Trail Overview
This short route leads to an old cabin tucked into the high-country landscape and offers impressive views throughout the drive. The trail surface varies between relatively smooth packed dirt, loose gravel, and rockier sections with shallow ruts and small exposed rock ledges. Several steeper climbs and descents are present, making a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a low-range transfer case recommended, although the obstacles themselves should be manageable for most stock high-clearance 4x4s. The route travels through a mix of evergreens, thick willow and brush-lined sections, and open alpine meadows with expansive views of the surrounding mountains. Several designated dispersed campsites can be found along the route. Near the historic cabin, signs clearly designate the area as no camping, so visitors should use the established sites encountered before reaching the cabin.
Difficulty
Mostly packed dirt with scattered loose rocks, shallow ruts, and a few small rock ledges. Several steeper climbs and descents add some challenge, but the obstacles should be manageable for most stock high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. A low-range transfer case is recommended for better control on the steeper sections, especially if conditions are wet or loose.
History
The mountains surrounding Silverton contain one of Colorado's most significant historic mining districts. Prospecting began during the 1860s, and the first profitable vein in the area was discovered in Arrastra Gulch in 1871. That discovery helped trigger extensive exploration for gold, silver, lead, copper, and other minerals throughout the surrounding mountains. Mines, mills, aerial tramways, wagon roads and eventually narrow-gauge railroads were constructed to move workers, equipment and ore through the rugged San Juan Mountains. Arrastra Gulch, Little Giant Basin, Kendall Mountain and the surrounding drainages contain remnants of this mining era. The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande narrow-gauge railroad connected Silverton with Durango and helped transform the isolated mining camp into one of the San Juan Mountains' major mining centers. Many of today's backcountry roads follow transportation corridors created to reach these historic mines and settlements.
