Tramp Mine entrance (view E) |
Tramp was one of the major copper mines in the Gold Butte region, but little seems to be known about it. A 1916 mineral report says that a small carload of ore was removed and assayed at 24% copper, but the size of the mine and the amount of material removed suggests that much more ore was collected. Another account mentions that mules hauled water up to the mine and ore back down. Recorded copper production in the district (three mines) was about 75 tons, mostly taken before 1932 (probably mostly before 1918), with mining ending in 1956. Interesting mining debris remain in the area, but the mine entrance was grated in 2019. Be sure to leave the mining debris as you find them -- future generations of hikers will thank you.
Presented here are photos of the mine entrance and inside the mine. Mine debris also remain at the trailhead and along the trail and inside the mine. For a detailed description of the trail, including directions, maps, GPS coordinates, and photos, see Tramp Mine Trail.
The near end of the landing supports the more interesting mine debris. There is evidence of some sort of wooden shack that has long since collapsed. There is also what remains of a steam engine and winch system apparently used to move materials and ore up and down the mountain. |