Red Mountain Mining Overlook
The Red Mountain Mining Overlook in Ouray County, Colorado is an easy 0.2-mile universally-accessible overlook that features views of the Red Mountain Mining Districts abandoned mines like the Idarado Mine, Yankee Girl Mine, and the ghost town of Idarado.Walk
This is not a hike but rather a very short roadside walk along the Million Dollar Highway that features views of the historic Red Mountain Mining District's mining remnants. This route begins along the east side of the lookout where visitors will find plenty of self-guided historical information. To the southeast of the lot is a nice view of Red Mountain #2, Red Mountain #3, and the Yankee Girl Mine located across the valley. In the foreground is an old railroad trestle that was once used by the Idarado Mine. This route then leads off of the universally-accessible pathway to reach another view, located downhill, of the Yankee Girl Mine. The path leads west, along the north side of the parking lot, to reach a view of the abandoned houses within the historic ghost town of Idarado, CO. There are only four buildings left and they're owned by Ouray County with preservation done by the Trust for Land Restoration and the Ouray County Historical Society.
Universal Access
Most of this path is universally-accessible - notably from the parking lot to the concrete / paved sidewalk that encompasses the southwest, north, and west side of the parking lot. This route then leads back through the grass from the view of the Idarado ghost town, which is not accessible, but you can follow the road instead.
Parking
Visitors will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided, located on the west side of the Million Dollar Highway. The lot is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles as of June 2024.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
History of Idarado, CO (Ghost Town)
The ore-rich Red Mountain Mining District between Silverton and Ouray was once the site of an historic mining boom dating from the mid-1800s through the early 20th century. Between 1910 and 1920 forty houses for miners and their families were constructed in what is now the abandoned ghost town of Eureka, Colorado northeast of Silverton. While market changes began to close down Eureka, work at the Idarado Mine and Treasury Tunnel on this site was booming. The need for miner housing was solved when Idarado bought ten company houses from Eureka in 1948 and began the process of moving each house, one at a time, over a then dirt road Red Mountain Pass to the Idarado Mining Company site. These houses were utilized for offices, an infirmary, and miners' housing until the Idarado closed mining operations in 1978.
Of the ten houses moved here, only four remain today. The houses, from nearest the highway to the back of the property, were known as the Griffith's-Noel House, Hammett's Hotel, the Bachelor House, and the Newlywed House. They represent four of the only remaining buildings that once stood in Eureka and are representative of industrial mine workers' housing from the 1910s-1920s. The four remaining Idarado Houses are of historic importance to the communities of Silverton and Ouray and are a nationally significant resource. The Idarado Houses preserve the tale of the miners who worked the Idarado Mine and Treasury Tunnel of Ouray County and of their families and life near rugged Red Mountain Pass. Many of these families still live in the area.
