Entry No. 223 — the Denver file — filed under: ruins

Old Town Mine

Located in the historic Russell Gulch mining district, the Old Town Mine was one of the most consistently profitable gold producers along the narrow-gauge Gilpin Tramway. Active from the late 1880s through the mid-20th century, its underground workings spanned over five miles and reached a depth of over 2,200 feet. Today, the site lies abandoned, with weathered ruins, old headframes, and tailings piles scattered across the rugged mountain landscape.

The move: Drive along the scenic, unpaved County Road 279 (Virginia Canyon Road) to safely view and photograph the historic headframes, ruins, and tailings of the Old Town Mine and nearby ghost town structures from the public roadside.

📍 Before you go The mine ruins and surrounding structures are located on private property in a hazardous historic mining district, but they can be legally viewed and photographed from the public County Road 279.

• 📍 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: pubs.er.usgs.gov · 4x4explore.com

last checked: 2026-07-20