South Mineral Creek
This pleasant mountain road runs for a number of miles along the willow-lined Mineral Creek. A forest service campground a few miles up the road makes for a good place to camp near Silverton. Look for typical willow-carr specialties, including Fox Sparrow, and spruce-fir species in the forest, including American Three-toed Woodpecker. Elk can be common in the area, and pine marten have been sighted nearby. During the summer months butterflies can be abundant.
Restrictions: Road closed during the winter months
County: San Juan
Directions: From Silverton drive north on US 550 about two miles from the junction with CO 110 and the turnoff (FR 585) is on the west (left) side of the road. The campground is several miles off the highway; the road can be slippery in wet weather.
Alternate Directions: From Silverton, head north on US550 for 2 miles to CR 7 (South Mineral Creek Road), on the left.
Habitat: Streamside Willow, Spruce-Fir Forest
Dates of Access: Summer months
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free, Fee camping
Parking: Roadside/gravel parking area
Lodging: Fee camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 76 B3
ROC: 131 D1
Latitude: 37.80640316706100
Longitude: -107.7733604
Contact Information
Campground information:
Columbine Ranger District
367 Pearl Street
P.O. Box 439
Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-2512