El Paso Ridgewalkers

El Paso Tin Mines

Our next hike will be Saturday, May 10th to the Tin Mines. El Paso is home to the only Tin Mines in North America. The mines are no longer operational.

In 1899, an El Paso miner discovered tin deposits in the Franklin Mountains. Mining, milling and smelting of tin occurred on the eastern side of the mountains from 1910 through 1915. It was the site of the only tin mines in the United States and produced tin over 99 percent pure, but the veins soon gave out.

You will want to bring a flashlight so you can see minerals in the walls of the mine, such as green malachite and blue azurite.

This is Mom's weekend, so bring Mom along for a nice hike to the El Paso Tin Mines, and then take Mom out to dinner.

There is a geocache near by. Bring your GPS and locate it.

Details

What: Hike to the Tin Mines
When: Saturday, June 10, 2008
Meet: Meet at the Shell Station located at the intersection of U.S. 54 and Kenworthy at 6:45am and be ready to depart no later than 7:00am
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Conditions: Be prepared for rocky trails. Rough trails could give Moky difficulty in completing this hike.
Bring: Sun screen, hiking stick, trail snacks, water, flashlight, GPS, and camera

Note:

• If you decide to bring your favorite four legged hiking companion, then please bring extra water and a bowl, and don't forget trail snacks for your furry hiking buddy.
• Please be aware of all that bite, sting, or stick.
• Hydration is important and it starts before you leave home by drinking several glasses of water in the morning after eating a good breakfast.