Golconda Mining Complex

On Sunday, August 24, the club made a trip to the Golconda Mining Complex.

There is a 2-story boarding house and a blacksmith shop on the site that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A BLM-funded stabilization of the 2 buildings was completed in 2015. The blacksmith shop still houses some of the machinery that was used during operation from the 1920s to 1941.

The 2.5 mile spur road is narrow, steep and rocky. Encountering oncoming traffic can be a challenge.

We spent about an hour at the site, exploring the buildings and having lunch. Once the dark clouds moved in, we made out way back out. We did come across a group of SxSs making their way up, however, one had a broken rear axle. The master mechanic in their group was rigging something up to get the vehicle out.

Once back on Engineer Pass, the skies opened up to a steady rain the rest of the afternoon. It was very much welcomed. We stopped at a few locations along the way because the clouds made for some awesome photo opportunities. We continued past Animas Forks and over California and Hurricane Passes, then through Gladstone and back into Silverton. With the much needed moisture, there was no more dust!

Despite the gloomy forecast for the day, we didn’t see too many people, the weather was beautiful much of the day, the scenery was amazing, and it’s a treat to spend time with friends.

Photo credits to Julia B. and me.