One of the most successful mining towns in the San Juan mountains circa 1880s, was Silver Lake (on penninsula), located in the Silverton Caldera group just east of Silverton at 12,000 feet. This huge mining operation was one of three that surrounded the lake. Many mining tunnels riddle these mountains, including Little Giant Peak, from which this photo was taken, looking west. Recent snow from the first of three fall storms lingers on the mountains. Three days later, the San Juans would be under 2 to 3 feet of snow on September 15, bringing a fast end to a short fall season.

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More Information on SP: Little Giant Peak, Silver Lake, The Quiet Ebbing.

San Juan Mountains, Fall, 2006.

Digital photo by Ellen Ritt