Mine 5

Mine 5 was started in 1874 and was jointly operated with the Redman and Ready Relief mines. Together they were one of the largest mining operations in the Julian district. This mine profited $200,000 during its years of operation.

The workings include a crosscutting adit which is 300 feet long, plus a 275 ft. shaft connecting to the surface. Due to this shaft the mine was always well vented. There is one drift that connects to the Ready Relief Mine. The vein is approximately 1 ft. wide, is about 200 feet below the surface

There are impressive rolls of gangue quartz found here and other mines around Banner, including one ore called blue ribbon quartz. The rocks are highly siliceous mica schist.

This mine is home to a colony of rare Townsend’s big-eared bats. This species is very sensitive to human disturbance and therefore the mine should not be entered during the breeding season from May to September.

Mineral List: Arsenopyrite, Muscovite, Sericite, Pyrite, Pyrrhotite

Personal Experience: This is a pretty quick hike and fun adventure but it is important to note that this is on private property. These types of trips are not safe for multiple reasons and I would encourage people to be satisfied from the photos alone. With that said, here is our adventure…..

It’s not quite as bad as it looks so long as you have the ability to balance yourself on the rails. My shoes really did not get too dirty at all and I did not need to wear special rubber boots. Just stay on those rails!

Crystal formations:

There are multiple levels here which I would not recommend exploring!

Keep your eyes peeled for ruins!

At the end of a trail is a nice, little waterfall! That pond sure looks nice to wade in during the summer!