It Doesn’t Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned Tunnel Hidden in Southern California
Here in Southern California, you will find all types of abandoned attractions from towns to buildings. But, there is also one that is a little more unique and tucked away in the middle of nowhere — the Burro Schmidt Tunnel. This unique tunnel in Southern California is not only quite an interesting and unusual attraction, but it is also where you can go if you are searching for a paranormal experience.
The Burro Schmidt Tunnel is one of the most unusual, strange, and interesting things you will find hidden in a remote mountain in the Mojave Desert.
You will find this abandoned tunnel approximately 40 miles north of the town of Mojave. It is located off Highway 14 and near Redrock Canyon State Park.
This tunnel is roughly 0.5-miles long and was dug by just one person — William "Burro" H. Schmidt.
Schmidt started digging this tunnel in the early 1900s when he was digging for gold in the mountains. While nobody is 100 percent certain why he dug the tunnel, some believe it was to be used as a shortcut to transport ore from his mine to the Mojave smelter.
However, when the tunnel emerges on the other side, it is on a remote ledge at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The photo above shows the view from the back of the tunnel.
Schmidt was the only individual who dug the tunnel and he dug it all by hand‚ scoop by scoop. He only used a few explosives as he worked and it took him 38 years to complete the tunnel.
Today, this tunnel is empty and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is strongly encouraged you don’t enter the tunnel due to safety reasons, but you may not want to anyway … this abandoned tunnel in Southern California is believed to be haunted.
It is believed that Schmidt’s spirit still resides near the tunnel. There are reports of an apparition in and around the tunnel who is often hunched over and shoveling. Some even claim they have caught this figure on camera.
The photo above shows Schmidt's gravesite in the Johannesburg, California Cemetery.
But whether you believe this abandoned tunnel and surrounding area are haunted or not, the Burro Schmidt Tunnel is one Southern California attraction that is sure to leave you scratching your head.
