Sallie Barber Mine
Explore a preserved 1800s gold rush mine with stunning mountain views on a scenic hike near Breckenridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Sallie Barber Mine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a preserved 1800s gold rush mine with stunning mountain views on a scenic hike near Breckenridge.
"Well worth the hike! Beautiful views and an interesting mine site."
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail can be steep and rocky, especially on the downhill. Hiking sticks are helpful!
🚗 Limited Parking Available
Parking at the trailhead is limited, so arrive early or consider starting further down the road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sallie Barber Mine Site
Top of the hills outside Breckenridge
Explore a well-preserved 1800s gold rush mine with restored machinery and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Scenic Uphill Hike
Trail leading to the mine
Enjoy a steady, well-demarcated uphill hike with beautiful views, perfect for families and all ages.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit of the mine trail
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Breckenridge area and Colorado mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Sallie Barber Mine
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail can be steep and rocky, especially on the downhill. Hiking sticks are helpful!
🚗 Limited Parking Available
Parking at the trailhead is limited, so arrive early or consider starting further down the road.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Even on cooler days, the Colorado sun can be intense at higher altitudes.
📸 Capture the History
The restored machinery and historic site offer unique photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail can be steep and rocky, especially on the downhill. Hiking sticks are helpful!
🚗 Limited Parking Available
Parking at the trailhead is limited, so arrive early or consider starting further down the road.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Even on cooler days, the Colorado sun can be intense at higher altitudes.
📸 Capture the History
The restored machinery and historic site offer unique photo opportunities.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this uphill trek, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sallie Barber Mine for its well-preserved historical site and the beautiful, well-demarcated trail leading up to it. The panoramic views from the top are a major highlight, making the steady uphill hike well worth the effort. It's noted as a great family-friendly activity with opportunities for photography and a connection to Colorado's gold rush past.
"Nicely conserved mine shaft on the top of the hills outside of Breckenridge. The trail leading there is easy to traverse, well demarcated and with great views. The place itself offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, well worth the hike up there."
Carlos Chacon
"Nice and easy steady uphill hike. I started about 1 mile below the Sallie Barber Trailhead (on the left of the road close to the Reiling Gold Dredge), hiked up to the Sallie Barber Mine and detoured for my downhill via the easy Trail of tears (right at the mine) to Weber Gulch (left at the trail instersection - not very long - approx. 1/4 mile , but steep and rocky (when in doubt bring hiking sticks) back to the Sallie Barber trail. About 1/2 mile down I turned left on Turk's trail and later on I stayed right on at the split to the Reiling Dredge. After passing the dredge I turned right again, saw the dredge from the other side and follwed the Reiling Dredge trail back to my truck. All in all a pretty easy 5.5 mile hike with beautiful views and gorgeous fall colors ...."
karoline spengler-moore
"Great little hike for families. We were 60 to 3 years old. Beautiful but its easy to find beauty in that area"
Ron Folsom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sallie Barber Mine is located just outside of Breckenridge. You can access the trailhead by car, though parking is limited.
While Breckenridge has a free town shuttle, it does not directly service the Sallie Barber Mine trailhead. Driving is the most common method of access.
The most direct route is the Sallie Barber Mine Trail, which is a steady uphill hike. For a longer loop, consider incorporating the Trail of Tears and Turk's Trail for varied terrain and views.
Yes, mountain bikers can access the Sallie Barber Mine. Some routes suggest connecting from Boreas Pass or Bakers Tank, aiming for less technical trails.
The access road to the trailhead is generally a service road and can be unpaved or rough in sections, especially as you get closer to the mine.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit the Sallie Barber Mine. It is an accessible historical site.
The Sallie Barber Mine is an outdoor historical site and is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee for the Sallie Barber Mine trail. Access to the mine and the surrounding hiking trails is free.
Yes, Sallie Barber Mine is a popular winter hike, offering beautiful snowy views. Ensure you have appropriate winter hiking gear and check trail conditions.
While the mine itself is preserved, official guided tours of the Sallie Barber Mine are not typically offered. However, nearby mines like the Country Boy Mine offer tours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the preserved mine shaft, see historical machinery that has been restored, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Breckenridge area.
The hike to Sallie Barber Mine is typically around 2.8 miles round trip, taking about 1-2 hours depending on your pace and how long you spend at the site.
Yes, it's considered a great little hike for families, with visitors reporting success with children as young as 3 years old.
The trail is generally well-demarcated and offers a steady uphill climb. Conditions can vary by season, from dry dirt to snow and mud.
There are no restrooms available at the Sallie Barber Mine site itself. Plan accordingly before you start your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The mine site itself offers unique historical elements, while the summit provides stunning panoramic views of the Breckenridge mountains.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photography experience.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations for Summit County and Breckenridge before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain views, while a standard lens works well for the mine structures.
Absolutely! The snowy landscape creates a magical atmosphere, with the mine structures dusted in snow offering unique winter photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛰️ Outdoor Enthusiasts & Hikers
Consider exploring loop options by connecting with other trails in the area for a more extensive trek. 📸 Photographers
The preserved mine structures offer unique historical subjects, and the surrounding natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop. Visiting during the fall for vibrant foliage or winter for snowy scenes can add extra visual appeal to your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colorado's Gold Rush Past
Visitors can explore the remnants of this historic operation, with some machinery thoughtfully restored to give a sense of its former glory. The trail leading to the mine is not just a path to a historical site but also a journey through the rugged beauty of the Colorado landscape. The experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past while enjoying the present-day natural splendor.
While Sallie Barber Mine itself doesn't offer tours, its proximity to other historical mining attractions, like the Country Boy Mine, allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the region's mining heritage. This makes it an ideal destination for those interested in history, geology, and the adventurous spirit of the American West.
Hiking the Sallie Barber Mine Trail
Many visitors enjoy creating loop hikes by incorporating adjacent trails. For instance, starting near the Reiling Gold Dredge and using the Trail of Tears and Turk's Trail can offer a more varied experience with different terrain and perspectives.
+1It's important to be prepared for the conditions. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended due to the potential for steep and rocky sections, and hiking sticks can be beneficial, especially on the descent.
+1
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