The San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado embrace some of the true gems of our nation's public lands. Sculpted by the forces of volcanos, glaciers, wind, and rain, the area's mountains, valleys, streams, and lakes are masterpieces of nature's artistry. For centuries, early Native Americans came to these mountains to hunt and gather food. In the late 1800's, they were joined by prospectors who came in search of different treasure: silver, gold, lead, and zinc. These hardy pioneers carved a network of roads through the rugged terrain to enable them to transport ore and supplies by mule-drawn wagon.

Although twentieth-century technology has made it easier for people to visit these mountains, it has not diminished their beauty or the adventure to be found here. Today, most of the old mines are closed, but the roads still remain, used by modern explorers traveling by four-wheel drive vehicle, motorcycle, and mountain bike. This system of roads is known as the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway, 65 miles of unpaved roads that link the small mountain towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. Most of the area is comprised of lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. More than 100,000 visitors travel the Alpine Loop each year.

One highlight on the Alpine Loop is the historic mining town of Animas Forks, named for the three forks of the Animas River, which flows through the townsite. Animas Forks is tucked away twelve miles northeast of Silverton, Colorado, at 11,200 feet — more than two miles — above sea level The town's first log cabin was built in 1873; by 1876, this bustling mining community boasted 30 cabins, a hotel, a general store, a saloon, and a post office.

The population of Animas Forks grew to about 450 people by 1883. The town also had a newspaper, The Animas Forks Pioneer, published from June 1882 through October 1886 at the highest newspaper printing plant in the history of the United States. Every fall, most residents left in a mass exodus to "warmer" Silverton. In 1884, Animas Forks suffered a blizzard that lasted 23 days and dumped 25 feet of snow on the town. Residents dug tunnels to get from building to building.

Before Silverton became an incorporated town, Animas Forks was the San Juan County seat, where court cases were heard. One man who didn't like the outcome of his trial promised, "I'll take this to a higher court!" Responded the wry judge, "There is no higher court in Colorado."

Mining projects, processing mills, and speculation led to the rapid growth of Animas Forks. The town declined when mining profits no longer justified investments. Mining activity rebounded briefly with the construction of the Gold Prince Mill in 1904. Completion of a rail line to Animas Forks also stimulated mining interests, but the rail line success fell short of expectations. The Gold Prince Mill ceased operation in 1910; in 1917, miners removed its major parts for use in a new mill in Eureka. Dismantling the mill signaled the start of the final decline for Animas Forks, reducing the community to a ghost town by the 1920's.

You can still stroll the standing historic buildings of Animas Forks. Wander through on some summer days and you'll get a special treat: a slice of the past, served with applesauce cake. "Living history" characters, including the doctor's wife, a teacher, numerous pioneer children, and even the town sheriff stop to chat with visitors. These characters share historical information and stories of struggles to survive in the harsh environment of Animas Forks, and they'll even answer questions about present-day travel management and Leave No Trace land ethics.

Students from Durango, Mancos, and Silverton schools come to Animas Forks to research the history of the area and write character sketches with the help of the Silverton Theater Group. The young actors plan and lead visiting children in historic games of "bones" and "broomball," and paint pictures using natural paints and brushes. The "living history" characters make learning about the past an interactive experience, enjoyed by all. The lemonade will be waiting at Animas Forks — we invite you to sit a spell on the front porch!

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We ask that you please remember the following guidelines when visiting any historic site on public lands:
• Arrowheads, old gear, and artifacts should be viewed with care. Enjoy the thrill of discovery but leave them as you find them.
• Digging up anything found with a metal detector is unlawful on public lands.
• Do not camp in or near historic structures.
• Using old boards or timbers for campfires is unlawful.
• The Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 prohibit anyone from disturbing or removing cultural materials and artifacts from federal lands. Help us preserve this rich heritage!

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For more information on Animas Forks and other environmental education programs of the Bureau of Land Management and the San Juan National Forest, please contact: Kristine Borchers, San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, Colorado 81301, Tel.: (970) 247-4874, e-mail: kborchers/r2_sanjuan@fs.fed.us.

And if you are interested in volunteering at Animas Forks or similar sites, step right up — we need you! Please contact: Brad Finch, Southwest Outdoor Volunteers, P.O. Box 715, Mancos, Colorado 81328, Tel.: (970) 533-1495, e-mail: swov@rmi.net.


Please also visit the following websites:

BLM Alpine Loop brochure [requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, downloadable at http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html]
http://www.co.blm.gov/pdf/alpineloop.pdf

San Juan National Forest
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan

BLM San Juan Field Office
http://www.co.blm.gov/sjra/sjra.html

Animas Forks Ghost Town
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/animasforks.html

BLM Leave No Trace page
http://www.blm.gov/education/lnt

AmeriCorps
http://www.cns.gov/americorps/index.html