Ironton Park•Uncompahgre NF

00:00     Title
00:15     Ironton Park   
08:00     Winter Nordic Trails  
09:35     Red Mountain Mining District 
15:15     Bouillon King Road  
18:24     Fin

​The Ironton Park Mining Camp is a popular destination in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. This old ghost town can be accessed year round with a variety of transportation modes. Winter season cross-country ski and snowshoe trails run through this historic site. During summer, Ironton Park can be accessed with a high ground clearance vehicle and it is an easy hike. There also is an Alpine Loop ATV staging area nearby which serves as a parking lot. Highway 550 actually runs through both the historic Red Mountain Mining District and Ironton Park, so access is easy.

The old abandoned ghost town that is now known as Ironton Park was originally constructed in the late 1890s as a supply line staging area for the neighboring Red Mountain mining operations. Ironton Park and the neighboring town of Ouray were integral infrastructure components. The Silverton Railroad Also contributed to the success. Chain stores and mercantile businesses along with every vice in the west popped up in Ironton Park, but the boomtown era did not last long. Operations in the neighboring mining district dried up in the early 1900s and because of the very harsh winter conditions, most of the residents moved to new horizons.

A local historical society works in conjunction with the Uncompahgre National Forest Service to preserve the remaining old historic buildings. Some of the old landmark structures still stand tall, while others are no more than a rusty scrap pile. The floorboards are still in good condition in some buildings, so taking a peek inside to see what alpine life was like back in the old days is possible to do. Dispersed camping is allowed and the wildlife is everywhere, so it is best to be aware of the surroundings. I watched two moose cross the road at this place during a snowy afternoon, which is something rarely seen in this region. Every trip to Ironton Park definitely is an adventure!