Ever wonder what really went on in the mines above Ouray and Telluride? Gold and silver extracted from the numerous mines in Marshall Basin enriched the lives of their owners, yet little is known about the men who did the backbreaking work for those precious metals. Miners lived in constant danger from dynamite, fatal gas, underground fires, cave-ins, and pneumonia. The San Juan Mountains brought other risks: avalanches, and deep snow, which buried the trails to town for months each winter, making rescues impossible.

This Saturday morning, July 9, Rudy Davison of the Telluride Historical Museum will lead a hike to the ruins of several mines above town in Marshall Basin, so you can see for yourself how the miners lived, and where they died. The trip will explore the remains of the notorious Smuggler-Union Mining Company (where 24 miners suffocated on sulfur gas in 1901, while working 2,000-feet underground), the Sheridan Mine boarding house (where the single miners lived all winter at 12,000 feet, while married miners with children lived in cabins), and the Mendota Mine dumps. When it comes to mining, Davison, on the board of the museum and a member of the Mining History Association, is a professional snoop. He is one of a small number of experts who have devoted their lives to help the rest of us understand what life was like for the miners.

The trip starts at the museum in Telluride at the top of North 1st St. at 8:45 a.m., and ends shortly after 3 p.m.; the hike itself, which requires only average fitness, takes a little over three hours. Bring water and a picnic lunch, as well as rain gear, sunglasses, and good hiking shoes. The museum will provide a carpool for those without high-clearance 4x4 vehicles to the Tomboy mine, where the hike begins. The hike is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information or to make a reservation in advance (not necessary, but recommended), call 970/325-4576.

Explore historic ruins of the mines of Marshall Basin with an expert tour guide. Rudy Davison, of the Telluride Historical Museum, will lead this “Hike into History” to the sites of famous mines above Telluride on Saturday, July 9. Hikers should meet at the Telluride Historical Museum at 8:45 a.m. Car pooling from the Telluride museum to the Tomboy ghost town is available for those without high clearance 4 x 4 vehicles.

The hiking route offers breath-taking vistas of the Telluride valley, wildflowers and plenty of mining history. Hikers will proceed to the Smuggler-Union Mining Company property, and on to the Sheridan Mine boarding house and other ruins. The group will explore the Mendota Mine dumps and a motor that pulled ore cars through the mine.

The hike is expected to take 3 to 3.5 hours. Hikers should wear layers of clothing and bring rain gear, sunglasses, sun screen, hat and good hiking shoes. Don’t forget water and a picnic lunch.

Davison has led many jeep trips through historic mining districts and has written a book, “Rudy’s View: A Driving Guide from Telluride to the Top of Imogene Pass.” He is a board member of the Telluride Historical Museum, a member of the Mining History Association, and a volunteer Rail Ranger for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

This “Hike into History” is presented by the Ouray County and Telluride Historical Museums. There is no charge for the guided hike but donations will be accepted. Advance reservations are recommended but not required. For more details or to sign up for the tour call the Ouray County Historical Museum at 970-325-4576.