Old Hundred Gold Mine

The Old Hundred Gold Mine offers one of Colorado's best mine tours—a real underground experience in a working mine that produced gold and silver from the 1870s through the 1970s. You'll ride a mine train into the mountain, see actual veins, and learn how hard-rock mining shaped Silverton.

Unlike surface tours that only show ruins, the Old Hundred takes you 1,500 feet into Galena Mountain. The tunnels, equipment, and geology are all authentic. It's a powerful window into the industry that built—and sometimes destroyed—San Juan mountain towns.

The Tour Experience

Mine train ride: The tour begins with a ride on narrow-gauge mining cars into the mountain. The experience of traveling into darkness sets the tone for what follows.

Underground chambers: Inside, guides lead you through tunnels and stopes (mining chambers). You'll see original ore veins still glittering with gold and silver. The geology is visible and tangible.

Equipment demonstrations: Working demonstrations of mining equipment—drills, mucking machines, ore cars. You'll understand the physical reality of mining life: the noise, the danger, the endurance required.

History and stories: Guides share stories of the miners who worked these tunnels. The dangers they faced, the fortunes made and lost, the culture of mining camps.

Practical Information

Duration: Tours run about 1 hour including the train ride, underground tour, and return.

Temperature: The mine stays 47°F year-round. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt even in summer. The company provides hard hats.

Physical requirements: Some walking on uneven surfaces. Not strenuous but not fully accessible either. Check with the mine if you have mobility concerns.

Hours: Generally 10am-4pm with tours departing regularly. First-come, first-served; busy days may have waits.

Pricing: Adults around $25, children around $15. Cash and cards accepted.

Getting There

The mine is located 5 miles east of Silverton on County Road 4A (Cunningham Gulch Road). The road is paved most of the way, then gravel. Most passenger vehicles can make it in dry conditions.

From downtown Silverton: Head east on Greene Street, which becomes County Road 110. Turn right onto CR 4A and follow signs to the mine.

Train passengers: This tour doesn't fit within the train layover. You need to stay overnight or drive to Silverton to have time for the Old Hundred.

Gold Panning

After the underground tour, you can try gold panning in the on-site sluice. Bags of ore-bearing gravel are available for purchase. Most people find at least some color—tiny flakes of real gold to take home.

It's a fun addition, especially for kids who want hands-on prospecting experience. Don't expect to strike it rich, but the process itself is satisfying.

Tips

Layer up. 47°F feels cold after warm summer air. A fleece or jacket is essential.

Arrive early on busy days. Summer weekends can have waits for tours. Morning arrival gives more flexibility.

Stay overnight in Silverton. The mine tour, plus downtown, plus a Jeep trail or hike makes a full day. Train day-trippers can't fit it all in.

Combine with Mayflower Mill. Another mine tour option near Silverton, focusing on ore processing rather than extraction. Serious mining history buffs do both.

Photography is allowed. Flash helps in the dark tunnels. Tripods are impractical in tight spaces.