http://www.gvrhc.org/Library/SlavinGulch.pdf indicates that the Abril mine was worked from 1914 to 1952. Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.
I started the AM with the intent of just doing a quick run on Forest Road 687 to fill in a gap in my section hike of the Sky Island Traverse (my first post about the SKIT), but when I arrived at the Slavin Gulch Trailhead I could not resist going up the trail. The trail winds thru some great terrain - great rock formations, shade from cliffs, lovely dry wash and good views - the trail was fairly easy to follow and I never spent more than a few minutes wondering if I had gotten off track. The day was warming up fast but I was too close to turn around and kept going to the area pictured above - this is below the Abril mine and the old ore chute is visible in the top of the picture near my turn around point.
http://www.gvrhc.org/Library/SlavinGulch.pdf has some great information on Slavin Gulch and the Abril Mine including a picture identifying this as the control building for the mine - beautiful spot. Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.Note the old ore chute from the Abril mine, here and from a distance on the hike it looks a bit like a water stain (which would have been welcome on this rather warm day!). Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.Seemed longer and hotter on the way back to the car - running/hiking this section of road as part of doing section of the Sky Island Traverse. Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.Beautiful beautiful domes... Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.Overlooking the Lower Section of the Slavin Gulch Trail. Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.My small point-and-shoot was no match for the bright sun and this picture only hints at the complex and amazing color that the rocks have in this area, beautiful! Charles Miles. 5/21/2013.
