El Marmol
Total Kilometers
15.2
Elevation
206.32 m
Duration
0.75 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Trail Overview
Starting from Highway 1, this off-road trail leads to the historic Onyx mine known as Mina La Olvidad, or more commonly, El Marmol. The route is moderately traveled but has some rocky sections, especially later on. In the first few miles, a less-used parallel path offers a smoother ride for those seeking a gentler start. Along the way, you'll encounter a few brief sandy arroyo crossings, with a longer stretch, around 60 to 70 yards, that turns rockier as you near the mine. The journey is scenic, and at the trail's end, although fenced from the mine itself, visitors can view remnants of former structures, including a cemetery and the well-known old Marble schoolhouse often seen in photos of El Marmol. For the more adventurous, the road continues far beyond the main site.
Photos of El Marmol
Difficulty
In dry conditions, this trail is suitable for most high-clearance, 2WD vehicles. A few sandy and rocky wash crossings could be challenging, especially if water is present.
History
Once a thriving town, El Marmol prospered for nearly seventy years, from the late 1880s until at least the 1950s. Its lifeblood was an onyx mine that once supported the entire settlement. Today, all that remains are ruins: the marble-built schoolhouse--the only one of its kind in the Baja peninsula--and the cemetery, where many who lived and died in this mining village lie buried. This cemetery, nestled in a small valley, is marked by mounds of onyx, stones that bear silent witness to the village's once vibrant existence.
Status Reports
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