Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour

The Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour offers a fun and educational experience for your whole family and group. Mining was the industry that built the communities of the San Juan Mountains and a day at the mine will let you experience life the way the miners did at the turn of the century.

Not a sanitized amusement park attraction, the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour looks and feels like the real thing because it is the real thing. Whether or not you leave with any gold or silver (you might), it’s an experience you’ll treasure.

There’s more than just the tour at the Bachelor Mine.

• Start your day off right on summer weekends with a famous Miner’s Breakfast in our beautiful outdoor cafe.
• Learn how to pan for gold in the original mine stream.
• Find unique gifts like mineral specimens, vintage carbide lanterns, locally-made jewelry and fun toys for the kids in our Treasure Chest gift shop.
• Get an extra special Ouray souvenir from our famous penny crusher. Book your tour in advance online; even better, spend a whole day with us on the mountain! Special packages include an option for a mine tour plus a delicious farm-to-table dinner for your group.

• History courtesy of Jane Bennett

There were other Bachelor mines in Colorado – it was a pretty popular name in the late 1800’s – but this was THE Bachelor Mine on Gold Hill, and for 100 years it was one of Ouray’s strongest and most reliable producers. So rich was its ore that its three owners made about $250,000 each in its first few years; even after the disastrous silver crash of 1893 when the price of silver plummeted 25% in four days. Today, that would be over $4 million each.

Charlie Armstrong, a prospector, George Hurlburt, a surveyor, and J. Frank Sanders, a speculator, were the lucky owners. The three loved a good time and were know to bet on almost anything – even which raindrop would make it to the bottom of a windowpane first. Sanders took a gamble and invested in Armstrong and Hurlburt’s mine just before it hit a huge silver vein.

Soon, ore worth $200 to $500 a ton rolled down Red Canyon to the railroad siding below, which became known as the Bachelor Switch. Meanwhile, a town of about 200 sprang up at the mine’s main portal. Names Ash, from the first letters of Armstrong, Sanders and Hurlburt, the town sported a mill, school, post office and brass band: the Bachelor Band. The town’s remains still straddle Red Canyon Creek, now known as Dexter Creek.

DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Weddings and large groups!

The Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour may be known for its tours, but we also offer special event packages for weddings, reunions, tour groups, corporate and large groups! We provide the stunning outdoor space and food so that you don’t have to worry about it. We can serve up to 80 patrons with delicious local food at a reasonable price.

• Meat choice of steak or chicken
• Farm fresh/seasonal veggies and fruits
• Freshly made seasonal non-alcoholic drinks
• Tasty dessert
• BYOB

Cost: $30(steak) $25.00(chicken) $20.00(vegetarian) per person (includes the space rental)

Did we mention that this includes a mine tour, too? If you’re looking forward a to gathering with your nearest and dearest and some of the best eats around, call and book your group  today!

FAQ

• 10 or more people are needed to book.
• Watch the weather report before booking. We have a large tent to help protect from rain, but temperatures can get pretty cold even in the month of July.
• We don’t provide transportation but we’re a 10 minute drive from Ouray. Call our local Jeep Tour companies or Western Slope Rides if you need a shuttle, they will be happy to get your group up to the mountain.
• BYOB.
• Farm veggies and fruits are seasonal.
• The mine tour is a walking tour, so make sure you wear adequate shoes.
• Advance booking is required. Because of our local food sourcing for these dinners, and the fact that we make everything from scratch we generally need up to a week advance notice for a dinner group.
• Cancellation policy; please ask when booking. In general, dinners can be cancelled without charge up to the Saturday prior to the event, which is when we source our local produce.
• Call us to book your event or for more information: 970-325-0220.

We’re excited you’re considering us to provide wonderful food and a good time for your large group. Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions! 970-325-0220