Entry No. 50 — the San Diego file — filed under: mine

Descanso Mine

The Descanso Mine, also known as the Magdalena Mine, is a historic gold and silver mine established in the early 1920s in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Under the Descanso Mining Company, miners targeted the Magdalena vein via a 230-foot incline shaft. Today, the site is completely inactive, with its hazardous underground workings sealed and situated on private property.

The move: Take a scenic drive along the historic Viejas Grade Road to appreciate the rugged mountain scenery and backcountry vistas where early 20th-century miners once sought their fortunes.

📍 Before you go The mine is located on private property and contains hazardous, abandoned underground workings that are strictly off-limits to the public.

• 📍 Descanso
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Descanso Mine, Descanso, CA 91916, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · westernmininghistory.com

last checked: 2026-07-20