In 1899, a claim was staked on Batchelor Hill by two brothers from Paris, France, but by 1901 the claim was owned by Owen Batchelor.   He worked the hilltop for many years.   Vertical and horizontal shafts were dug and gold was mined out of the quartz vein between 1905 and 1916.    The site was worked again in the 1950’s and in the 1970’s.

There are 3 routes to the top of Batchelor Hill.   From the south, the telecom tower access road goes right to the south hilltop.     A single track also winds up from the southeast, but the best route is from the north.   Drive past Batchelor Lake and turn onto the double track.   Park at the gate and follow the route towards the pass, then watch for a track that angles up the hill into the low pass between the 3 hilltops.   The mine is on the top of the east summit.    Many of the earliest excavations have been filled in, but there are still a few spots of interest to explore:

Batchelor Mine

Batchelor Mine

Batchelor Mine

There are wonderful views from the top of all three of the Batchelor Hills.   This is a pleasant after-work hike and exploration.