Bummers Gulch - History of Tragedy and Triumph - Stories in the Map
Welcome to Blueprint Exploration! I’m John, a Colorado-based photographer, artist, and explorer. Join me for art, photography, trek stories, and how-to guides on adventure.
I love exploring, and today, I’m inviting you to join me on another passion of mine—digging into historic maps and uncovering the past through old archives. This is the Stories in the Map series. It’s like time travel, but with a map as our starting point! Today’s adventure takes us deep into the history of Bummers Gulch. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
The Curious Case of Bummers Gulch
Bummers Gulch is nestled upstream from Boulder, Colorado, tracing along Boulder Creek. This gulch has seen it all—once home to small villages like El Vado, a cozy resort town in 1947, and Silver Spruce, where it meets Boulder Creek. And yes, you read that right—there’s even a place marked on the map as Bummers Rock! It’s almost as if the universe decided to throw in a not-so-subtle warning. Nearby, you’ll also find places with equally intriguing names, like Sugar Loaf, Wheelmen, and Black Tiger Gulch. Talk about a map full of character!
Digging into Mining History
Bummers Gulch is also rich in mining history—literally! The area was a hotspot for tungsten and gold extraction. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), many tungsten mines are found in Boulder County. The deposits form a narrow, 9-mile-long belt, and tungsten, with its staggering 6,000-degree melting point, is one tough metal! Fun fact: tungsten is one of my favorite materials for rings—durable and practically indestructible.
1902 Topographic Map of Bummers Gulch Area
How Did Bummers Gulch Get Its Name?
Now, this is where things get interesting. I’m still on the hunt for the real origin of the name, but after combing through its history, let’s just say—there have been enough bizarre misfortunes here to make “Bummers Gulch” seem like the most fitting name possible. Let’s dive into some of the strange and unfortunate events that have given this gulch its reputation.
A String of Unfortunate Events
Bummers Gulch has seen its fair share of disasters, strange accidents, and eerie mysteries. Here are just a few:
1911: A cloudburst caused Boulder Creek to rise by a foot in under an hour, according to The Rocky Mountain News. Sudden floods in this area? Check.
1915: Charles Williams, a convict working as a blacksmith, was injured in the worst possible way—a flying rock from an explosion struck him in the groin and hip while he was building a new road (Boulder Daily Camera). Ouch.
1916: Denver scientist and mineralogist Charles W. Marshall suffered an apoplexy (a stroke-like event) while exploring the gulch. Miners found him, but sadly, he never regained consciousness (Rocky Mountain News). Science can be rough.
1925: A mystery man ended his own life on a high rock in the gulch, leaving behind a haunting note that read, "Leave me alone. Don’t take me away from here, for here is where I want to be. The mountain top is no disgrace, and I’ve had enough dirt put in my face, so leave me alone please.” This note was the only clue to his identity. Investigators identified him as J.H. Smith, but little else is known about him, other than “he was over six feet tall with good inlaid teeth”, according to the coroner. (The Daily Times).
1947: In an incredibly tragic turn, Mrs. Helen A. Webster was struck by lightning while picking wildflowers with her children and a friend. A sudden storm rolled in, and when the group took shelter under a utility line, lightning struck, instantly killing her and knocking the others unconscious (Rocky Mountain News). Nature can be as dangerous as it is beautiful.
The Brighter Side of Bummers Gulch
But don’t let the name fool you—Bummers Gulch isn’t all gloom and doom! There have been some pretty remarkable moments here too:
1895: J.T. McKenna, superintendent of the Coburn Mill, took a 76-ounce gold brick to Denver. Back then, gold was valued at $20.67 an ounce, making the brick worth $1,570.92. If he had cashed that in today (2025), he’d be sitting on a cool $228,000! (Rocky Mountain News).
1918: The Boulder Canyon Red Cross gathered at the home of Mrs. A.R. Weaver in Bummers Gulch, where fifteen members met to sew, knit, and do good for the community. A warm lunch was served, proving that even in a place known for misfortunes, there was kindness and camaraderie (Boulder Daily Camera).
What’s Next?
Bummers Gulch is just one of the many fascinating locations waiting to be uncovered in the Stories in the Map series! If you enjoyed this adventure, there’s plenty more where that came from. Stay tuned for more hidden histories, lost legends, and unexpected tales from the past. Because when life gives you a gulch full of bummers, all you need is a good map, a sense of adventure, and maybe a lightning-proof umbrella! See you on the next journey!
Inspired by the Outdoors: My art and photography reflect a passion for adventure and nature. Visit Blueprint Exploration to discover prints that bring the outdoors inside.
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, your experience may differ from mine. This post is not professional advice.