Entry No. 85 — the Durango file — filed under: ruins

Frisco Mill at Bagley Tunnel

Constructed in 1912, the Frisco-Bagley Mill is a rare example of a prefabricated concentration mill whose timber components were pre-cut and coded in Silverton before being assembled on-site. The mill operated until the economic crash of 1921, utilizing electricity to process gold, silver, and copper. Today, the skeletal, partially collapsed wooden superstructure stands near the sealed portal of the 7,500-foot Bagley Tunnel, from which a small stream now flows.

The move: Drive along the scenic Alpine Loop (County Road 9) past Animas Forks to safely view and photograph the towering, weathered wooden skeleton of the mill and the surrounding mountain peaks from the road.

📍 Before you go The mill is located on private property and is structurally unstable, but it can be safely and legally viewed and photographed from the public County Road 9 (Alpine Loop).

• 📍 Silverton
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Silverton, CO 81433, USA

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: historycolorado.org · legendsofamerica.com

last checked: 2026-07-20