Hidden deep in the woods is Wild Irishman Camp that represents the type of settlement where small numbers of men and their families lived and worked during the mining period. Due to its remote location, most of the remains are still intact.This area was a heavy producer of silver in the late 1800's. The town was never officially incorporated but people did occupy several cabins around the mine.
Directions to Wild Irishman Camp: Follow the state Hwy 294 from the foot of Loveland Pass. Drive the 6 miles southeast to Montezuma. At the far edge of town, toward Webster Pass, take the two-mile U.S. Forest Service trail up to Saints John Creek and across the middle of town. You will see faint trail with overgrown shrubbery. Drive 2 miles and pass the first trail going off to the left that will lead you to Preston tunnel. The second left will lead you straight into the Wild Irishman Camp. There is a great hiking trail from the camp will lead you up Glacier Mountain.
Alder to Aqua Ramon
The first seciton of this loop follows the scenic Alder Creek Canyon, which offers many picture taking opportunities. The middle section of this tour leads you through several high mountain meadows, with opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The last leg of the tour provides some magnificent vistas of the valley. This road goes from 8,000 feet up to 12,000 feet, which takes you from the pinon juniper zone all the way to timberline.
Directions from South Fork, Colorado: Go northwest on highly 149 across the Rio Grande, then right on County Road 15 (River Road) about 2 miles to Forest Development Road 610 (Alder Creek). Follow Forest Road 610 for about 8 miles to junction of Forest Road 610 and Forest Road 611, take Forest Road 611 for about 6 miles to Forest Road 630, then follow Forest Road 630 to County Road 15. Once on County Road 15, you can go east to Del Norte, or west back to South Fork. Normally accessible: June through September (Recommended season is Summer to Fall).
Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek is a fishable stream with several good camping sites along it. From the top of the mountain, a good view of the San Luis Valley can be seen. During the fall, the aspens are colorful along this road. This road can be followed on north to follow Prong Creek on Forest Road 678, but this road requires 4-wheel drive. 4-wheel drive is also required to continue west of Boot Mountain. |
