Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Eureka

Ghost town in San Juan County, Colorado · San Juan Mountains district

Founded
1875
Peak Population
~2,000
Elevation
9,800 ft
Primary Industry
silver
County
San Juan
Coordinates
37.8786, -107.5656
View on Interactive Map Directions (Google Maps)

History

Mining hub along the Animas River, served by the Silverton Northern Railroad. The Sunnyside Mill processed ore from surrounding mines. At peak, Eureka had over 2,000 residents with stores, saloons, and boarding houses. The massive Sunnyside Mill ruins are the primary landmark.

Visiting Eureka

What remains: Mill ruins, cabin remains along Animas River

Access: 4WD road from Silverton (County Road 2). Part of Alpine Loop route.

Photos

View of the remains of an abandoned building, which looks like a house to me, at the ghost town of Eureka, Colorado, with mountains and trees in the b
View of the remains of an abandoned building, which looks like a house to me, at the ghost town of Eureka, Col — D&RG Railfan (CC BY 3.0)
Foundations of the old Sunnyside Mill at the ghost town of Eureka, Colorado, can be seen in May of 2018. The Sunnyside Mine was the last operating min
Foundations of the old Sunnyside Mill at the ghost town of Eureka, Colorado, can be seen in May of 2018. The S — D&RG Railfan (CC BY 3.0)
Once one of the biggest mines and mills in Colorado, today, the only remains of the Sunnyside Mill are the concrete foundations along with scattered p
Once one of the biggest mines and mills in Colorado, today, the only remains of the Sunnyside Mill are the con — D&RG Railfan (CC BY 3.0)
foundation of the old ore mill at Eureka, Colorado, USA
foundation of the old ore mill at Eureka, Colorado, USA — Plazak (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
An edited view of the San Juan Mountains & The Rio De Las Animas (River of Souls) at the beautiful ghost town of Eureka, Colorado, in June of 2019
An edited view of the San Juan Mountains & The Rio De Las Animas (River of Souls) at the beautiful ghost t — D&RG Railfan (CC BY 3.0)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Eureka?

Eureka is located in San Juan County, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains area at an elevation of 9,800 ft, coordinates 37.8786, -107.5656.

Can you visit Eureka today?

4WD road from Silverton (County Road 2). Part of Alpine Loop route.

What remains at Eureka?

Mill ruins, cabin remains along Animas River

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