Monte Cristo Townsite 9-18-11

After running into a couple people on a trail maintenance day for the Monte Cristo Preservation Association on my way out from Gothic Basin, I was intrigued by the old townsite of Monte Cristo.  I grabbed a brochure and Sunday morning found me parking right back at the same trailhead area.  It was supposed to rain most of the day I thought, but once again I got lucky-  bit of light drizzle for the 1^st mile and not a drop after that. 

The old Monte Cristo townsite, which had its hay day in the 1890’s, is located at the end of a 4 mile hike in from Barlowe Pass.  Gold, silver and copper were mined in the Monte Cristo area.  Crossing the Sauk a time or two, once on a large log, you follow an old dirt road/railway for an easy hike.  After Saturday’s hike, Cedar and I needed that!

Remember to grab a brochure on your way in!  This will help you see what is no longer there, and know when things were built and who did what.  : ) 

After 4 miles of trekking (this would be an awesome trail to bring your mountain bike too if you’re like me and don’t want super rough off-road, would make the journey to the old townsite much quicker) you arrive at a monstrous boulder and some old signs welcoming you to Monte Cristo.

I was so delighted with this place!  First of all, Adventure Dog and I had it entirely to ourselves the entire time we explored.  He was just as excited as me.  He ran up to each house, checked it out, we walked all the way around a couple, and he even trespassed into one.  Most of the buildings that made up Monte Cristo are long gone, but there were also Forest Service cabins built in the 1950’s that have also been abandoned and they were just as interesting to me.  Standing in what once was the rail yard and looking around at the weather-worn cabins surrounded by some of the most rugged peaks and ridges I’ve hiked in, I wished I could live there.  Too long of a commute unfortunately.   Enjoy these pictures of Monte Cristo!