Trail Overview

Schmidt Tunnel (BLM EP103) is one of the most heavily used trails in the area and serves as the primary access route to the Schmidt Tunnel. Running one and a half to two vehicles wide, the surface consists of loose sand with occasional sections of small rocks. Heavy traffic has left persistent washboard conditions throughout the length of the route. The trail offers a straightforward path into the tunnel area and connects well with surrounding routes in the Last Chance Canyon network, making it a common starting point for exploring the broader Schmidt Tunnel and Bickle Camp area.

Photos of Burro Schmidt Tunnel - BLM EP103

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Difficulty

Rated a 2, the trail presents consistent washboards along with a couple of slightly off-camber and rutted sections.

History

The Burro Schmidt Tunnel is a 2,500-foot-long, hand-dug tunnel in California's El Paso Mountains, bored through solid granite by William "Burro" Schmidt between 1906 and 1938. Driven by the need to transport gold ore to a railroad, Schmidt spent 32 years digging with only hand tools and dynamite, creating a "shortcut to nowhere" because he never used it after finishing.

Technical Rating