Eureka Gulch

5/5 (14 reviews)
Silverton, Colorado (SanJuan County)
Last Updated: 10/23/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Eureka Gulch is a gorgeous route that climbs up to the location of one of the most disastrous mining accidents to ever happen in the mining industry; the collapse and total drainage of Lake Emma. The Sunnyside Mine had tunneled directly under Lake Emma, 70 feet above to reach a rich gold vein located there. On Sunday June 4, 1978, on the only day of the week that the mine was completely shut down, the lake burst through into the empty mine shafts. This incident completely drained Lake Emma and left the empty basin that can be seen at the end of the route. First hand accounts of the Sunnyside Mine incident can be discovered in the book "Silverton Gold" written by Allen G. Bird.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (14)
Official Crew
27400
Impassable
Visited: 10/23/2022

A recent winter storm in the Ouray/ Silverton area has dropped a measurable amount of snow and high winds have been in the area. Some high country routes in the area may be passable but high country travel is not recommended.
Official Crew
27400
Open
Visited: 06/16/2022

Announced as open per San Juan County
Official Crew
27400
Impassable
Visited: 10/12/2021

Weather Forecasts for the San Juan Mountains call for a significant amount of snow in the coming days. Although some routes may be open, travel over these high mountain passes in winter conditions are not advised.
Temporary Closure
Visited: 08/15/2021

There is a road closed sign and construction cones at the beginning of the trail
Official Crew
27400
Open
Visited: 06/29/2021

Announced as fully OPEN per the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/maps-pubs/?cid=fsbdev3_002300

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