About this place

Shirley Site is located off of Highway 285 and County Road 200 just below Poncha Pass. Shirley got its name during the 1880's when it served as a busy construction camp for men building the Denver and Rio Grande rail line over Marshall Pass to the ore-rich mines in Gunnison. By summer of 1881, Shirley boasted 14 large business tents, most of which were saloons and dance halls.Little remains of the town of Shirley except the coal stained railbed that can be seen just north of the Shirley site parking area.Shirley Site is a popular staging area for OHV riders and mountain bikers during the summer months and snowmobilers during winter. For detailed information and maps of this area, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. From Poncha Springs, travel 5 miles south on Highway 285 to County Road 200 which is located on the right side of the highway. Turn right on CR 200 and travel southwest for 2.2 miles to Shirley site. The parking area and restroom are located on the left side of the road just past the information kiosk.