Silver Plume Colorado

Silver Plume is a historic Colorado town in Clear Creek County, and the next door neighbor to Georgetown. The Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park resides in Silver Plume. At over 9,000 ft., this is a high altitude town and has the distinction of a rich history and a current legendary status as a “Living Ghost Town.” Visiting the George Rowe Museum, located in the original school house of the town will give you a good idea of what it was like back in the days of the silver mining boom of 1864. It was at that time the newspaper editor of the mining camp and new town gave a name to the area. According to the legend, he composed a short poem: “Knights today are miner’s bold, Who delve in deep mines’ gloom, To honor men who dig for gold, For ladies whom their arms enfold, We’ll name the town Silver Plume!”

More Town Facts

Region: Front Range	County: Clear Creek
Latitude: 39.695919	Longitude: -105.726066	Elevation: 9,101 ft (2,774 m)

Walking along the 7:30 Mine trail, you get a wonderful view of the Silver Plume Valley and the little town. The elevation of the mine entrance rises another 1500 feet above the town, and is the site of a 10 foot tall Granite monument to the man who was a legend in the mining community, Clifford Griffin. The tale is told by residents about the man who lost his fiancee in death the night before their wedding, came to Colorado grief stricken, and along with his brother became the owner of the 7:30 Mine. As a gesture of kindness, this mine opened the day shift an hour later than the others, giving it the unusual name. Mr. Griffin treated his workers with respect and generosity, providing extra bonuses and gifts to the families. His melancholy was great however, and he would sit above the town all alone and play his violin while remembering his lost love. One evening, after a particularly lovely recital echoed through the valley and camp, a gunshot was heard. The miners quickly arrived at the entrance of the mine to find Mr. Griffin dead of a gunshot through the heart, lying in a grave he’d dug for himself. He expressed a desire to remain in the place he’d found some happiness after his wife died, in a note he left. The Gunnison Granite monument was erected on top of the grave site by the Silver Plume residents who loved this kind, sad man. It can be seen today on the cliffs directly in front of the 7:30 Mine.

Silver Plume today is still a quiet little community of around 200 people. They have a historic approach to life and reminders all around of the way things were before technology. If you love historic architecture, like a slower pace and want to enjoy visiting a little gem tucked into the Colorado Rocky Mountains, come make a day trip to Silver Plume.

Current Silver Plume Colorado Weather Forecast

Silver Plume Local Attractions

The Georgetown Loop Railroad -Come for a ride on one of the most amazing narrow gauge railroads around. See why the Georgetown Loop is so famous. From Devil’s Gate into Silver Plume and back again… you’re sure to love “the Loop.”

The Historic Mining & Railroad Park - Today the Loop is once again a popular tourist attraction and an uncommon way to see the Clear Creek Valley, and stop for guided tours of a historic silver mine. The park is located on 978 acres and includes an 1884 depot, the Morrison Interpretive Center, two 1860s mines, an 1871 mill building, four reconstructed mine buildings, a locomotive maintenance building, the 1874 Pohle House, and a new rolling stock shelter.

Of course there are lots of other things to do and see in the area! Click on any of the links below to find more activities.