Entry No. 86 — the Durango file — filed under: ghost town

Gold Prince Mill at Animas Forks - building foundation

Constructed in 1905 at a cost of $500,000, the Gold Prince Mill was once the largest and most technologically advanced ore-processing facility in Colorado, featuring 100 stamps and a structural steel frame. The mill only operated until 1910, and by 1917, its machinery and structural steel were dismantled and relocated to Eureka. Today, all that remains of this massive facility at the southern edge of the Animas Forks ghost town is its sprawling, terraced concrete foundation.

The move: Take a scenic 4WD drive up the Alpine Loop to the Animas Forks ghost town, then walk to the southern edge of the site to photograph the massive terraced concrete foundations of the mill against the dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.

📍 Before you go The foundation is located within the Animas Forks ghost town, which is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the San Juan County Historical Society, allowing visitors to freely explore the outdoor ruins.

• 📍 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: Wikipedia · westernmininghistory.com · legendsofamerica.com

last checked: 2026-07-20