mariavictoriadiaz5767]

Great video! 👏

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for the visit, Maria!

[@ronniecardy]

What a beautiful site looking from way up there. Magnificent colors blue 💙 just stands out. Wonder if the miners might of camped up by the mine? Looks very unsafe to me y'all be safe .

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Ronnie! The colors in this mine were incredible. And quite varied, as you saw! If I had to guess, I would say that the miners lived at the bottom of the mountain. There just didn’t seem to be a lot of room up there by the adits that we explored. The mine does seem to be somewhat unstable because Tom and Julie noticed areas that they had explored a couple years ago were no longer accessible due to seismic activity. Yikes!

[@kimbra1132]

What a maze that one is. The danger signs actually mean welcome, come on in, the weather is fine.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I agree wholeheartedly with your translation! LOL Thanks for commenting!

[@tinas4838]

OMG......so scary

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks for commenting, Tina! Always nice to have you along for the adventures.

[@larryz24]

Where there's quartz there is gold!!

[@AbandonedMines11]

That is so true!

[@privatepilot4064]

They didn’t get much out of it for being open for so long. I wonder if it was not in continuous production.

[@AbandonedMines11]

There didn’t seem to be any large stopes in the areas that we were exploring. However, there is supposedly a 300 foot inclined shaft higher up on the mountain that might lead to another section of the mine that we did not get to. There may be more yet to see at this one. Thanks for your comment!

[@herlixian798]

Watch out for creeper

[@bonkkks]

you should check to see if they have any crystals

[@AbandonedMines11]

That’s a great idea! I’m sure there has to be crystals somewhere in these mines.

[@bonkkks]

@@AbandonedMines11 Yeah man I'm so jealous you live so close to these areas. I live in Washington and there are like no mines here.

[@martkbanjoboy8853]

My first guess as to what was on the reverse side of the timber: 'maga' or 'do you know the way to San Jose?'

[@tedfuchs9132]

Enjoyed your video like always. Those always to me look like the only thing keeping them upright is the pressure from above and the sides of the rock. A good while back you had mentioned that the government had inspected many of these mines for civil defense for people to evacuate to if a nuclear war happened. Do you know if that program is still being used to up date the condition of these old mines? Many thanks.

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, Ted! Nice hearing from you! It does often seem like a mine is being tenuously held together by pressure. I hope we are wrong about that, though! The program you are asking about where the US government researched abandoned mines back in the 1950s and 1960s to be used as possible fallout shelters was discontinued shortly thereafter. I guess that program would now be considered a relic of the Cold War.

[@Baked_Potato1996]

if a cave in did ever happen but you made it out... would you still continue adventuring in mines or hang up the hardhat

[@AbandonedMines11]

Would probably take a break for a few months. And then get right back into it. I don't know, though -- that's a very good question.

[@rdamp2374]

Nice short video. the word gob in welsh means old our used up not needed.

[@AbandonedMines11]

That is a fascinating bit of information! Thanks for sharing it. That explains where that word came from then because the rock they stacked up was the waste rock or the rocks that weren’t needed.

[@pierreroy4593]

Sup like the videos !

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, thanks! Your support is appreciated.

[@brandybowers1534]

how do i find this spot on google maps? or what do i type in so i can go there myself?

[@GratefulTrekker]

The camera never does justice to how steep they are

[@AbandonedMines11]

I noticed that, too.

[@crispp4870]

Where is this exactly? Near sacramento?

[@giebby369]

Easy! :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

Tom is a postive thinker. LOL

[@nickreed1367]

arent you claustrophobic? thats my biggest phobia. i have nightmares about that one miner who got stuck upside down in a small crevice and ended up dying in there

[@AbandonedMines11]

No, I’m not claustrophobic, Nick. I know that’s a real problem for some people, though, and I can see why they would not enjoy exploring abandoned mines or caves. I know the story you are referring to. Didn’t that accident occur in the Nutty Putty Cave out in Colorado?

[@nickreed1367]

@@AbandonedMines11 yes! its extremely disturbing! -Kip!

[@cindys9491]

That story is so horrible, I agree. That poor guy. I don't think he was a miner though...? Got lost exploring and thought he was sliding into a known tunnel that other people had gone through in another part of the cave, but instead he was in an unexplored section with no way through. Horrible.

[@wachiCx]

Cual es la mina mas grande a la q viajastes? Tenia curiosidad xd

[@Jere_G]

Le tenes que comentar en ingles xd

[@wachiCx]

@@Jere_G aa si es sierto ._. Edit: me da un poco de paja usar el traductor

[@TheFrogfeeder]

750 ounces of gold during a time when gold was pretty much $20/oz?? That’s a lot of work for $1500...

[@pa5287]

nearly missed :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

Thanks, Paul, for watching and commenting!

[@deadmetal8692]

So, at todays market that's over 1 million $ in gold.

[@AbandonedMines11]

I'll trust your calculation as being correct. Pretty amazing amount for back then!

[@bryon29able]

It sure takes away the experience if someone is infrunt of you

[@AbandonedMines11]

I think people like seeing another explorer in front because it gives some sense of the scale of the place. I try not to get too close, though.

[@bryon29able]

@@AbandonedMines11 yeah good point..I mean no disrespect to you.. Now that I read my comment it sounds rude was not meaning it like that

[@johnmurray5355]

Hes not gunna make it back one of these times

[@efraing726]

Hey dude what’s up 👍

[@AbandonedMines11]

Not much! How’s it going with you? Thanks for stopping by!

[@efraing726]

@@AbandonedMines11 is going! Stay safe out there friend!

[@higgsbonbon]

Dan Ger... Who's Dan?

[@AbandonedMines11]

He’s the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ger.

[@cindys9491]

@@AbandonedMines11 son of Ann and Hun Ger?

[@10centssss]

is this cave haunted or whaaat

[@felipepernambuco7018]

horror

[@c103110a]

And, kids today want $15 an hour for flipping burgers. They wouldn't last a day working in a mine like that.

[@AbandonedMines11]

And the miners that worked this mine back in the day probably only made a few dollars a day!

[@cindys9491]

$15 doesn't buy as much as it used to.