Lime Creek Burn 1879 (Deer Creek Overlook)
The Lime Creek Burn 1879 (Deer Creek Overlook) at San Juan National Forest near Silverton, Colorado is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back roadside walk that features views of Twilight Peak, located along the Million Dollar Highway.This is not a hike but rather a short roadside stop that features views of Twilight Mountain, historical information on the 1879 wildfire known as the Lime Creek Burn, and includes a long-lost staircase "to nowhere". Visitors will find the Lime Creek Burn 1879 roadside stop along the east side of the Million Dollar Highway where you'll find the historical sign and a view of Twilight Mountain. Oddly enough, if you look behind the sign, you'll find a concrete staircase that leads downhill through the overgrowth to reach another view of Twilight Mountain from below the main overlook. This trail dead-ends at the overlook, which must have been an old viewpoint that's no longer maintained. Whether or not the state of Colorado, Federal government, or natural landscape change caused this secondary overlook to disappear is unknown, but you can explore both views if you wish for a short 0.1-mile out-and-back walk.
History of the Lime Creek Burn 1879
This man-caused forest fire burned 26,000 acres consuming approximately 150,000.000 board-feet of timber. Reforestation by direct seeding and planting of seedling trees was started in 1911 and continues today. The project was financed by federal funds and contributions from the conservation-minded Colorado Federation of Women's Clubs.
Parking
Visitors will find a large parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located on the east side of the Million Dollar Highway. The lot is large enough to fit less than a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
