In the heart of California’s El Paso Mountains lies a half-mile tunnel carved not by industry, but by sheer willpower. Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel isn’t just a quirky roadside attraction—it’s a monument to one man’s obsession, a slice of mining history, and a surprisingly cool escape for ADV riders exploring the Mojave Desert’s rugged backcountry.

William “Burro” Schmidt arrived in Bakersfield in 1890, seeking a drier climate (on doctor’s orders) to ease his tuberculosis symptoms. But rest wasn’t in the cards. Lured by tales of gold in the nearby hills, Schmidt launched a solo mining operation around 1900. The problem? Hauling ore around the mountain to the Mojave smelter was brutal. So Schmidt did what few would even consider: he started tunneling through the mountain—armed with little more than a pick, chisel, some dynamite, and the company of his two loyal burros, Jenny and Jack.

By 1920, a road was built that rendered the tunnel unnecessary. But Schmidt kept digging anyway. For 38 years, he chipped away at solid granite until he finally broke through the other side in 1938. The tunnel was never used to transport ore, but it became something far more enduring: a testament to grit, solitude, and the kind of stubborn determination that ADV riders know well.

Today, you can walk the full length of the tunnel—about half a mile of dark, narrow passageway that feels equal parts eerie and awe-inspiring. Bring a flashlight, mind your head, and push through to the end. The panoramic desert view that greets you is stark, sweeping, and incredibly beautiful. The tunnel is also a great place to cool off on a scorching desert ride.

Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel reminds us that the road less traveled sometimes runs straight through solid rock.

Ride Guide and GPS Tracks

The Burro Schmidt Tunnel is featured in our Day Trip Adventure Ride: The Mojave’s El Paso Mountains, which includes GPS tracks, maps, and tips for navigating the region. The guide covers several bucket-list spots and offers everything you need to plan a day ride in the El Paso Mountains.

Photos by Jon Beck, Ely Woody and Rob Dabney