The Abandoned Mineral Creek Mine at San Juan National Forest
near Silverton, Colorado is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back off-trail
walk that leads to the site of the abandoned mine, located along the Million Dollar Highway.
This is not a hike but rather a short walk that leads to an abandoned mine and mine shaft within the national forest. This old mining building is just one of a few historical mining structures left that depicts why the Million Dollar Highway was built and exists today. In the late 1880's prospectors moved into the area to mine the surrounding mountains for silver, gold, and eventually heavier metals like iron, zinc, and copper for WWI and WWII efforts. While this mining building can certainly be appreciated from the road, you can also get a close-up look at what miners had to enter every day to get paid. The building is strictly off limits from the public entering, so please do not enter the building. Do not disturb this historical structure but rather appreciate it from afar.
Parking
Visitors will find a parking turnout located on the south side of the Million Dollar Highway, at the coordinates provided. The turnout is large enough to fit a half-dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed.
Warning
Abandoned mine shaft: This walk leads to an abandoned mining structure that appears to have an old mine shaft located underneath. The building may have been used to haul resources out of the ground; however, it's extremely dangerous and should not be entered or climbed, per federal law. For your own safety, appreciate the building from afar.
This is not a hike but rather a short walk that leads to an abandoned mine and mine shaft within the national forest. This old mining building is just one of a few historical mining structures left that depicts why the Million Dollar Highway was built and exists today. In the late 1880's prospectors moved into the area to mine the surrounding mountains for silver, gold, and eventually heavier metals like iron, zinc, and copper for WWI and WWII efforts. While this mining building can certainly be appreciated from the road, you can also get a close-up look at what miners had to enter every day to get paid. The building is strictly off limits from the public entering, so please do not enter the building. Do not disturb this historical structure but rather appreciate it from afar.
Parking
Visitors will find a parking turnout located on the south side of the Million Dollar Highway, at the coordinates provided. The turnout is large enough to fit a half-dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed.
Warning
Abandoned mine shaft: This walk leads to an abandoned mining structure that appears to have an old mine shaft located underneath. The building may have been used to haul resources out of the ground; however, it's extremely dangerous and should not be entered or climbed, per federal law. For your own safety, appreciate the building from afar.
