Bureau of Land Management Environmental Education

Catch The Gold Feaver

Many historic mining sites are located on the federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These spots would be wonderful for school or family field trips. A number of sites are located along the BLM's "Back County Byways," roads that pass through outstanding scenic, historic, and cultural treasures located on federal lands. In Colorado, the Alpine Loop Back County Byway linking Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray follows roads built by miners over 100 years ago. It passes through old mines and mining camps, mill ruins, tram lines, and ghost towns.

The ghost town of Garnet, Montana, stands along the Garnet Range Back County Byway east of Missoula. At its peak in 1898, Garnet's population climbed to almost 3,000. Today, Garnet is Montana's best preserved ghost town, with more than 30 wooden structures still standing. For more information about Back Country Byways, contact your local BLM office listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Government--Interior Department. Byways are located in AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, SD, UT and WY. Falcon Press also offers a guide to the Byways; write Falcon Press, P.O. Box 1718, Helena, MT 59624.