Visiting abandoned places is typically frowned upon, but there’s a hike in Texas that takes you straight to an early 20th-century quicksilver mine in the middle of the desert. Mariscal Mine Trail, located in Big Bend National Park, is a short-and-sweet adventure leading to the remarkably well-preserved remains of a wildly successful mining operation. What an amazing history lesson!
A hidden gem in Big Bend National Park, the Mariscal Mine Trail is an easy, 1.1-mile hike that leads to the remains of a historic quicksilver mine.
Google/James Benton The trail can be found just off River Road, a scenic, yet rugged drive for which we highly recommend a high-clearance vehicle.
Upon reaching the trailhead, this ominous sign warns you of the potential danger that lies ahead.
AllTrails/David Platt Should you choose to keep going, it’s more important than ever to leave no trace.
The hike features a plethora of interesting sights, including tons of old artifacts that nature is slowly reclaiming.
AllTrails/William Morrow From rusty ore cars to barely recognizable mining tools, you’ll see a little bit of everything.
You can even peer into the long-abandoned mine shafts!
AllTrails/Kelsey Bandy Most have been shuttered, but just like the sign forewarns, some remain open - so be careful!
As you near the end of the trail, you’ll finally come upon the main attraction: Mariscal Mine.
AllTrails/David Platt The large, foreboding mine looms just a short distance ahead, its surprisingly intact remains beckoning you to come and explore.
Having earned a rightful spot on the National Register of Historic Places, Mariscal Mine produced nearly a quarter of all the mercury in the U.S. from 1900 until 1943.
AllTrails/Kelsey Bandy It’s the best-preserved mercury mining site in the nation, despite being left to succumb to the elements for over half a century.
With an elevation gain of just over 230 feet, the trail takes you up a small hill that offers a closer look at the mine.
AllTrails/William Morrow You’ll also enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding desert landscape that promise to leave you breathless.
The desolate, mountainous terrain extends far as the eye can see in all directions, making you feel like the last person on earth.
AllTrails/Mark Nekic And since the trail is so lightly trafficked, it’s rare to encounter a single soul on your journey, only amplifying the ever-present air of mystery.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails. Click here for more information on the mine itself.
Google/James Benton
The trail can be found just off River Road, a scenic, yet rugged drive for which we highly recommend a high-clearance vehicle.
AllTrails/David Platt
Should you choose to keep going, it’s more important than ever to leave no trace.
AllTrails/William Morrow
From rusty ore cars to barely recognizable mining tools, you’ll see a little bit of everything.
AllTrails/Kelsey Bandy
Most have been shuttered, but just like the sign forewarns, some remain open - so be careful!
The large, foreboding mine looms just a short distance ahead, its surprisingly intact remains beckoning you to come and explore.
It’s the best-preserved mercury mining site in the nation, despite being left to succumb to the elements for over half a century.
You’ll also enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding desert landscape that promise to leave you breathless.
AllTrails/Mark Nekic
And since the trail is so lightly trafficked, it’s rare to encounter a single soul on your journey, only amplifying the ever-present air of mystery.
Have you ever embarked on the Mariscal Mine Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Check out our previous article for another Texas hike that leads somewhere abandoned – in this case, to a spooky old sawmill in the middle of the woods.
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Address: Mariscal Mine, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA
