Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Animas Forks, Colorado
The beginning of Animas Forks, northeast of Silverton, in Southwest Colorado, was hardly humble. When the mining camp started around 1877, it publicized itself as the "largest city in the world" (and in small print: "at this altitude"). Nestled high in the mountains at about 11,300 feet, Animas Forks is recommended as much for its scenery as for its history. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks in calm, rolling pastures, you can walk around and explore the town of mining shacks and dilapidated cabins. With approximately seven silver-bearing gray copper mines located nearby, Animas Forks had its heyday from 1870-1880, but didn't manage to survive into the 1900s. The town once contained several stores, saloons, shops, and a hotel, among other buildings. Plagued by its mountainous surroundings, however, the town frequently suffered avalanches. Still, quite a few buildings remain, though many are in poor condition. While you can get to Animas Forks by car, a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle will allow you to enter the town from Engineer Pass or Cinnamon Pass for an excellent off-road adventure.