Stonewall Mine
2 Reviews
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Minshall Trail
Julian, CA 92036
32.981096, -116.567297
Hike: 3.3 mile loop  Level: Easy
Dogs: Not allowed  Kid-Friendly: Yes
About the Stonewall Mine
The remains of the 19th century Stonewall Mine and its former workers’ community are located at the northern end of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. This spot is open to the public daily and has a parking lot, restroom and picnic tables.
The Stonewall Mine was well publicized as a highly successful gold mining operation by 1886. The mine shaft reached a depth of 600 feet in 1892. Stonewall Mine ended production by mid-1892. Total gold ore production from 1888 to 1892 (first three months) was 57,754 tons with a dollar value of $906,063.
While you’re in the area, make sure to explore the town Julian nearby!
According to a 1963 California Division of Mines & Geology report, Stonewall Mine was the most productive gold mine in current San Diego County with a total yield of approximately two million dollars over its entire span of operation.
During the operation of Stonewall Mine, a lively community for the mine workers and families was located nearby in the present-day State Park. The community of Cuyamaca consisted of two bunkhouses for single miners, cabins for married workers, a boarding house (that sometime in 1891 became a hotel), the Superintendent’s house, a school, a library, a general store, a cemetery, and support structures.
The drive up here is beautiful:
The old miner’s cabin has now been turned into a museum:
What remains of the mine:
Locations Nearby:
None found
Owen
Well we’ll well
May 21, 2017
Anonymous
Thank you for the information and the beautiful pictures! I just got back from taking my 6th graders up to Cuyamaca for 6th-grade camp and we “hiked” to the Dyar house. Wonderful that San Diego has such a rich history. Thanks for sharing!
January 19, 2019