Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
Journey deep into Colorado's mining past on an authentic underground tour, complete with a vintage mine train and gold panning.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey deep into Colorado's mining past on an authentic underground tour, complete with a vintage mine train and gold panning.
"An excellent tour! The whole experience is 5 star. The tour guides are amazing."
Wear Layers & Closed Shoes
It's cool and damp underground! Bring layers and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Raincoats and hard hats provided. :athletic_shoe:
Drive Carefully
The road to the mine can be sketchy. Allow extra time and drive cautiously, especially in varied weather. 🚗
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 733 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Website
minetour.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Mine Train Ride
Entrance to the mine
Ride an authentic electric-powered mine train deep into the mountain. An exhilarating start to your underground adventure!
Former Miner's Insights
Inside the mine
Learn about the harsh realities of mining from guides who are former miners. See equipment demonstrations and hear firsthand stories.
Gold Panning Fun
Outside the mine
Try your luck panning for gold, gems, and stones after the tour. A fun activity for all ages, with finds often kept at no extra charge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Descent
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Layers & Closed Shoes
It's cool and damp underground! Bring layers and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Raincoats and hard hats provided. :athletic_shoe:
Drive Carefully
The road to the mine can be sketchy. Allow extra time and drive cautiously, especially in varied weather. 🚗
Ear Protection for Kids
The mine can be loud at times. Consider ear protection for young children. :children_crossing:
Combine with Mayflower Mill
For a full mining experience, visit the Mayflower Mill ore processing facility afterward. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Layers & Closed Shoes
It's cool and damp underground! Bring layers and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Raincoats and hard hats provided. :athletic_shoe:
Drive Carefully
The road to the mine can be sketchy. Allow extra time and drive cautiously, especially in varied weather. 🚗
Ear Protection for Kids
The mine can be loud at times. Consider ear protection for young children. :children_crossing:
Combine with Mayflower Mill
For a full mining experience, visit the Mayflower Mill ore processing facility afterward. :world_map:
Check Website for Hours
No reservations needed, but confirm operating hours on their website before you go. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour for its authentic and informative experience, with many highlighting the engaging former miner guides and the fun gold panning activity. The vintage mine train ride is a definite thrill. While the operation is described as rustic and the drive can be a bit challenging, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile and eye-opening stop for those interested in local history.
"Well, this one overall exceeded our expectations. We came from Ouray, and to get to the mine you drive through the town of Silverton and then take a right turn, ending up on some fairly sketchy roads. There were a variety of vehicles in the parking lot so I guess it wasn't that bad, but still if possible it would be good to pick a fairly clear and calm day to do this, for no other reason than the drive will be less stressful than it otherwise might be. The mine itself is a very informal operation. In the main building you may or may not be greeted but eventually you should be able to find the right person to pay the admission price to. There were no tickets, so honor system to a certain extent I suppose. Restrooms were outside but nice considering the middle of nowhere location. Rustic (or even rusty) is maybe a good word for the whole operation. Fancy this place is not! We got there about 40 minutes before tour time and wondered if it would be a really small group, but as people trickled in it ended up being a fairly full train. As far as what to wear, they provide you with a hardhat and raincoat (it was quite noticeably cooler down in the mine compared to the surface, and there was occasional dripping in there), but I'd suggest if you bring some layers with you that's not a bad idea. And for sure closed toed shoes for walking around in the mine (and to not freeze your toes off!). The ride on the "mine train" is fun and at least a little exhilarating. Seems like it was maybe 5 minutes to get down there, at which point the walking tour of the mine starts. Our tour guide, a former miner, was fun and informative. He talked a lot about the experience of being a miner, and demonstrated some of the equipment used through the years and how it all worked. Pretty interesting. And then it was time to go back up to the surface, with the whole experience being completed in maybe 50 minutes. Oh, they also had a little gold panning operation to pass time while waiting and it seemed liked something kids in particular might enjoy. Overall, it really was fun and informative, as well as eye-opening to be honest in terms of the real dangers and challenges miners faced. So if you're in the area and have an extra hour or two, you should consider this place. Mining was and is a big part of the identity of this area, and the tour is good way to learn a little about all that history."
