How to Get to Buffalo Boy Mine by Car in Colorado?
Buffalo Boy Mine was a small gold and silver mine located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado, at an elevation of 3,984m (13,070ft) above sea level. It is one of the highest roads in Colorado.
Where is Buffalo Boy Mine?
The mine was located near Silverton, north of the iconic Stony Pass, in the southwestern part of Colorado, within the San Juan National Forest.
What Was Buffalo Boy Mine?
The mine was an underground mining operation that began production around 1930. It focused on extracting various ores, including argentite, pyrite, and proustite. Today, the tramhouse is still in fairly good shape, with suspension cables extending from it down the hill.
Is the Road to Buffalo Boy Mine Unpaved?
The road to the mine is completely unpaved, with some rocky sections. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance is required. On rainy days, the road becomes slippery in places. The route is steep and treacherous, climbing up the high mountainside with many tight switchbacks. Take extra caution while navigating the hairpin turns—one particularly sharp right turn hangs over an abyss.
How Long is the Road to Buffalo Boy Mine?
Starting from Howardsville, the road to the summit is 8km (5 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 885m, with an average gradient of 11.06%.
Is the Road to Buffalo Boy Mine Open in Winter?
Set high in the San Juan Mountains, the road through the pass is not plowed in winter. It is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July.
Pic: Leo Graves