Red Mountain, one of a cluster of three peaks in the area with the same name, is easy to spot from U.S. Route 550. Just south of Ouray, the three San Juan Mountain peaks are simply named Red Mountain number 1, 2 and 3. Stained with mineral deposits, the bright reddish hue indicates the rock contains remnants of iron. Located between Silverton and Ouray, all three Red Mountain peaks easily top the 12,000 foot mark. Although Red Mountain is also the name of an important 19th century mining district in San Juan Mountain Range, the location of the town is now difficult to pinpoint. Moving several times because of the brutal winter conditions, there's not much a record of any specific location.
   Once covered by a layer of sedimentary rock, the huge granite mountaintops have been chiseled down to their core of igneous and metamorphic rock. The distinct shades of red or maroon colored rock occur from the imbedded iron which has oxidized on the surface. Known as hematite, this common mineral form of iron oxide was once used for permanent coloring, and particularly in ancient drawings, medicine pouches, and related spiritual uses.
   Here in the Red Mountain Mining District on Highway 550, known as the Million Dollar Highway, Colorado travelers will find a scenic overlook above the Idarado Mining Complex. From this vantage point, sightseers will enjoy views of Red Mountain and also one of the most photographed mines in Colorado. One of 20 mines in the area, Yankee Girl Mine was once one of the most profitable silver mines in the United States. As it turns out, prospector John Robinson discovered a rare vertical shaft or chimney of solid ore, producing an average of 88 ounces of silver per ton of ore. In 1883, the Yankee Girl joined the Robinson and Orphan Boy mines, totaling 25 miles of interconnecting tunnels. Near the end of the 19th century, the mine sold for $125,000 (about 2.5 million in today's dollars).

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