Pat Johnson
"This is an excellent tour!! The whole experience is 5 star. The tour guides are amazing. We loved our tour guide George today! Our 4 year old loves it and has been going every year since age 2. It is loud at times so ear protection for kids is recommended!"
Kylie Grace Davis
"Fun times and some interesting information!
The tour was amazing and filled with first hand knowledge of how the mining process was done. Our guide was a former miner and came from a family of minors who spent their time digging for the next rush.
We learned about the whole process when it came to getting any of the resources out and what it took to make the it all happen. Kids loved seeing and interacting with some of the tools that our guide showed use.
Before and after the tour kids are able to sift through some tanks that have some of the mining dirt. They were able to find some gems and stones that they kept at no additional charge. This could keep the kids entertained for hours."
Ricardo Salinas
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour is located just outside of Silverton, Colorado. After driving through Silverton, you'll turn right and follow a road that can be described as 'sketchy' by some visitors. It's recommended to allow extra time for this drive and to be cautious, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. While some visitors have noted the road, others found it well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles.
The drive involves some 'sketchy' roads, according to reviews. While many vehicles have made the journey, it's advisable to pick a clear, calm day for a less stressful drive. Allow for slower speeds and extra travel time.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes you to Silverton. From Silverton, you would still need to arrange transportation to the Old Hundred Gold Mine. The railroad itself is a popular activity, but it doesn't directly access the mine.
Many visitors drive to Silverton, often via the scenic Million Dollar Highway. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is also a popular option for reaching Silverton from Durango.
Yes, parking is available at the Old Hundred Gold Mine. A variety of vehicles have been seen in the lot, suggesting it can accommodate most cars.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are generally not required for the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. However, it's always a good idea to check their website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and any potential booking recommendations, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Admission prices are paid upon arrival. While specific prices can vary, visitors have reported paying an admission fee to join the tour. There were no physical tickets issued in some instances, operating on an honor system to a degree.
The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour is typically open daily. It's best to consult their official website for the most accurate and current operating hours, as these can change seasonally.
Your ticket includes a guided tour of the mine, a ride on the vintage electric mine train, and access to the gold panning area. Rain jackets and hard hats are also provided for the underground portion of the tour. 
The tour is generally family-friendly, with a 4-year-old reportedly enjoying it annually. However, the mine can be loud at times, so ear protection for young children is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's recommended to wear closed-toe shoes and bring layers of clothing, as the mine is noticeably cooler than the surface. Raincoats and hard hats are provided, but the mine can be damp with occasional dripping.
The entire experience, including the mine train ride and the walking tour, typically lasts around 50 minutes. You can also factor in additional time for gold panning and exploring the site.
The mine train ride is an exciting part of the tour, taking you about 1/3 of a mile underground into the mine. It's described as a little exhilarating and lasts about 5 minutes to reach the walking tour portion.
You'll learn about the history of mining in the area, see various mining equipment, and hear firsthand accounts from former miners who lead the tours. Demonstrations of how equipment worked are often included. +2
Yes, gold panning is included with your ticket. You can sift through dirt to find gems and stones, and sometimes even small amounts of gold. It's a popular activity, especially for kids. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Old Hundred Gold Mine primarily focuses on the tour experience. While there might be a small store selling souvenirs like geodes and crystals, dedicated food and dining facilities are not a prominent feature. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks to consume in the outdoor waiting areas. However, it's best to check with the staff upon arrival.
Silverton offers various dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants serving hearty meals. You can find places to eat before or after your mine tour in the town itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the mine, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of the tour guide and other visitors. The underground environment can be dark, so a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities is beneficial.
Key photo spots include the vintage mine train, the various mining equipment demonstrations, and the gold panning area. The entrance to the mine and the surrounding mountain scenery also offer great shots.
While generally allowed, be mindful of flash photography if it might disturb others or the environment. Always follow any specific instructions from your tour guide.
Due to the low light conditions, consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode. A tripod might be helpful for steadier shots, but ensure it doesn't obstruct others.
Yes, the demonstrations of mining equipment are a highlight and excellent photo opportunities. Capture the action as your guide explains and operates the machinery.
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