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Alta - surrounded by jagged edges!
The remains of Alta stand against a backdrop of Ophir Needles, Lizard Head
Peak, and three “fourteeners” - Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak and El Diente.
Alta Lakes, just east of town, reflect the rugged and inspiring scenery.
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The boarding house built for workers |
One of the company homes remaining at the townsite. |
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Alta was the company town for Gold King Mine. Gold King was discovered in 1878 producing gold, silver, copper and lead. It became the first mine to use high-voltage electricity generated from the Ames Power Plant near Telluride. The mine produced continuously into the 1890’s and operated intermittently with various owners into the 1940’s. The town had three mills- that have since burned down. The last one burnt down in 1945 while several men were still underground, the superintendent ordered the portal to be dynamited to snuff out the fire. His son was one of the seven men underground. There are many building still standing at Alta. They include a boarding house, some small cabins, houses and mining buildings. The refurbished superintendent’s home was recently burnt down. Alta is located on Colorado 145 near the Forest Service Sunshine Campground. There is a marked sign identifying the access to Alta Lakes (4 miles) on a dirt road – on the south side of Hwy 145. You will pass through Alta on your way to the lakes. Four-wheel drive is not necessary; clearance is usually not a problem |