This is one of our favorite hikes; beautiful scenery all the way and a piece of history at the end.
Park at Vincent Gap on the Angeles Crest Hwy, about 5 miles past Wrightwood or 53 miles from the La Canada side if the road is open. You'll need an Adventure Pass from one of the ranger stations or local sporting goods stores. Take the trail that drops down and contours southeast around the backside of Mt. Baden-Powell.
The trail is rocky in places and at the time the cache was placed had several patches of ice on it, but it's a wide trail and not hard to navigate around any hazards. Don't try this one too soon after a heavy snow unless you have snow shoes.
On your way to the main mine complex and the cache area you will pass at least one minor tunnel entrance. After slightly less than two miles you will come to the remains of the mill which is a good place to take a breather or have a picnic. The view from there is magnificent.
The rickety steps/ladder takes you up to the mine entrance and puts you on the same elevation as the cache.
PLEASE NOTE: The cache is NOT in the tunnel or among the stamp mill ruins. Explore these areas at your own risk.
The cache container is a blue plastic thermos with a screw-off lid. The original contents contain a pencil, log, travel bug, a Patrick O'Brian novel, a bottle of poison oak lotion and some other first aid stuff.
Cache page update December 07 2008.
I've increased the difficulty due to several washouts along the trail. In addition, the "rickety old ladder" is missing the lower section. Accessing the cache requires navigation underneath, over, or around several obstacles. The cache is hidden above "this building." You're looking for a .30 cal ammo can.