Trail Overview

This trail is a great adventure with great photo opportunities of the valley below and an old abandoned mine you can drive into! Please use great caution; this is an old abandoned mine with lots of loose and sharp rocks. Entering the mine is at your own risk--there are many dangerous places inside the mine shaft caves.

Photos of Upper French Mine

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Difficulty

A high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to one washout and a small rock obstacle that a stock vehicle may bottom out on. The trail into the mine at the end is very tight with a steep drop-off top edge. Room is very limited at the entrance to the mine; no more than 2 vehicles should enter at a time.

History

This area is rich with old mining history with nearby Mascot Mine. Unfortunately, tours of the old mine with buildings that are hanging off the cliff have been shut down, and access to that area is patrolled with security.

Technical Rating

Juerg Moser

Jun 08, 2025

Open

A breathtaking climb up the winding but well-maintained gravel road to the starting point. The trail itself became increasingly rocky, so we decided to lower the tire pressure. We were able to drive our Willis 2024 factory Jeep all the way to the mine. For all inexperienced off-roaders, I recommend leaving the vehicle at the lookout point and walking the short descent to the mine. We were absolutely thrilled with this trail, with its breathtaking views and the numerous mine caves at the end.