Entry No. 93 — the Durango file — filed under: ruins
San Bernardo Mine
Established in the late 1880s, the San Bernardo Mine was a gold, silver, and lead producer located on the slopes of San Bernardo Mountain. It operated sporadically until the late 1960s, utilizing an aerial tramway to transport ore across the Lake Fork of the San Miguel River to the nearby Matterhorn Mill. Today, the mine workings are abandoned, leaving behind structural ruins, waste rock piles, and historic tramway remnants.
The move: Take a scenic drive along Highway 145 to the historic Ophir Loop area, then hike a section of the Galloping Goose Trail to safely view and photograph the towering 96-foot Matterhorn Mill and the rugged mountain slopes where the mine once operated.
📍 Before you go The mine workings and associated ruins are located on private property and are structurally hazardous, while the adjacent Forest Service-owned Matterhorn Mill is subject to safety closures, but the historic site can be viewed safely from nearby public trails and Highway 145.
- 📍 San Bernardo Mine
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: San Bernardo Mine, Colorado 81426, USA
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Wikipedia · westernmininghistory.com
last checked: 2026-07-20