Bonanza
Silver at 10,000 Feet
State: Colorado
County: Saguache County
Founded: 1881
Abandoned: 1920s
Peak Population: 2,000
Bonanza was one of Colorado's richest silver districts, producing over $10 million in ore. At 10,000 feet, winters were brutal. When silver prices crashed in 1893, most left. A few hardy souls remain today, living in a town that time nearly forgot.
High Altitude Riches
Despite the extreme altitude and harsh winters, miners extracted $10 million in silver. At its peak, Bonanza had saloons, hotels, and a newspaper.
The Survivors
A handful of year-round residents keep Bonanza alive. Original buildings line the main street, weathered by over a century of mountain winters.
Timeline
- 1881 - Founded Silver discovered
- 1885 - Peak Population around 2,000
- 1893 - Silver Crash Most residents left
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Easy but road closes in winter
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- Elevation over 10,000 feet
- Some original buildings still standing
- A few residents remain year-round
Location
Address: Bonanza, Colorado
Coordinates: 38.2853, -106.1375