Barite Mine & Box Canyon Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Spring · Views

This route follows an old mining road past a Barite Mine to Arroyo Tinajas. The route traverses a technical box canyon in Arroyo Tinajas before returning via another mine road.

This route adds distance or variety to the Quebradas Loop, or can be done as an independent loop if you have a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle to access the start.

The route follows an old mining road to an abandoned Barite Mine. The mine entrance is not blocked off, but please refrain from entering it for safety reasons.

The route continues past the mine to Arroyo Tinajas. A narrow slot canyon is traversed which is a very technical section of the route. Some climbing is required in this segment to complete the loop, and standing water in the slot canyon often leads to soggy shoes.

The route follows Arroyo Tinajas for a short distance after the slot canyon before returning via a mine road spur to the Barite Mine and the start.