Entry No. 96 — the Durango file — filed under: historic mine

Gold King Mine

Discovered in 1887 near Silverton, Colorado, the Gold King Mine was a major producer of gold and silver ore before closing in the early 1920s. The site gained international notoriety in August 2015 when an EPA-contracted crew accidentally breached a collapsed portal, releasing three million gallons of toxic, orange-colored wastewater into Cement Creek and the Animas River. Today, the mine remains inactive and is part of the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site, where ongoing water treatment and environmental monitoring take place.

The move: Take a scenic drive along County Road 110 north of Silverton to view the rugged San Juan Mountains and the historic mining district from a safe distance, then enjoy a walk along the Animas River in town.

📍 Before you go The mine is private property, a designated EPA Superfund site, and actively monitored and restricted due to severe environmental and physical hazards.

• 📍 Gold King Mine
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Gold King Mine, Colorado 81435, USA

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · coloradoencyclopedia.org · epa.gov

last checked: 2026-07-20