Schiess: Mackay’s Mine Hill
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Rising high above the town of Mackay is a hill rich in history, beauty and minerals that I have dreamed of visiting and exploring every time I have passed by it (usually in the winter when I was on my way to ice fish Mackay Reservoir). During a rock-hounding trip this summer, I took the chance to fulfill that item on my bucket list.
Stopping at Sammy’s Store in Mackay, I asked about the mountain and was introduced to a detailed pamphlet for a “self-guided tour” which I purchased, but did not study very closely – and which I should have done – because I was in a hurry to do some exploring.
My first goal was to try to find some jasper just off the Rio Grande Road that leads to all the mines, smelters and abandoned communities on the mountain. After finding a few gems, I continued on the “road less traveled” and soon found out why. As I traveled in my trusty four-wheel drive pickup the road got narrower, rougher and steeper but soon came to the ruins of the Cliff City limestone kilns.
Hiking through the beautiful canyon among the smelter ruins was interesting as tin cans and other artifacts littered the ground. Three charcoal kilns along with limestone and other minerals were an interesting combination to study at the junction of the Alder Creek and Cliff Creek roads.
My next goal was to wander through the ruins of Cliff City which had been established in 1884, just five years after copper, gold, silver, lead and zinc had been discovered on the mountain. The city was a scattered cluster of about 20 cabins that surrounded a store and a couple of saloons. The only cabin still standing is one built in 1903 and was used as a bunkhouse for single miners.
As I got out of the truck, I heard a hissing sound as the air was rushing from a rear tire. I had hit a rock and broke the stem. After changing the tire and finding the spare a little low, my adventuresome spirit took a dip. After studying the map and reading a little more I found out I had to travel a road recommended for four-wheel drives only. The road was steep and narrow but not rough, and I was soon on one that is classified for “all transportation modes.” Here I met my first vehicle of the day since leaving Mackay four hours before.
With the low tire still in good shape and not losing air, my adventuresome spirit returned. I stopped at the Anderson Cabin, the White Knob town site, Ausich cabin, the Horseshoe mine and Taylor sawmill. Most of these are in the shadow of White Knob Peak, a 10,529-foot white and gray limestone peak, with rock so solid that plants and trees cannot grow on many parts of it.
It was a great experience for me and I will do it again; but I will follow the tour guide and use the “Green Route” as listed in the guide. I will explore more and will hike the four-mile “Red Route” that is listed for ATV’s, bicycles, dirt bikes, horses and hikers. This is the site of the Shay Railroad trestle and the Empire Mine ore bins.
Depending on what visitors would like to do, the recommended time to plan for the trip is from two to eight hours; I spent seven hours on the mountain and it is a memory I will never forget.
If you desire to go, it is a must to get a copy of the “Mackay’s Mine Hill Tour” guide and read it carefully. There are not restrooms, water or food on the mountain and you must “travel at your own risk.”
