Eureka Gulch

Total Miles
3.5

Elevation

3,738.71 ft

Duration

1.5 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Easy

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

This trail will take you to the remains of Sunnyside Mill and then up to Sunnyside Mine. You can take a fun side trip to Judge Terry's Midway Mill ruins and the Angle Tram Station from this trail. There are some really beautiful waterfalls there as well. There is a nice staging area with restrooms at the trailhead. No seasonal closures, but weather may prevent travelling on the road.

Photos of Eureka Gulch

Eureka Gulch
Eureka Gulch

Difficulty

Easy. Road is mildly rocky but fairly wide even at the top. Side trip on lower portion of trail is somewhat overgrown with one rocky water crossing just before Midway Mill. Main road is suitable for stock 4x4 SUVs. High clearance needed on side trip.

History

Eureka was established in 1875 with an active post office until 1942. Sunnyside Mine produced over $50 million. Mines under Lake Emma collapsed in 1978 and the lake drained. No one was hurt, but it took 2 years to clean up the damage. Judge Terry's Midway Mill was the final destination for ore in the early tramway system. The Angle Tram Station was part of a second tram system to carry ore to the newer Sunnyside Mill. The foundations of this mill can be seen on left as you start up the trail.

Technical Rating

4

Access Description

From the northeast end of Silverton, bear right on County Road 2 and follow signs to Alpine Loop. After 7.7 miles, road curves around campground at Eureka Townsite and crosses a bridge. Watch for wide road that joins on left 0.3 mile after major parking and staging area.

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