Park Canyon Mill

In 1867, the La Plata Company moved a ten stamp mill from the mining camp of Yankee Blade to Park Canyon and built an extensive mill from native stone. The mill ran ore from a few different mines, including the Giant mine, but mainly the silver ore from the Buckeye mine in Summit Canyon kept the mill busy.

The ores were inconsistent however and the mill closed in 1869. The mill and mines operated intermittently in the following years and fell idle for the last time in 1915. It was sold to the Round Mountain Mining Company in 1920 and most of the equipment was removed. Today, the outer masonry shell of the mill still stands at the entrance to Park Canyon and makes an interesting place to visit and camp.

Park Canyon Mill

36 photos

Our camp near the mill in 2008.

Inside of the mill on a return trip in 2008.

This is a good view of the very well built walls versus the looser stacked ones.

Flue channel for smoke.

Brick window arch.

Mill walls. 2008.

Brick arch window in 2008. Some of the masonry has fallen away on the left side since my visit in 2003.

Inside of the mill. 2008.

House site.

Lupine.

Old road is getting over-grown.

This chimney looks the same as in 2003.

Mill view.

Bricks for a furnace.

Bill is up on the flue for the chimney.

Mill window view.

Window view.

Window view.

Brick arch window view.

Residence.

Trash pile. Leave everything here. It is historic.

Stone cabin residence.

Look at the nails in this old boot we found!

This boot sure saw some wear.

You might be able to spot a rattlesnake hiding in the brush. He let me know he was there.

Smoke stack for a furnace.

Park Canyon Mill in 2003.

Mill walls. 2003.

Arch windows.

Inside of the mill.

Mill walls.

Chimney remains of a residence. 2003.

Last Modified on May 4, 2020 by Guy Starbuck