Entry No. 78 — the Boulder file — filed under: ruins

Old Town Mine

Located in the historic Russell Mining District, the Old Town Mine was one of the most consistently profitable gold and pyrite producers along the narrow-gauge Gilpin Tramway. First developed in the late 1880s, the mine eventually reached a depth of over 2,200 feet and was connected directly to the Argo Tunnel for drainage. Today, the weathered remains of the mine's structures, tailings, and nearby headframes sit silently in the mountain landscape of Russell Gulch.

The move: Take a scenic drive along County Road 279 (Oh My God Road) to safely view and photograph the historic wooden headframes and mining ruins of Russell Gulch from the roadside.

📍 Before you go The mine ruins, headframes, and surrounding structures are located on private property in the Russell Gulch area. Entering abandoned mine shafts is extremely dangerous and illegal, but the remains can be easily viewed and photographed from the public county road.

• 📍 Old Town Mine
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Old Town Mine, Colorado 80452, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: 4x4explore.com · gilpintramway.com

last checked: 2026-07-20