The red mountain pass region was a rich mining
district worked from the 1870s through the 1940s. A forty mile stretch of
road between Silverton and Ouray Colorado once supported a railroad and a
population of thousands now has no permanent residents.
The thriving town site of Red Mountain burned down on my birthday August 20
1897. It now has only two standing buildings.
Conditions, of course, are fabulous. Theres between four and ten feet of mostly
untrodden snow up there. To get there drive US 550 north out of Silverton
for about 20 minutes until you reach the Red Mountain Pass. There's plenty
of space to park. Before you go, call the avalanche hotline at 970-247-8187.
On the north side of the road you will find some abandoned mines. Follow the
jeep roads and the old Silverton Northern railroad bed towards Ouray, (east-ish).
Keep the road in sight on your left. When you get tired, make your way to
the road and thumb down a passing pickup for the "ride of your life"
back to your car.
Shortly I will finish this fascinating narrative. For now, I'll just post
the pictures. Send me a mail if
you want to hear when I finish the history lesson.
Click on any of these shots for an enlargement.
MSR
Denali
These shoes are used by me and La Plata County Search and Rescue. They are
cheap and virtually indestructible. Unlike the pretty ones with the tubing
and the webbing, you can adjust the size of these shoes to suit your activities
and snow conditions.
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