The Quartz Creek Valley is known as the communities of Pitkin, Parlin, Ohio City and on the west side of Cumberland Pass, Tin Cup. Silver and gold were found in the mountains in this area. There are many real estate opportunities in this area of Gunnison County with many of them having seasonal access only.
Ohio Creek
In 1880 Ohio Creek was an up and coming silver and gold mining town and by 1881 trappers and prospectors from Leadville had come to the area in hopes of cashing in on the mining.
Pitkin
As with many of the mining camps, silver, copper, iron, gold, and lead were mined. At one time in the 1880’s, up to 30 mines were in operation. Pitkin was said to be the largest mining camp west of the Continental Divide.
In August 1881, the population of Pitkin was roughly 4000; the population today stands at 66+/- and in the summer can swell to 250 residents in the summer months. If you want to get away from it all, the Quartz Creek Valley is for you, Fly-fishing, hunting and jeep touring are the main activities in the area.
Parlin
A rancher by the name of John Parlin was the first person to occupy the town and established a dairy farm. Eventually the town was named after him. Around 1881, Parlin became a stage stop for 2 rail roads that went through town.