Montgomery Reservoir & Magnolia Mine
Montgomery Reservoir is one of my favorite places to be in the Summer and Fall. This place is around the corner from where I live and it’s quite magical to say the least! The area is rich with intriguing history and breathtaking views. Whether I’m spending my time next to the reservoir or the beautiful waterfall river that flows into it, I’m surrounded by peace and beauty in every direction. Occasionally I’ll see some wildlife around the area too such as deer, fox, moose, seagulls, fish, chipmunks, marmots and a variety of bigger birds. I rarely see any other people around and when I do they’re usually hundreds of yards away fishing or something. This is a perfect place to meditate, do yoga, read, write, sketch, picnic, hike, fish, or just clear your mind. There is also a perfect trail for off-roading or 4-wheeling that takes you through gorgeous scenic mountains and old mining remnants from Montgomery Reservoir to Wheeler Lake.
The area is full of the most vibrant colors in the Fall when the aspens turn. As the leaves fall, the winter airs start blowing through and the stream ices up. This is all we get to see before they close the road down for the winter months. You can, of course, go snowshoeing through the area though if you’d like.
If you hike or take the 4×4 trail past the mine there are some gorgeous views and a few mining parts scattered around. You will also see old mine shafts hanging off the side of the mountains above.
Climbing Mount Lincoln
If you’re up for a more thrilling (dangerous) excursion, the backside of Mt. Lincoln towers over the reservoir and Magnolia Mine and is one of the 14’ers in the area. From this side of Lincoln you will have a much more difficult time climbing up than the normal public trail hike from the other side. I did this with a friend one day and we mostly CLIMBED our way up. It was pretty dangerous and we should have used equipment for parts of it. I guess I should mention .. THERE IS NO TRAIL! If you want to just climb 1/3 of the way up there are some beautiful waterfalls that form from the melted snow and can be seen looking up from the bottom near the mine. You can get to these by climbing up the boulders that are clearly visible from the bottom. We did this in June and had to traverse through a lot of snow, but then when we did it again in July it was perfect as the snow had mostly melted and there were more waterfalls from the snow melt.
Magnolia Mill
Magnolia Mill sits next to the river flowing down into the reservoir. NORMALLY the mine is closed off to the public and has no trespassing signs all over it.. but one day I was fortunate enough to find the door that was normally boarded up, laying down on the ground.. and against all better judgement.. I HAD to explore! (shhh!) What I found inside was too neat.. here are some pictures.. (also see videos below)
The History of Magnolia Mills
The first miners to this area set up The Snow Blind Mining District, which later became the Montgomery District in 1861. This district proved rich first with gold discoveries then later discoveries abundant in silver, establishing the highest mines in North America. The 1930’s Magnolia Mill replaced the former one from the 1800’s that burnt down. It processed the gold and silver that was brought down by trams from surrounding mines located hundreds of feet above the mine.
The town of Montgomery was built in 1861 and housed over 1,000 mine workers, mill workers and their families. The town consisted of hotels,, mercantile and dry good stores, drug stores, sawmills and a variety f saloons, including the largest dance hall in the region!
Mt. Lincoln, the 14,000ft peak that towers over the reservoir, was named in honor of President Lincoln who was in office at that time. They even sent him a bar of gold from the Montgomery Mine!
The remains of the town of Montgomery are now under water. Colorado Springs bought the town in 1954 and flooded it to make the reservoir that provides drinking water for the city. Thankfully we still have the mill as a reminder of the bustling mining town of Montgomery that once nested itself between these gorgeous mountains.
Behind the Scenes
This place is off-limits now and closed up by metal bars but I managed to get some pictures and videos inside the mill before it became closed off for good. If you visit, you can still peek into the Mine through various holes in the wall. This place is worth visiting if you’re ever n Alma, Colorado. You’ll rarely see other people and there are plenty of things to do and see!
