Exploring Mining Country

4×4 Adventure

by Kathryn R. Burke

Left: Longfellow Mine (Kathryn Retzler). Right:  Yankee Girl (Roger Young).

EXPLORING MINING COUNTRY is absolutely fascinating! Each new venture leaves you wondering how these people accomplished so much with so little (at least by today’s standards) and in such a short time. There were no cranes, no helicopters, no battery-powered nail guns (and no OSHA, either, which might explain how they did it.)

Yet these people built mills, mines, boarding houses (some with entertainment and dining halls!), even   entire towns, many at impossible heights. They built tram systems to carry ore out and men and supplies in. A few brave souls  even lived up there year round. When the towns burned—fire was common—they did it again. When the trains came to San Juans  they laid rail to the tallest town, above 12,000 feet!

The folks who settled here were incredibly industrious and inventive. Think about how easy it is to haul stuff around today, then look at what these people did with little more than mules. You’ll find heavy equipment, and even iron cook stoves, all transported by two- and four-foot motive power.

Left: Bullion Mine (Kathryn Retzler). Right: Stamps at Sound Democrat (Don Porter).

The San Juans are criss-crossed with mining claims and trails, most  requiring four-wheel drive. If you’re planning to explore, set aside several days. You’ll have a lot of territory to cover, too much for one day.

You might want to start out with a couple of guided tours, to get the feel of the terrain and learn the history of the area, then rent a jeep or ATV and head out on your own. Tours are great, because the drivers know the roads and all the stories associated with them. They will keep you regaled with tales (true and false) while you snap away with your camera. Some mountain rides require a good deal of concentration, especially for the driver, and sometimes for the white-knuckled passengers as well, so going with a pro is often a good way to go.

When you’re ready to head out on your own, several companies rent vehicles. Silver Summit in Silverton and SOA in Ouray, and others in both towns, rent new Jeeps kept in top condition for mountain excursions. Both facilities, and many local shops,  also provide maps and detailed information about the various routes you might explore.