Picayune and Placer Gulches, Sound Democrat Mill, and California, Hurricane, and Corkscrew Passes

On August 27th, Brian lead the club on a fun run to Sound Democrat Mill.

We had 6 rigs turn out for this mid-week run. We pulled out of the Whistle Stop Gas Station by 10 am, heading up toward Animas Forks. On the way, Brian gave us a bit of history as we passed Eureka Gulch. In 1978, Lake Emma, which was located in Eureka Gulch drained completely into the underlying Sunnyside Mine when underground tunnels breached the floor of the lake, sending roughly 500 million gallons of mud and water rushing through the mine. Fortunately, no one was hurt because the collapse occurred on a Sunday when the miners weren’t working.

Before reaching Animas Forks, we made the left into Picayune Gulch. A missed turn took us up toward Eureka Mountain where we found ourselves in a herd of sheep. We turned around before reaching the top of the mountain and headed back down into the Gulch. We stopped at the overlook before heading down toward the Sound Democrat Mill and decided to take advantage of the great view and weather to have lunch.

After lunch, we continued into Placer Gulch with a stop at the Sound Democrat Mill. Though Jerry wasn’t able to join us on this ride, he later posted: “The Sound Democrat takes its name from a faction of the Democratic Party who shortly after the Civil War championed converting the USA to the gold standard like the major economies of Europe. That didn’t actually occur until 1900 and it was enacted under a Republican administration. In the interim is the “silver boom” of 1878 - 1893, which turned this area of Colorado from wilderness to a network of industrial silver mining boom towns.” Thanks, Jerry!

Once everyone had an opportunity to explore the mill, we headed out toward California Pass. We were stopped by a group coming down that informed us of a serious rollover on the other side of Hurricane Pass involving emergency crews. We were told we might have to turn around. As we descended California Pass toward Lake Como, we could see a Polaris SXS on its side in one of the switchbacks that lead to the lake. There were several vehicles stopped and people walking around appearing to try to come up with a plan. We continued over Hurricane Pass.

Not too far from the Corkscrew Pass turnoff, we could see emergency lights and stopped vehicles in both directions. Brian said he saw a helicopter leaving the area. From where we were stopped, we couldn’t see anything. After about a 10 minute wait, we were able to proceed. As we approached the gully, the emergency situation became apparent. A Toyota 4Runner had rolled down the mountain side. The Colorado State Patrol preliminary report indicated the 55 year old Pennsylvania man drove too close to the edge and rolled 140 feet down. He was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. We all are wishing him a speedy recovery.

From there, we drove up Corkscrew Pass, with a quick stop at the top for photos. The decision was made to continue down Corkscrew to Highway 550. The remainder of the day was uneventful. As we aired up our tires at the bottom, we commented on how these roads and mountains can be unforgiving and the importance of safe driving and paying attention.

This was another awesome club run with a great group of people. Thank you, Brian, for leading the way!