chino mine vista point

The open pit copper mine is a mile across and 1600 feet deep, with monster dump trucks hauling ore. This ranks with the open pit coal mine in Gillette, Wyoming and the open pit gold mine in Lead, South Dakota. Must see!

Certainly a must see if you want to know more about what this area is about. Our history for more than 100 years is evident there at this lookout.

This is an astounding thing to see just from the perspective of it's size and scope. It does serve an important function. It's just too bad it has to scar the earth to perform it.

The vista point is really little more than a way-side stop that if you didn't know what you were looking for, you might miss it. However, it is worth a few minutes out of your car to read the placards and look at the mining operation which runs 24/7, seven days a week.

What can you say about a huge hole in the ground? Well. it is definitely impressive. The scale is even more amazing when you see the earthmoving equipment. The site has an interpretive display that is worth reading and accompanying photos. The topography of the mine changes frequently so it is worth seeing more than once. We always take our out of town visitors to this site.

This is a very unique view of a major industry in the area. Spectacular view of a working mine with good explanatory displays. Take your binoculars as this is a huge mine and you will want to see some activities.

the overlook is awesome. Get there when the sun is not in the way of viewing the ledges. Take binoculars for a better view!! Wish the mine would have tours!

Great place to stop and take a look at the mining operations. Not a lot of activity may be going on and you may see some dump trucks driving around. There are some historical signs there detailing the operations. Great tip-bring some binoculars.

It's a nice place to stop and take a quick look and a picture. If you haven't seen a copper mine, it's a must see. Huge dump trucks like you've never seen before that make regular size trucks seem like toys.

Interesting to look down and see the workings of this mine. Wish there was more information (there is some basic historical information) about the process we were watching

I liked this Great overlook. Puts the queen mine in Bisbee az to shame. Much bigger and still in operation.

We found the view of this very large open pit mine interesting. The displays at the viewpoint gave good historical data.

I suppose if you like mines, this would be fantastic. Being more of an outdoor enthusiast with a great respect for nature, both my husband and I found it disturbing. Sad to see what has been done to the earth.

Yes the colors are beautiful, but the shear size of the mine is mind boggling! It is a rare treat to get this close to an open operating mine. When you can see the mine from town, you know it's very big! Most people don't get to see a mine close up. Keep in mind that was how this town was founded and still exists today.I inserted an excerpt from Freeport-McMoRan website for the following info:The Chino Mine originally mined by Native Americans and later by Spaniards. The open-pit mine began production in 1910. The original concentrator went into operation in 1911, but was replaced by a new facility in 1982. A smelter was commissioned in 1939 and was modernized in 1985 to increase capacity and achieve compliance with the Clean Air Act. In 2005, the smelter was permanently closed. It became part of Freeport-McMoRan in 2007.

This is a massive open pit copper mine. Make sure and stop for a look. They have a nice history board explaining the history of the mine. Take your binoculars so you can check out the huge dump trucks at work (24/7 !).