Ohio City and Pitkin Road Trip

Back on the road, this time to two old mining towns located west of the Continental Divide. Today’s drive will take us over Monarch Pass, 11,312 feet, and the home of Monarch Ski area. The paved road winds through some pretty rough looking country that has loads of hiking trails and OHV trails. At the pass there is a tram you can take up to an observation area that is said to have amazing views. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived so maybe some other time.

Ohio City is first on the list. This small mining town came into being around 1860 with the discovery of gold. This was Placer gold, flakes that are usually found in rivers and streams. Not until 1879 when silver was found did the town start to come alive. Originally named, “Eagle City”, the new rush was on for silver. That lasted until 1893 when the silver ran out and the town started to decline.

But, in 1896, the source of that Placer gold was found. Mines began to spring up and the town was back in action. However, by 1898, there was only one mine left operating, the Courtland Mine and the town once again fell into decline.

Fun little town with some original buildings still being used for vacation homes and businesses.

Hey there, Cowboy!

The original Ohio City jail.

Have a seat

Time to continue on to Pitkin. About 7 miles from Ohio City lies the metropolis city of Pitkin. In the 2010 census, this town had a reported population of 66, down from the 2000 census when the town had 124 residents.

Founded in 1879, Pitkin claims to be the first mining camp west of the Continental Divide. Not sure how that works with Ohio City being founded as a mining town in 1860? Anyway, Pitkin began life as “Quartzville” because it was located on the Quartz Creek. The name was later changed to honor the Governor, Fredrick Pitkin. Not sure that was much of an honor, but so be it.

By 1879, the town was starting to take form. Buildings were being built, homes built, lots sold, Pitkin was growing up. This was all due to the discovery of gold, silver, iron and other minerals nearby.  By 1881, the town was growing by 25 newcomers per day. The stage line had started running to Pitkin and things looked promising.

But by 1882, things were beginning to slow down at the mines. The early discoveries of gold and silver were playing out. Fires, three major ones, plus epidemics took their toll on the town. The population dropped.

Not until the earl 1900’s did things start to look good for Pitkin. The Roosevelt Mine opened in 1907 and ran until 1930. Lumber became big industry in the 1930’s but that faded away as well. By the time of the depression, Pitkin population had dwindled to less than 100 people. Today the population is around 80 full time people with that number growing to more than 150 during the summer, roughly estimated.

I could give you a better estimate of the population if the welcome sign had a number instead of an adjective!

Check out the population entry

That wraps up our journey for today. We’ll head back the same way we came and find a place to have lunch and enjoy the scenery. Our next trip will be to Redstone, close to Aspen and about a 3-hour drive from our place. Till then, happy trails, amigo!