Ute Ulay Mining Complex and Henson Ghost Town

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The Ute Ulay Mining Complex is located along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway just south of Lake City, Colorado. The Ute Ulay mining claims were discovered in 1871 and were one of the biggest producers of gold and silver in the San Juan Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management Gunnison Field Office has partnered with Hinsdale County to promote heritage tourism and has stabilized and preserved several structures within the mining complex. Ute Ulay was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. The mining town of Henson sprung up in 1880 and provided basic necessities to support the 300 miners and their families working at the booming Ute Ulay Mining Complex. By 1883, the town had a schoolhouse, post office, several supply stores, and its dirt roads were lined with one room log cabins. Many of these structures are still standing today and an interpreted historic walking tour through the ghost town is available.