Silver Plume – Silver Mining, Railroad History, and Trails in the Rocky Mountains

Silver Plume combines the history of a former silver-mining camp with landscapes and trails in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The town is located along Clear Creek and is especially well suited as a destination if you would like to combine historical discoveries with hiking, cycling, or snowshoeing. Accommodation in Silver Plume can provide a suitable base for days when culture and nature take different priorities.

Discover Silver Mining and Historic Places

The Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District preserves and conveys the architecture, atmosphere, ways of life, and scenic setting of two of the best-preserved 19th-century silver-mining towns in the American West of the Rocky Mountains. Several specific places in Silver Plume recall this past. The Griffin Monument marks the grave of Clifford Griffin. The Old Silver Plume School House, also called the Pioneer Building, is a two-story Romanesque-style building.

The George Rowe Museum is housed in a former schoolhouse built in 1894 after the collapse of the silver boom. The Silver Plume Jail is also part of the town's history: it was built in 1875 and used until 1915. The 7:30 Mine was the largest mine at the upper end of Brown Gulch. Another historical perspective is offered by the annual Silver Plume Melodrama, a theatrical performance that brings the 1800s back to life.

Railroad History with Special Details

The restored Silver Plume Depot, dating from 1884, offers a free slide show and exhibits on railroad history. During the one-hour train ride, there is also an opportunity to visit the Lebanon Mine, which dates from the 1870s. A specific starting point is also provided for orientation around a day of hiking: The western trailhead is located at the Silver Plume Depot of the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

These historical offerings give your trip different rhythms. You can focus on buildings, mining, and railroads, or place greater emphasis on a theatrical performance and the atmosphere of the old town. Those traveling with several generations can thus include different interests in their daily plans without reducing Silver Plume to just one theme.

Trails and Nature Around Silver Plume

Two differently designed routes are available for active days. The 7:30 Mine Trail is a moderate, 4.5-mile singletrack loop. It is recommended for hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing. The Argentine Central RR Grade, by contrast, is a 3.2-mile one-way route that is also recommended for hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing. The information about loop and one-way routes helps you take your preferred type of outing into account during trip planning.

In the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, which surrounds Silver Plume, hiking, camping, and fishing are possible. This creates a range of options from a historical tour of the town to longer stays in nature. For local transportation, the Clear Creek County RoundAbout is available as a free public transit service serving Silver Plume.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

If you are looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Silver Plume, you can choose your accommodation based on the focus you want for your holiday. The historic buildings, George Rowe Museum, jail, depot, and Landmark District are ideal for culture-focused days. If you would like to spend more time outdoors, the two trails described above and the opportunities in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest take center stage. The combination of local history, railroads, and nature makes Silver Plume particularly interesting for travel plans that include more than just one activity.

Other destinations for your research include Georgetown and Idaho Springs.

For the higher-level travel overview: Clear Creek.