Prospect Gulch

The San Juan mining district produced over $65 million in ores between 1882 and 1918. The hills surrounding Silverton are dotted with hundreds of mines created by prospectors hunting for their fortunes. Prospector Gulch is a hard reminder of the difficulties miners faced. A plethora of mining operations scatter the landscape here with tailings galore, abandoned equipment, and buildings left only to rot in the harsh environment. With serene beauty and spectacular views, it's a surprise this trail is not more widely used.