Entry No. 78 — the Boulder file — filed under: ruins
Old Town Mine
Located in the historic Russell Mining District, the Old Town Mine was one of the most consistently profitable gold and pyrite producers along the narrow-gauge Gilpin Tramway. First developed in the late 1880s, the mine eventually reached a depth of over 2,200 feet and was connected directly to the Argo Tunnel for drainage. Today, the weathered remains of the mine's structures, tailings, and nearby headframes sit silently in the mountain landscape of Russell Gulch.
The story
You didn't hear it from us, but beneath the quiet stands of aspen along County Road 279 sits a subterranean monster that once dominated Gilpin County's gold rush. First developed in the late 1880s in the Russell Mining District, the Old Town Mine grew into one of the most consistently lucrative gold and pyrite producers along the narrow-gauge Gilpin Tramway. Managed for over two decades by mining engineer George K. Kimball, the main shaft plunged 2,205 feet into the mountain at a steep 45-degree angle, sprouting 21 separate working levels linked by miles of dark tunnels.
The real engineering feat happened at the absolute bottom. To keep the deepest workings from flooding with mountain groundwater, miners blasted out the 4,326-foot "Hot Time Lateral" tunnel, connecting the 21st level directly into the colossal Argo Tunnel for drainage and ventilation. On the surface, steam engines loaded high-grade pyritic ore onto a dedicated 1,711-foot Gilpin Tramway rail spur bound for Black Hawk concentrators, ultimately pulling out over $2.7 million in gross tonnage value before operations ceased.
Today, the weather-beaten wooden headframes, graying timber remains, and sprawling rock tailings sit quiet in the mountain landscape of Russell Gulch. You won't find a visitor center or a gift shop here, but as you wind up the dirt switchbacks, these silent structural bones offer an unvarnished look at Colorado's hardrock mining height.
What it's like
Visiting means navigating the narrow, unpaved shelf road of County Road 279 (famously nicknamed "Oh My God Road"), which snakes between Idaho Springs and Central City. Around a bend at roughly 9,150 feet elevation, the mine's weathered wooden headframes and massive gray tailings piles come into view against the mountain backdrop. The atmosphere is stark, silent, and breezy. You'll need to pull safely onto the shoulder of the public road to photograph the ruins. The catch is absolute: every building and shaft sits on private property, and entering abandoned mine workings is both extremely dangerous and illegal. Keep your feet strictly on the public road bed and use a zoom lens.
The move: Take a scenic drive along County Road 279 (Oh My God Road) to safely view and photograph the historic wooden headframes and mining ruins of Russell Gulch from the roadside.
📍 Before you go The mine ruins, headframes, and surrounding structures are located on private property in the Russell Gulch area. Entering abandoned mine shafts is extremely dangerous and illegal, but the remains can be easily viewed and photographed from the public county road.
- 📍 Old Town Mine
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Old Town Mine, Colorado 80452, USA
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.
Pair it with
- Boodle Mine — Located just two miles away along Eureka Street, this late-19th-century gold operation lets you extend your tour of Gilpin County's boom-era mining structures.
- Stage Stop (Historic Rollinsville Stage Station) — Head ten miles north to inspect an 1868 red stagecoach toll station built eight years before Colorado officially attained statehood.
- Train Cars Coffee & Kava — Pair a dusty drive along Oh My God Road with a drink break inside three century-old converted railroad cars parked along the Peak to Peak Highway.
Good to know
Can I walk up to the mine headframes or enter the structures?
No. The ruins, headframes, and surrounding mine tailings are located on private property. Entering abandoned mine shafts is illegal and extremely hazardous due to unstable earth and concealed vertical drops. View and photograph everything strictly from the public county road.
How do I get to the Old Town Mine ruins?
The mine is located along County Road 279 (Virginia Canyon Road / Oh My God Road) in the Russell Gulch area, situated roughly midway between Idaho Springs and Central City.
How deep was the Old Town Mine during its operation?
The main shaft reached a depth of 2,205 feet along a 45-degree incline, featuring 21 distinct levels spaced 100 feet apart and connecting to the Argo Tunnel via a 4,326-foot drainage lateral.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to drive County Road 279?
In dry weather during late spring through autumn, standard two-wheel-drive passenger vehicles can typically navigate the road, though high clearance or 4WD provides a smoother ride over the steep, dusty gravel switchbacks.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: 4x4explore.com · gilpintramway.com · uncovercolorado.com
last checked: 2026-07-20