Old Mill Site, Staunton State Park, Boulder - Denver - Golden - Fort Collins - Lyons, Colorado
Old Mill Site - 5.1 miles
Staunton State Park
| Round-Trip Length: | 5.1 miles (bikes only permitted on first 1.8 miles) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 8,310' - 9,092' |
| Elevation Change: | +782' net elevation gain (+803' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Old Mill Site - 5.1 Miles Round-Trip
The Old Mill Site is located 2.57 miles from the Ranch Hand Picnic Area in Staunton State Park. This out-and-back trail leads through mixed forests and open space to an old sawmill constructed in the 1920s, and a nearby bunkhouse built in the 1930s.
Swedish and Norwegian loggers first came here and worked in the 1860s. The sawmill on this site, which collapsed in the 1970s, produced lumber for building structures and the railroads. Archibald Staunton built the bunkhouse, which housed six workers.
The hike begins on the Staunton Ranch Trail to the Mill Creek trail split (.05 miles). Keep left on the Staunton Ranch Trail with good views of the Staunton Rocks (9,410’) to the northwest.
The Staunton Ranch Tail passes the Chase Meadow Trail (.98 miles : 8,559’) and heads west towards granite rock formations with views of the Staunton Cabin District to the south (1.5 miles : 8,661’).
It passes several cabins and becomes rockier up to a bridge over Black Mountain Creek to the second intersection with the Old Mill Trail (1.82 : 8,653’).
Turn right on the hiker-only Old Mill Trail, which steepens past a climbing access route to the Old Mill Site (2.57 miles : 9,092’). Enjoy intact remains of this historic collection of cabins, ranch and lumber facilities.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N39 30 00 W105 22 44 — Ranch Hand Picnic Area and Trailhead
- N39 30 00 W105 23 16 — Old Mill Site
Worth Noting
- The trail leading to the old mill site is one of the more challenging hikes in Staunton State Park. The final .7 miles of this trail is hiker-only, a peaceful segment apart from busier multi-use areas. The hike features multiple historic properties, including cabins, an old bunkhouse and remnants of a sawmill.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- There is no backcountry camping at Staunton State Park.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is permitted at Elk Falls Pond and the Davis Ponds with a valid Colorado fishing license.
Rules and Regulations
- There's a $7 entrance fee to Staunton State Park. Colorado State Parks passes are accepted.
- Park Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Dogs are permitted at Staunton State Park, but must be on a six-foot leash.
- Rock climbing is allowed. Climb without bolting or fixed protection only. Seasonal raptor closures are clearly posted and strictly enforced.
- Mountain biking is allowed on multi-use trails.
Directions to Trailhead
Staunton State Park is located 40 miles SW of downtown Denver in Pine, CO. The park is approximately 6 miles west of Conifer on the north side of US Highway 285.
From the junction of US 285 and C470 near Denver, travel 18.4 miles on 285 South towards Fairplay. Turn right (north) on Elk Creek Road. Travel on Elk Creek Road for 1.2 miles, then turn right into the park. The Ranch Hand Picnic Shelter and Trailhead is .5 miles from this entrance.
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