Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour — Silverton, Colorado

Discover the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour in Colorado

Ride deep into the rugged San Juan Mountains and explore a true, authentic hard-rock gold mine at the Old Hundred Gold Mine in Silverton. This underground tour takes visitors along rail tracks into the heart of Galena Mountain, where real mining equipment, drilling demonstrations, and blast sites reveal Colorado’s powerful mining past.
Why it’s special:
The Old Hundred is one of the only Colorado mines offering a rail-car ride 1/3 mile into the mountain, plus live drilling demonstrations using original pneumatic equipment.

History/Story of the Old Hundred Gold Mine

The mine began in 1872 when German immigrant miners—brothers Reinhard, Gustave, and Otto Neigold—staked the “Old Hundred” claim. A massive investment boom followed, and by the early 1900s, the Old Hundred was one of the most expensive mining ventures in Colorado history, featuring advanced tunnels, drainage systems, and rail infrastructure. Though the ore body never fully paid off, the mine left behind one of the best preserved underground systems in the state, now open for immersive tours.

What You’ll See & Do at the Old Hundred Mine

• Ride a vintage rail-car 1/3 mile underground into the Galena Mountain tunnel

• Watch real pneumatic drills and mining equipment in action

• Explore stopes, alcoves, blasting sites, and ore veins

• Learn how miners drilled, blasted, mucked, and hauled ore using rail carts

• See gravity chutes, timber sets, air pipes, and original support structures

• Pan for gold, silver, and gemstones at the outdoor sluice troughs

• Discover the story of the Neigold brothers and the mining boom of Silverton

Hands-On Elements: Gold/gem panning, drill demonstrations, ore handling, mineral ID displays.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed underground; no flash during drill demos.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gold ore samples, gemstones, mining kits, shirts, hats, kids’ toys, books.

Pricing of the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour

• Adults: $30

• Children (ages 5–12): $15

• Children under 5: Free (not recommended underground)

• Panning: Included with tour

• Group rates available by request

Practical Info for Visiting the Old Hundred Mine

Duration: 45–55 minutes + panning
Format: Rail-car ride + guided underground walking
Schedule & Seasonality: Open mid-May through September
Working Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (tours on the hour)
Audience: Families, history buffs, geology lovers, adventure travelers
Accessibility: Uneven floors; not wheelchair accessible
Safety & Restrictions:

• Jackets recommended (underground ~48°F year-round)

• Closed-toe shoes required

• Hard hats provided

• Young children may find loud drilling demonstrations intense
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Great for school groups, scouts, and geology programs
  What to Bring/Wear: Warm layers, sturdy shoes, camera
  Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Closed in winter due to mountain weather

Nearby

• Silverton Historic Downtown

• Million Dollar Highway (Scenic Byway)

• Mayflower Mill Tour

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

FAQs About Visiting the Old Hundred Gold Mine

Do we walk or ride into the mine?
Both—the tour starts with a rail-car ride, then transitions to a guided walk underground.

Is the drill demonstration loud?
Yes—pneumatic drills are loud, but guides warn visitors and ear protection is available.

Will I see real gold?
You’ll see mineral veins, and the panning area often contains small gold flakes and gemstones.

Is the mine cold?
Very—temperatures stay around 48°F, so a warm jacket is recommended even in July.

Is this mine haunted?
Guides share fun local legends, but nothing scary—just good mountain folklore.