Officers Gulch, Colorado

Officers Gulch was named after a man with the last name of "Officer." He was an early-day Ten Mile Canyon local who carried out mining activities in the area.

You can find Officers Gulch off Exit 198 on the east side of I-70. This is where the remains of an old labor camp can be found containing stone huts from the late 19th century that were used by immigrant workers, mostly Italians who came to the area to help build the railroad. The architecture of these simple buildings is interesting to see. Native stone was laid dry or mortared with packed earth to create walls. They made the roofs out of log and brush.

Inside the huts had simple dirt floors, and a hearth in the corner. More than 50 structures were built in the county at one time, which could house 100-300 workers. Most of the houses, however, were dismantled because of new development such as highway construction. You can see the remains of four huts; one even has an intact hearth.

In addition, a tiny lake with a small island at one end is located at the base of the mountain on the west side of I-70 at Officers Gulch. The lake is popular as a fishing spot.