Red Mountain Town, Colorado was once the largest mining camp on Red Mountain Pass. It’s located almost equally between Silverton and Ouray on the breathtaking San Juan Skyway.
Few remnants of this once great mining camp are left. You can see the National Belle Mine and the jail, among a few other ruins. Red Mountain Town is not on Highway 550, but actually on the other side of this highway off a dirt road.
What’s pictured on this page, and you’ll see close by are actually Idarado Mine Company houses that were moved to that location in 1948 from the ghost town of Eureka near Animas Forks. You can see one fairly well-kept cabin leaning, but still standing, as well as numerous collapsed buildings, foundations, and various mining relics. These are located near the top of Red Mountain Pass.
The best time to visit is spring through fall when it’s warm and you can take your time moseying around.
History
Gold ore was discovered here in the 1870s, however, harsh winters and primitive roads delayed the boom. When it developed a few years later, it did so quickly.
Mining camps were built up and down, on both sides of Red Mountain Pass. Other noteworthy towns were Congress and Chatanooga to the south, toward Silverton, and Guston, Ironton, and Albany north toward Ouray.
Nearby mining camps rivaled one another and Red Mountain Town soon became the biggest of them all. In its heyday, the population was projected as high as 10,000 residents. The town prospered during the late nineteenth century, with investors from around the world depositing and withdrawing millions of dollars from the town.
Like any high alpine mining town, only the strongest braved it out during the winters. Others left for warmer, lower-elevated cities. The town’s decline followed that of the mining decline in the region. Ouray and Silverton are the only towns on either side of Red Mountain Pass to remain populated today. An estimated 30 million dollars was taken from the region’s mines.
Getting There
Red Mountain Town is simple to reach for 2WD vehicles year round, located between Silverton and Ouray on Million Dollar Highway. The pass receives plenty of snow in the winter, so drive carefully if visiting during that time of year. It’s a major route from Durango heading north to I-70 and Grand Junction, so it’s well-maintained.
The directions below lead you to the site of these Idarado Mine Company houses located on Red Mountain Pass/Highway 550. To further reach what’s left of Red Mountain ghost town, head to these coordinates: 37.90434, -107.70323
From Silverton – Head north 11 miles on Highway 550 to reach Red Mountain Town. You’ll see the town remnants about a half mile from the highway, just north of Red Mountain Pass summit. Go another 4.5 miles to reach Ironton ghost town.
From Ouray – Head south 12 miles on Highway 550 to reach the ghost town, located on the Ouray side of Red Mountain Pass summit. You’ll pass Ironton 4.5 miles before.
Details
Nearby Towns: Silverton, CO
County: San Juan County
GPS Coordinates – 37.90434, -107.70323
Roads: 2WD
Season: Year-round