Mining in the Soledad Canyon region took off in the 1870s with new gold discoveries in the Acton area and the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad.  A new mining district, the Cedar, was created in the Acton area. Most of the gold ever recovered in Los Angeles County came from the Soledad Mines!

Between Acton and Ravenna, the Emma Consolidated Mining Company held the Emma, Bullion, Pacific, and London mines. These were reported to be silver and copper ore claims. The Emma (or Conover Mine) is located on the south side of Parker Mtn. It has been reported inactive since 1900 except for brief ventures in 1926 and 1944.

View from Soledad Canyon towards Parker Mtn

Remnants of a possible dam in one of the canyons…

View south of Parker Mtn, facing the San Gabriels

Directly west of Parker Mtn, fascinating geological formations

Three hikers I spotted hiking down adjoining ridge

The Emma Annex, smaller adit located close to the main tunnel. According to Hugh Blanchard, the entrance crawl opens up with two walking passages totaling 278 feet

Emerald-green waxy quartz

The main tunnel. It goes in about 300 ft+ long.

Hugh Blanchard had measured the mine at 312 ft and the annex at 278 feet. There are two additional entrances that I was able to locate that have been buried and/or sealed for good.

This place has seen better days 🙂