South Mosquito Road FS 696

Total Miles
4.1

Elevation

3,819.82 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Summer

Trail Overview

South Mosquito Road is the other route below Mosquito Pass to the London Mine, versus the New London Mine on the better-known Mosquito Pass. Numerous other named mines are in the basin. The road is open only one day per year (the last Sunday in July) for spectators to view the Fairplay Burro Days Pack Burro Race, as the majority of it lies within private property. There are numerous mining structures and new mining construction for cleanup and reclamation work, which MineWater LLC is performing. The reclamation company has improved this road, which is in excellent shape in most areas. However, it is no longer possible to connect it with Mosquito Pass Road at the top or reach Mosquito Pass.

Photos of South Mosquito Road FS 696

South Mosquito Road FS 696
South Mosquito Road FS 696

Difficulty

Parts of the road are greatly improved to accommodate large mining trucks and are very wide. Other parts are 1 lane and less improved, except in areas where drainage was managed.

History

The London Mine was one of the highest producing gold mines in Colorado history. Active mining occurred from 1874 to the 1940s, however, limited mining activity took place until its closure in1991. The road has been improved by the property owner Minewater, to assist in groundwater cleanup and recovery with the sale of water rights owned by the City of Aurora. The road closed to the public in 2016.

Technical Rating

2

Access Description

From Mosquito Pass, follow the signs that say Burro Race to the large gate.

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