🚙 Ghost Towns & Alpine Roads: Off-Roading Through Silverton, Colorado’s Mining Past
- Switching Gears RV Diary
- Oct 13, 2024
- 5 min read
Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the tiny town of Silverton offers more than just scenic beauty—it’s a gateway to the rugged past of the American West. We've been camping alongside Mineral Creek, just outside of town, and took a day to explore some of Silverton’s most fascinating backroad gems: the ghost towns of Eureka and Animas Forks.
What we found was a powerful mix of history, high-altitude adventure, and a modern dilemma facing many mountain towns—how to balance off-road tourism with preserving a peaceful way of life.
🏔️ A Town at a Crossroads: Off-Roading and the Law in Silverton
Silverton has become a mecca for OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) enthusiasts. But like many small mountain towns, it’s had to wrestle with how to welcome tourists without sacrificing local serenity. The town has made some compromises, but as of now, unlicensed off-road vehicles are no longer allowed in the main part of Silverton or on certain San Juan County roads.
And here’s a tip: fines are steep if you’re caught ignoring these rules. So if you're bringing an ATV or SxS, check the most recent county maps and regulations before rolling into town.
🛻 Our Journey Begins: Heading Up County Road 2
We decided to explore with our long-bed truck "Casper" instead of an OHV. Our route took us up County Road 2, a well-traveled stretch that leads to two of Colorado’s most iconic ghost towns. As we left town behind, the views opened up to classic San Juan vistas—towering peaks, alpine streams, and the occasional waterfall tucked into the rock face.
🏚️ Stop One: The Ghost Town of Eureka
Our first destination was Eureka, a lesser-known but historically rich mining town. Unlike many boom-and-bust towns, Eureka grew gradually. It opened a post office in the late 1800s that operated for 67 years, a testament to its longer-than-average life.
Today, not much is left—just the remnants of the Sunnyside Mill, an old jail, and a few relocated buildings found near the Idarado Mine on the Million Dollar Highway. Still, it’s easy to imagine what this town once was when the railroad came through and miners filled the saloon after a long day underground.
💧 A Detour with a Purpose: Mining Cleanup and Water Projects
As we continued up the road, we had to stop for a moment to let a large vehicle pass—something we’ve never seen on this road before. We believe it was part of a water restoration project, a sign of ongoing efforts to clean up mining pollution that still affects local streams.
The Animas River, which flows through the area, is a striking blue-green color. It’s stunning, but we couldn’t help wondering—is that from mining residue or natural limestone deposits? Either way, it’s a beautiful but complicated legacy left behind by Colorado’s mining era.
🏘️ Stop Two: Animas Forks – A High-Altitude Time Capsule
Our next stop was Animas Forks, one of the best-preserved and most-visited ghost towns in Colorado. Perched at over 11,000 feet, it's among the highest mining camps in North America. Getting here feels like you’ve driven into the sky—and stepped back in time.
Founded in the 1870s, Animas Forks grew rapidly. By 1875, the town had 30 cabins, a hotel, a general store, a saloon, and even a post office. Today, nine buildings have been stabilized and restored for preservation, including the jail, the oldest structure on-site.
What makes Animas Forks unique is that it feels like a walk-through museum, but there are no ropes or glass barriers—just open doors and creaky floorboards, letting you imagine what life was like at 11,000 feet in the 1880s.
❄️ Life in the Clouds: Surviving Winter at Animas Forks
The town may be picturesque in summer, but winters here were brutal. In the infamous blizzard of 1884, 25 feet of snow buried the town over 23 days. Residents reportedly dug tunnels between buildings just to get around.
While most residents left for Silverton during winter, a few brave (or stubborn) souls remained—a handful of men, a couple of women, and twelve dogs, according to local lore.
💰 The Gold Prince Mine and the Final Boom
Animas Forks experienced its last mining boom in 1904, when the Gold Prince Mine Company moved in with state-of-the-art technology for the time. The town became a model of modern mining operations... for a while. Like many operations in the Rockies, it eventually shut down, and the town was abandoned for good.
Today, it stands as a high-alpine reminder of the hopes, hardships, and heartbreak that defined the Gold Rush era.
🔄 A Change of Plans on California Gulch
We had planned to make a loop back to Silverton via California Gulch, a scenic but rugged trail. Using our go-to trail resources—we felt good about the route.
But as we climbed higher, the trail became narrower and more technical—a challenge for our long-bed truck. At a wide spot, we flagged down a descending Jeep and asked for a trail report. Their answer made it clear: conditions had worsened, and turning around was our safest option.
This was a good reminder: Alpine roads can change dramatically, especially when water, snowmelt, or erosion are involved. Always check conditions and be ready to change plans.
🧭 What We Learned from the Trail
Plan Ahead: Use apps and local maps to track recent trail conditions.
Know the Law: Off-roading is fun, but it’s not a free-for-all. Respect local regulations.
Talk to Others: Don’t be afraid to ask fellow drivers for updates.
Be Flexible: The backcountry has its own rules—don’t be afraid to turn around.
📽️ Want to See More?
If you’re as fascinated by Colorado’s mining past and love a good off-road adventure, check out our full videos of this trip on our YouTube channel! You’ll see drone shots, waterfalls, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t find in the blog.
🏕️ What’s Next?
Next week, we’re heading out in search of Colorado’s largest aspen grove. We’ll be hiking, scouting scenic drives, and maybe even catching the early signs of fall color.
Be sure to subscribe to the blog or follow us on YouTube so you don’t miss our next adventure!
🧭 Final Thoughts: Why Silverton Is Worth the Journey
Silverton isn’t just another mountain town—it’s a living storybook of Colorado’s past. Whether you're into history, off-roading, or just jaw-dropping scenery, this place delivers. But like all great places, it asks something in return: respect for the land, the laws, and the legacy it holds.
If you're planning a visit, take your time. Talk to locals. Explore the back roads. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll leave with more than a few cool photos. You’ll leave with a sense of connection to a time and place that helped shape the West.
Happy Trails! Have you been to Silverton or driven the Alpine Loop? Share your experience in the comments below!
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