Trail Overview
Paines Mountain Spur Road is an out-and-back route branching from Historic Waldorf Wagon Road after crossing Leavenworth Creek. The road travels onto the northwest side of Paines Mountain within the historic Argentine Mining District, an area extensively developed during Clear Creek County's mining era. Dense spruce, fir, pine, and stands of aspen surround much of the route, with younger evergreens, willow, exposed rock, and fallen timber covering the surrounding forest. The secluded setting provides opportunities for viewing wildlife and exploring another portion of the extensive backcountry road system surrounding Waldorf and the Argentine Mining District. The route eventually ends within dense forest. Turning around at the very end can be challenging for longer-wheelbase vehicles, so some drivers may find it easier to turn around near the final bend before reaching the end of the route. There is no fixed seasonal motorized closure listed for this route, but heavy snow typically limits access during the winter and spring. Summer through early fall generally provides the most reliable access, although lingering snow can remain into early summer and early-season snow may return in the fall.
Difficulty
The route includes loose and embedded rock, shallow ruts, erosion, and several rougher rocky sections that require careful tire placement. Trees and brush grow close to the narrow route in several areas, making pinstriping and scratches to vehicle paint likely, while limited maneuvering room adds some difficulty for longer-wheelbase vehicles.
History
The mountains above Georgetown and Silver Plume contain an extensive network of historic mining, wagon-road, and railroad corridors. Silver discoveries in the Argentine district began in the 1860s, and wagon toll roads were constructed through the Leavenworth Creek drainage and across Argentine Pass beginning in 1869, providing an important early connection between Georgetown and mining communities west of the Continental Divide. Transportation changed again in the early 1900s with construction of the three-foot narrow-gauge Argentine Central Railway. Beginning at the Colorado & Southern connection at Silver Plume, the railroad climbed through the mining district to Waldorf and ultimately reached Mount McClellan. The line used steep grades, sharp curves, switchbacks, and Shay locomotives to negotiate the mountains while hauling ore and carrying tourists into the high country. Clear Creek County records the railway opening to Waldorf in 1906, and historical documentation shows that portions of today's roads through the area occupy or closely follow the former railroad grade.
