Driving history: The abandoned 7:30 Mine Road in Colorado
The 7:30 Mine Trail is an abandoned mining road in the historic town of Silver Plume, in the US state of Colorado. Built in 1872 as a toll road, it climbed the steep slopes of Republican Mountain to reach the silver mines.
| Road facts: 7:30 Mine Road | |
|---|---|
| Location | Silver Plume, Clear Creek County, CO |
| Start Elevation | 2,804 m (9,200 ft) |
| High Point | 3,170 m (10,400 ft) |
| Total Gain | 365 m (1,200 ft) |
Why is it called 7:30 Mine Road?
The road gets its name from the miners' shift: while most started at 7:00 AM, the workers here started at 7:30 AM because of the extra long climb up the mountain.
How are the conditions on the 7:30 Mine Road?
The road is now a 4-mile round-trip trail, wide and stony, but with sections that become steep and rocky. It maintains a moderate grade designed for old wagons, though it frequently traverses narrow ledges along cliff edges and sharp drop-offs. The surface is littered with loose stones and debris from the slopes above. On the way up, you will find old mining remnants and a pair of heavy steel cables that cross the track three times.
What hazards remain on this abandoned road?
The main hazards are the crumbling roadbeds and the steep exposure of Republican Mountain. Abandoned buildings and industrial debris from the 19th century sit right on the edge of the path. The track is unmaintained, and the rocky terrain requires constant attention to foot or wheel placement to avoid the unprotected cliff edges.
When is the 7:30 Mine Road passable?
This is a high-altitude environment where the weather can change in minutes, turning the stony path into a slippery mess. Snow is the primary obstacle, burying the track from late autumn until late spring. Starting at 9,200ft and reaching 10,400ft, the road is often impassable for a large part of the year. During the spring thaw, the soil becomes unstable and prone to small rockslides.
When is the best time to visit the 7:30 Mine Road?
The best time to see the ruins and explore the switchbacks is from mid-summer to early autumn when the ground is dry.
Pic: Dave Elstun