From Burro Schmidt Tunnel to Levon’s Cave

Burro Schmidt Tunnel

In the vast, arid stretches of the Mojave Desert's El Paso Mountains lies an unexpected engineering marvel: a half-mile-long tunnel cut straight through solid rock. This tunnel, dug by hand and dynamite, stands as a testament to the grit of one man, William “Burro” H. Schmidt, who spent over 38 years of his life on this relentless project.

William “Burro” H. Schmidt

The tunnel, which measures approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and 10 feet (3 meters) wide, runs 2,087 feet through the mountain. Located just below the summit of a 4,400-foot (1,300 m) mountain, its southern entrance provides a dramatic view of Fremont Valley, Koehn Dry Lake, and ghost towns like Garlock and Saltdale. However, it doesn’t lead anywhere of strategic significance, simply emerging on a high ledge in the middle of nowhere.

Schmidt originally envisioned the tunnel as a shortcut to transport ore from his mining claim in the mountains to a smelter on the opposite side. He had moved to the California desert from Rhode Island in the late 19th century, seeking a healthier climate, and began work on the tunnel in 1906. His motivation for this massive project was partly due to the hazardous back trail, which he refused to use to haul his ore with his two trusty burros, Jack and Jenny.

With basic tools—a pick, shovel, and a four-pound hammer—Schmidt painstakingly carved through solid granite, hauling away an estimated 5,800 tons (5,260 metric tonnes) of rock. His methods were grueling; he often used dangerously short dynamite fuses and removed rubble by wheelbarrow, or even carried it on his back. Over time, he installed a mining cart on rails to ease the burden. His dedication took a physical toll, eventually causing his abdominal muscles to overdevelop, leaving him permanently hunched.

By 1920, a road was constructed from Last Chance Canyon to Mojave, making Schmidt’s tunnel obsolete for ore transportation. Yet, he continued to dig, driven by an intense, almost inexplicable determination. Locals initially saw him as eccentric, and later, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! immortalized him as “the human mole” for his obsessive work. Despite the alternative route, he completed the tunnel in 1938, having dedicated over three decades to his solitary pursuit.

Schmidt eventually left the area, selling the tunnel to another miner. His small cabin, preserved by the desert’s dry climate, remains a relic of his solitary life, as does the tunnel itself. Today, this remarkable feat of determination stands as both a memorial to Schmidt's grit and a unique tourist attraction. Visitors can walk the length of the tunnel, experiencing firsthand the intensity of one man’s life work, cut into the rock as a silent testament to his unyielding spirit.

Coordinates of Burro Schmidt Tunnel: 35°24'21"N 117°52'32"W

Levon’s Cave

Master Levon at work

Levon's Divine Pit, also known as "Levon's Cave" or "Tosya's Pit," was founded in 1985 by Levon Arakelyan in the village of Arinj, Kotayk Province, Armenia. This impressive hand-carved underground structure spans 300 square meters, reaching a depth of 21 meters, with seven rooms connected by narrow stairs.

The story behind Levon’s cave is remarkable: in the spring of 1985, his wife, Mrs. Tosya, asked him to dig a cellar for potatoes. Soon after beginning, Levon reportedly experienced a vision in which a voice from a mist urged him to keep digging. Inspired by this vision, Levon continued the excavation using only a hammer and chisel, refusing modern tools despite the challenging soil. Over 23 years, he created intricate carvings and passages, installing electrical wiring and lights along the way. Each chamber was sculpted according to visions he claimed to receive, aiming to expand the cave to 74 rooms with distinctive designs.

Following Levon's death in 2009, Mrs. Tosya began managing the site as a museum, preserving his legacy and sharing the story with visitors. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 10°C year-round. Visitors can view Levon’s personal artifacts, press coverage about his work, and notebooks with visitor impressions on the first floor, which serves as a museum today. In the courtyard, flower pots crafted from stone remnants honor his creativity, while two wall paintings, one of Levon with a chisel and hammer and another of his wife holding a potato, further capture the essence of his life and work.

Coordinates of Levon's cave: 40°13'49"N 44°34'13"E

Conclusion

Older men often engage in solitary digging projects to find purpose, structure, and physical activity, especially after retirement. Tunnel digging or similar ventures provide both mental stimulation and physical exercise, serving as an outlet for independence and resilience. For some, these projects offer a way to cope with grief or major life transitions, creating a channel for self-expression. Such efforts also fulfill a deeper desire to leave a legacy, showcasing a testament to their grit. These pursuits combine a unique form of meditation with physical effort, enhancing overall well-being and reinforcing their sense of self.