The Ghostly Drive to Amimas Forks

It's all in the marketing - one time Amimas Forks was said to be the "Largest City in the World ...at this
altitude!"  Nestled  in the San Juan Mountains at 11,584 feet and a great drive from Silverton.  Dual Sport motorcycle or 4x4 is advised.  If you don't have one, rent an ATV in Silverton and go explore the "Forks" and beyond.  The road out of Silverton is easy for any vehicle; but then it gets pretty rough - not bad - but think I'd leave the Ferrari in the garage!

HA!  That does remind me, a buddy of mine years ago had a couple of Lamborghini Countach and I asked if I could use one in a fashion shoot out at a place called Montana de Oro in California   Sure he said..  Then I remembered the road got a bit rough and decided best to not use the  Lambo.  Same driving to  Animas Forks.  A street car "could" do it; but it will be yours - not mine!

      The above photos don't show the depth of just how rough the raod can be.  The video will.

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​The Ghost Town of Animas Forks

Animas Forks Jail                                                                              William Duncan's House

Think of the harships establishing a town at 11,800 feet back in  the1870s.  But you know, they had everything;  from the road and soon came the narrow gauge railroad.  Electric service, telegraph even the telephone.  So when William Duncan arrived in 1875 from Pennsylania  he built a wonderful Victorian home in 1879..  The Duncans left in 1884.  Life at this altiude brought its own challenge.
Winter with its snow depth, some storms bringing more then five feet.   Avlhhalanches that would
isolate the town for months at a time.  You had to be tough to live there.  Even today the Forest Service closes the road.   Best time to visit is late May through Mid October. 

Bits and pieces of the buildings

View from Animas Forks back towrads the road to Silverton.

Following film is a visit to the Million Dollar Highway this time for the little bit of snow we got on this
trip.  If you will - a few nickels and dimes - along the way.  The contrast of the white and the gold of the Aspens was beautiful.

​See You Down The Road