Oh-My-God Road (Virginia Canyon)

Officially called Virginia Canyon Road, the Oh-my-God Road connects Idaho Springs to Central City, although the road can be run in either direction. It is a steep, winding, scenic shelf road with plenty of hairpin turns and few guardrails earning it its nickname. Built to connect these two major mining centers, Virginia Canyon Road displays many remnants of the region’s rich mining heritage. Tailing piles dot the hillsides, their red-brown dirt contrasting with the deep green of the pine forest. Perhaps the climax of this mining history is the historic ghost town of Russel Gulch. Many of the town’s largest and most significant buildings are still standing along with many residences, some of which are still occupied.