Governor Basin Trail Report

A Trip To Governor Basin

Contributed by Miles Lumbard
Photographs by Miles Lumbard
and Gary Schmauch

The Governor Basin trail splits off from the Yankee Boy trail a little ways past the Atlas Mill. It works it's way through the lower part of the basin, and then climbs up to the edge of Humboldt Basin, and on to the Humboldt, Virginius, and Mountain Top mines.

Shortly after the trail splits off, it passes the Ruby Trust Mine. The mine, originally located in the 1880s was named after an ore it produced. When Ruby Silver ore comes in contact with water, it appears to bleed, blood red. The mine has been worked on and off in more recent times, and is private property. Just past the mine is a long serpentine waterfall, where Sneffels Creek tumbles down to cross the trail. Driving on, you'll cross the base of Stony Mountain, before swinging around the end of the basin, and heading up the east side. There is a trail that splits off to the right that goes to the lower tram terminal of the Mountain Top tram. Last time we were there, it was closed with a locked gate.

The trail climbs easily up the east side of the basin, through a forest of pines, before beginning a series of switchbacks that take you quickly up the side of Mendota Mountain, towards the rim of Humboldt Basin. There is one particularly steep, narrow, rock stairstep section, that should not be attempted by the novice 4 wheeler. Once you get through this part, it's just steep and narrow. Once you level out at the edge of Humboldt Basin, the trail forks again. Switching back to the left, and climbing sharply will take you on to the remains of the Virginius Mine. Continuing straight ahead, you work your way up around to the Mountain Top Mine. The remains of the Humboldt Mine cannot be reached by Jeep, but the old trail can be hiked.

The Mountain Top Mine is unique for a couple of reasons. The mine building is built against an enormous granite boulder. The idea was to use it as a natural avalanche splitter. Because the mill was vulnerable to avalanches as well, a large chamber was excavated inside the mine, and a mill constructed within it. Unfortunately, the mill never operated correctly.

Well that's it for the Governor Basin trail. If you brought a picnic lunch, there are plenty of great places to enjoy it while taking in the incredible views of Yankee Boy Basin, and Mount Sneffels. Although we've never done it, camping out up here would have to be great too.

The Governor Basin Photo Gallery