Yankee Girl Mine - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do at Yankee Girl Mine in Ouray County, Colorado. For history buffs, the mine is a gold mine that was active in the late 19th century, and there are plenty of old buildings and mining equipment to explore. The area is also popular with hikers and mountain bikers, as there are miles of trails to explore in the surrounding San Juan Mountains. And of course, don't forget about the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is just a short walk from the mine. Whether you're looking for history or outdoor adventure, you'll find it all at Yankee Girl Mine.

The Yankee Girl Mine is a well-known historical landmark in Ouray County, Colorado. The mine was first discovered in the late 1800s, and it quickly became an important source of silver and lead for the region. Mining operations at the Yankee Girl continued for many years, and the site eventually became known as one of the most productive silver mines in Colorado. Today, the Yankee Girl Mine is a popular tourist destination, and it remains an important part of Colorado's mining history. 

The best time to visit the Yankee Girl Mine is in the summer. The Ouray County town of Ouray is located in a high mountain valley, and the weather is usually mild during the summer months. However, visitors should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the area. 

1.  Admire the views but stay on the trail. The cliffs around the mine are treacherous, so it's important to stay on designated paths.
2. Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no food or drink available for purchase at the mine, so come prepared.
3. Please don't touch the mining equipment. It may look tempting, but it's important to preserve this historical site.
4. Take your time and exploring everything the mine has to offer - there's a lot to see!
5. photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted inside the mine tunnels.

1. The Yankee Girl Mine was one of the first mines in the area to be developed.
2.  It produced more than $20 million worth of gold and silver during its operating years.
3. The mine is located at an elevation of 12,000 feet, making it one of the highest mines in North America.
4. The Yankee Girl Mine was originally owned by the Tiffany & Co. jewelry company.
5. Visitors can see firsthand the treacherous conditions that miners faced on a daily basis.
6. Despite the dangers, over 200 men were employed at the Yankee Girl Mine at its peak.

While there is no set time limit for exploring the mine, most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours Underground. 

To reach the Yankee Girl Mine, Ouray County, Colorado, take Highway 550 north from Ridgway. After passing through the towns of Ouray and Silverton, you will come to a fork in the road. Take the left fork onto Capital Creek Road. Follow this road for about 12 miles until you reach a parking area on the left side of the road. From here, it is about a 1.5 mile hike to the mine.

The entrance fee for the mine is $5 per person. 

Generally the mine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.