Get way to Ouray, Colorado before you go mad

[achampagne]

Great pics, can't wait for more!

[ttora4runner]

As the alarm sounded at 6:30 am Friday morning, I could only think that the morning came all to soon. For the past couple of months I hadn't been able to sleep though the night without waking up a time or two with things on my mind. Yet, I was able to sleep though night this despite the fact that I was sleeping in a tent on the ground away from my bed.

As I stirred the events of the days began t o unfold and by the time I had finished breakfast I had things worked out. The plan for the day would take me though Corkscrew Gulch up to Hurricane Gulch and then down California Pass then take the North Fork Cuttoff and back to Engineer Pass so that was the plan. However, that would change slightly during the day as I had other routes in mind as well.

When I reached the trail head for Corkscrew Gulch I took a side detour off to visit a small mining community site 'Ironton Townsite'





Outhouse




This building kind of gave me the creeps since all the windows were boarded up except the one that you came though

[ttora4runner]

After looking around for an hour or so it was time to head up Corkscrew Gulch


This is the one part of the road that kind of made me nervous. Why I don't know






Up at the top of the pass




What was to come


Once down the other side to Hurricane Pass I made the side trip on San Juan Country Road 53 over to the Red and Bonita Mill/Sampson Mill area



Old fuel cart I assume






Another old mine site on the way up to Hurricane Pass







The old mine closed off

[ttora4runner]

Up at Hurricane Pass


Lake Como


When I got down to intersection where the trail breaks off to go to Poughkeepsie Gulch I had the brief thought of trying to tackle Poughkeepsie Gulch but when I saw the sign that they recommend dual lockers and a winch I had second thoughts. Another time.

So it was on up to California Pass

Looking on up towards the Pass




Up at the pass













Coming down the pass towards Animas Fork





By the time I made it down California Pass it was around noon a little ahead of schedule so I made the decision to go ahead and run Placer and Picayune then back around to Animas Fork. Not before stopping and grabbing a bite to eat however.

A storm started to roll in as I was eating which dump a could amount of rain for about 10 minutes before breaking up.


One of the old transport towers between the mine sites

[ttora4runner]

Heading down Placer Gulch




Sound Democrat Mine site






Inside







Getting this shot kind of crept me out a bit since the platform between the two areas didn't have any support under it


After creeping myself out some I headed over to Gold Price Mine




One the boards off the cover to mine was missing but provided a get shot. I wasn't expecting to see it this way when I looked in.


Up at the top of Placer Gulch heading on over to Picayune Gulch






Someone cabin with great views all around


Once down to Picayune Gulch I made a side trip over on San Juan County Rd 99 to explore it a bit and to get another view of Treasure Mine




Treasure mine from San Juan 99




Treasure Mine

[ttora4runner]

Ye old mill


Inside




This was about as far I as dared to adventure into the building. Though I still can't but wonder what it looks like further up.

[ttora4runner]

After spending some time around here it was down the gulch and over to Animas Fork


Just a shot or two of the area, since I explored it back in 08







What I really wanted to see was the remains of Frisco Mill since I didn't make it up to it when I visisted back in 08.






Inside

Remains of the old chute system. I couldn't believe how the chute system was run and how they kept track of it all since they ran all over the place.


The cable system their using to keep the place from collapsing any further






The stairs to left of this picture that leads up to the small platform was creepy yet again. I have a lot of these moments exploring these old buildings.


View looking up from that one platform


As I explored the structure I couldn't keep but wondering as to how much longer this building is going to be able to stand up to elements before finally giving in. For now it's still here. Once getting my fill I head back down to Animas Fork then up the North Fork Cutoff to head on back out along Enigneer Pass to Ouray.

Along the way




Coming down Engineer Pass I decided to make a quick stop out around the Mineral Point area to do some exploring around another site that I was back in 08.











The view inside. I only venture up the stairs to view into the second floor but didn't go any further. I didn't feel like walk on all the animal poo that was all over the floor.


Somewhere on out to Mineral Point a place that will have to wait for another time


Once back at camp it was the normal dinner around the fire and more reading and relaxing for the day. Bedtime came around 930 pm something that just isn't normal for me.


Saturday and Sunday still to come.

[Adventure Jeep]

Great write up and pictures. Poughkeepsie Gulch isn’t all that bad going down but there are a few spots, one in particular that can be a challenge going up. You’d have made it but I think you saw more the way you went…. Lots of great mine structures etc.., there aren’t any on the way down Poughkeepsie Gulch.

[Vermejo]

Great shots,Teaaron. You covered quite a bit of country! I'm glad we bumped into each other in Ouray.

[ttora4runner]

Great write up and pictures. Poughkeepsie Gulch isn’t all that bad going down but there are a few spots, one in particular that can be a challenge going up. You’d have made it but I think you saw more the way you went…. Lots of great mine structures etc.., there aren’t any on the way down Poughkeepsie Gulch.

I'm pretty sure that I could've made it but I just didn't want to chance it.

Great shots,Teaaron. You covered quite a bit of country! I'm glad we bumped into each other in Ouray.

I did. I think Sunday I may have covered a little more. It was good meeting you and girlfriend.