Tucked away in the heart of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the trail to Big Eye Mine winds through rugged mountain terrain. Nestled deep in the rugged Castle Dome Mountains, this trail offers breathtaking desert scenery, a moderate 4×4 route, and a rewarding hike that leads to a charming old miner’s cabin.
We’ve explored this trail twice now—most recently with my parents and our kids—and each trip brought its own kind of magic. Whether you’re in it for the rugged off-roading or the rewarding hike to a hidden cabin, Big Eye Mine checks all the boxes for a desert day trip.
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Getting There
Big Eye Mine is inside the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, about 30 miles north of Yuma, Arizona. The refuge is known for its stunning desert views and dramatic mountain ranges and is home to bighorn sheep and other wildlife.
You’ll drive a little over 15 miles on Big Eye Mine Trail before reaching the Big Eye Mine 1/2-mile hike to a cabin.
The scenery includes endless Teddy Bear Cholla, Saguaro cacti, 360-degree mountain views, and Thumb Butte.
The Off-Road Trail
The off-road trail to Big Eye Mine is 15 miles. It’s a moderate trail but is remote, and once you’re out there, you’re really out there. In most areas, you will have no service or facilities. We all jumped in the Jeep with my parents on our most recent trip and drove out to the mine. My dad, Tony, and the girls walked the 1/2-mile to the cabin.
Most of the trail is relatively easy, but there are sections where high clearance would be helpful but unnecessary. This trail has multiple sandy or loose gravel wash crossings and some driving in a wash bottom. There are some sections with exposed rocks.
The Hike to the Cabin
At the end of the off-road trail, there’s a small clearing where you can park your rig. It’s about a 0.5-mile hike to reach the Big Eye Mine site and cabin. The trail climbs through desert brush, scattered mining ruins, and dramatic rock formations.
On our second trip to the mine, our girls, Tony, and my dad walked up to the cabin together. The cabin itself is weathered but still standing strong, with a few rusty artifacts and old things scattered around. There’s also a mineshaft near the site, but be sure to stay out and stay safe.
Snap a shot of the old cabin door with the mountains in the background!
Wildlife and Wilderness
The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge spans over 660,000 acres of protected land, making it a prime spot for wildlife sightings. Along the trail, you might spot desert bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and a variety of desert birds. If you’re lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of a Gila monster or a fox darting across the road.
Because it’s so remote, it’s also one of the quietest places we’ve ever been. There’s something incredibly humbling about standing out there, surrounded by nothing but rock, sky, and time.
Why Big Eye Mine Is Worth the Trip
Big Eye Mine should be high on your Arizona bucket list if you’re looking for a place where adventure meets history. The combination of scenic off-roading, a peaceful desert hike, and the charm of the old miner’s cabin is truly special.
Want More?
Catch more of our stories and off-road adventures on The Faiolas Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Got a question about the trail? Send us a message—we love hearing from fellow adventurers.
