I headed up to my clubs (Rising Sun 4x4Club of Colorado) adopt-a-road in August for a day outing. I somehow hadn’t been up to Argentine Pass at all for the 2021 summer season. The original plan for the day for to hike over to some old mine structures just below Mt Wilcox (13,408 ft) that I’ve eyeballed for as long as I’ve been goin up to Argentine Pass. Yet, after taking a Lyft to pick up the 4runner at the parents house, plans changed- after starting the 4runner, I hoped in and drove off leaving my backpack and hiking boots on the sidewalk (luckily my parents neighbor noticed and dropped them off to the house, thank you!)

My step mom called me as I was just about to get off to I-70 for the Georgetown exit. Realizing my bonehead move, I decided against the hike. I did stop at the Silver Plume depot with the hopes of picking up some kind of sweater but I was to early for the gist shops open hours. Plus side to that, got to hang out in the yard for a minute while they prepped #40 for the day.

The day on Argentine Pass was a beautiful one. Upon getting to the old townsite of Waldorf (11,666 ft), I decided to go over to the Santiago mill and spend some time there. For a while it seemed, I had the valley to myself. It was fun hiking around and above the old mill. Able to explore some parts I haven’t been to before.

A quick stop at the Silver Plume depot. I was kindly invited into the yard as they prepared #40 for the day.

Making my way towards the old townsite of Waldorf.

Couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day on Argentine.

At the old townsite of Waldorf- once claimed to have the highest post office in the US at 11,666ft.

Fireweed.

Making my way to the Santiago mine/mill.

The Santiago Mill. There currently doing restoration work abound the mill, so access is limited.

Fine views.

Along an old mining road above the mill. Mt. Wilcox in the distance.

Looking down on the Santiago Mill. Sugar Loaf Peak in the distance. A long time ago we the clubs annual “Ghost Town Run” started on Argentine Pass. After realizing we made a wrong turn to get to the Santiago Mill, A few of us took the old mining road down. Turned out to be a fun adventure.

Along that old mining road. Circa 2007.

Above the Santiago Mill.

Heading back down.

Argentine Pass (13,207 ft) in the distance.

Do believe this to be the monument that was created to honor Edward J. Wilcox- miner, pasture and founder of the Argentine Central Railroad (once claimed to be the highest railroad in the US).

Man, I’d love to find out who has that plaque!