Sunday, August 16, 2015

Sutton Mine Trail

 

DSC02816

As you drive along Highway 550 a few miles south of Ouray, CO and look up to the west you might notice an antique shop with a clothesline full of clothes perched on a narrow ledge above the road. It is actually the old blacksmith shop from the Neosho Mine, circa 1905, and the only way to get a close-up view is a 2.2 mile hike up the Sutton Mine Trail, which begins on Camp Bird Road just past the Ice Park Trail.

Chris, Jim and I tackled the short but steep trail, which does not go to Sutton Mine despite the name. But it does go to the Ouray Overlook, Bear Creek Overlook, and ends at the Neosho Mine.

The trail only gains 900’ of elevation but most of it is in the first mile or so as it works its way up steep switchbacks to the overlooks.

DSC02800

It’s always nice to see Ouray from above.

P1020561

From the Bear Creek Overlook we had great views of the Million Dollar Highway, Bear Creek Falls, and could still see Ouray.

DSC02830

DSC02803

P1020570

DSC02810

DSC02811

P1020563

Along the way we found golden fungi.

Ouray, Colorado9

And golden rocks.

P1020569

And Oregon grapes with leaves already turning red.

DSC02801

From the Bear Creek Overlook the mine is another 0.6 mile and 300’ descent. The guys were interested in the tunnel.

DSC02813

DSC02828

DSC02829

And I did a little antique shopping at the old blacksmith shop.

P1020576

DSC02818

DSC02826

DSC02827

Then we continued on to few more buildings, including this 6 man bunkhouse.

DSC02822

I was more curious about the clothesline and found this:

“According to Ouray County Historical Museum Curator and Ouray County Historical Society board member Donald Paulson, the sign and laundry were first put up in 1970 as a joke by late local historian Roger Henn. Each year thereafter, someone would climb up to the blacksmith shop and replace the clothes the wind and snow ripped down the previous winter. The quirky tradition has endured to the point that when Paulson recently applied for a grant to the Colorado Historical Fund to repair the site, the county commissioners endorsed the grant only if it would guarantee that neither the sign nor the laundry be disturbed.”

DSC02819

It was another enjoyable hike and we did not contribute any items of clothing to the line.

12 comments:

  1. I've always wondered how people got to the "Antique Shop." Now I know! Looks like a fun hike.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So much to see in Ouray - thanks for the details.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That hike is a local favorite. Did you leave any clothes on the line??? or take some? :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the Ouray overlook shots and the unique perspective of the Million Dollar Highway.

    ReplyDelete
  5. We were short on time when we did this hike and only saw the two overlooks. I remember vividly how treacherously steep that trail was. Leg punishment after many days of steep, hard hikes in the area! Thanks for taking me to the end of the trail!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Another neat hike! What a clever idea the clothes on the line are:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. The clothes line reminds me: do you know about Vermont's "Right to Dry" law? No one is allowed to create local ordinances against hanging out clothes to dry. (Love it. Wish there was a law like that at RV parks.) Wonder if Colorado has one too? 😊

    ReplyDelete
  8. Interesting to see the roadway over the waterfall, and a little scary too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That is too funny. Looks like a gorgeous hike and one I might be able to do. ;-D

    ReplyDelete
  10. Aren't your legs tired yet? And have you finally tackled all the trails in the area? You two are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think "Thrift Shop" would have been a more appropriate signage! You weren't just a little bit tempted to take that tie-dye shirt? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Looks like fall is coming. Maybe too cold to leave any clothing behind. ;)

    ReplyDelete