Distance
~12 mi from Silverton
Time
1–2 hours (drive only — plan more for exploring)
Difficulty
Easy
The geographic and historical hub of the Alpine Loop. A well-preserved 1870s mining ghost town at 11,200 ft, sitting at the junction of Cinnamon Pass, Engineer Pass, and California Gulch. The drive in from Silverton via CR-2 is wide and graded — not technical at all — and the ghost town itself is the day's centerpiece for many Alpine Loop runs. The famous Walsh House (with bay windows facing the valley) is worth the stop alone.
Highlights
- •Preserved 1870s mining ghost town at 11,200 ft
- •Junction point for Cinnamon, Engineer, and California Gulch
- •The iconic Walsh House — bay-windowed cabin on a knoll
- •BLM interpretive signs and self-guided walking tour
- •Easy access — great destination even for non-technical runs
Access & Permits
No permit required — BLM site, free access. Typically accessible June through October.