Explore Mackay’s Mine Hill
Mackay’s Mine Hill is the most significant part of the Alder Creek Mining District.
Ore was first discovered here in 1879, and ore was mined into the 1980’s. Almost a million
tons of ore have been removed over the years, yielding about 42 thousand onces of gold,
2 million ounces of silver, 62 million pounds of copper, 15 million pounds of lead, and 5
million pounds of zinc.
Mackay’s Mine Hill Tour is a self-guided tour that includes most of the historic sites and
structures that make up Mackay’s mining heritage. Some sections of the tour are accessible
for all vehicles, and other sections are only accessible to high-clearance vehicles, all-terrain
vehicles, motorcycles, horses, mountain bikes or hikers, All of the routes climb from abount
6000 ft. to 8000 ft. elevation and may take 2-8 hours. The route to the renovated Shay
railroad trestle is an 8-mile round trip and some of the route is a narrow, single lane without
turnouts. Please use the map and know the routes best suited for your vehicle. Most routes
are narrow and have blind corners. Please wear safety gear. be alert, and do not speed! The
Tour is not passable for motor homes or RV trailers. Tour maps and brochures are available
at City Hall, gas stations, motels, and some businesses.
Weather can change in the mountains in just a few hours. Appropriate clothing is advisable.
It would be wise to let someone know that you are traveling the tour because no food, water,
or toilets are available. YOU TRAVEL AT YOUR OWN RISK.
The land you travel covers private property as well as public land managed by the U.S.
Forest service and the Bureau of Land Management. Please treat it gently and courteously.
Mining artifacts should be left in place as part of history.
Mackay’s Mine Hill Tour is sponsored by the White Knob Historical Preservation
Committee with members representing the South Custer County Historical
Society, City of Mackey, Custer County, the Bureau of Land Management, and
the U.S. Forest Service. Please enjoy your tour. Spectacular view of the Lost River Range and the Big Lost River Valley are all extras to this educational excursion.
