Trail Overview
Gordon Mine is a scenic, moderately easy off-road trail perfect for history buffs and drivers with high-clearance 4WD vehicles looking to explore historic mining ruins and high-altitude Colorado vistas. Starting just west of Twin Lakes off Highway 82, this 5.1-mile route climbs steadily from 9,255 feet to a peak elevation of 11,690 feet, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Parry Peak. The trail has a technical rating of 3, meaning it is accessible to most stock high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, though drivers should be prepared for steep, narrow sections and loose unpaved surfaces. The route is an out-and-back trail with two distinct spurs that climb up the mountainside, making it an excellent quick trip that can easily be combined with nearby trails like Lost Canyon for a full day of backcountry exploration.
As you navigate the climb, the left spur of the trail leads directly to the remaining wooden structure and historical remnants of the Gordon Mine. Taking the right spur rewards travelers with panoramic views of the Twin Lakes area and the surrounding valley from the ruins of the Bengal Tiger Mine. This upper portion of the trail features steeper grades and narrower shelf-like sections, demanding careful tire placement and a steady pace. Due to its high elevation, the trail is typically snow-covered and impassable from late autumn through late spring, with the best travel window occurring between July and October when the wildflowers are in bloom and the trails are clear of snow.
History
The trail provides access to historical late 19th-century mining sites, including the Gordon Mine and the Bengal Tiger Mine. Remnants of wooden mining structures and tailing piles are visible along both spurs, offering a glimpse into the region's rich gold and silver mining history.
