Powderhorn in Gunnison County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Lost in a Blizzard
| | Silver Thread Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 21, 2025
1. Lost in a Blizzard Marker
a man afoot can starve to death unless hes brave and bold.
~Ballad of Alferd Packer
What is now recognized as one of the most notorious events in Colorado's history cannibalism by Alferd Packer unfolded in the valley below you. It was here that Alferd Packer and his men made a most disastrous mistake, they missed a turn in the trail and became hopelessly lost in the San Juan Mountains.
On that fateful day in February 1874, Alferd Packer became lost in a severe snow storm while guiding five men from Salt Lake City to the Los Piρos Indian Agency, located south of what is now Gunnison. At the time, the Old Spanish Trail was a well worn trail that continued on to Taos and Santa Fe. Unfortunately, snow covered the trail in the valley below and the hapless men continued to the south instead of remaining on the trail to the east.
Cannibalism in the high country could have been averted had they remained on the correct trail towards Cochetopa Pass.
There are a many sides to the story about Alferd Packer and cannibalism in the high country. For more information, contact
this page online
Erected by Western Colorado Interpretive Association and Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Old Spanish National Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1874.
Location. 38° 17.648′ N, 107° 13.303′ W. Marker is in Powderhorn, Colorado, in Gunnison County. It is on State Highway 149 at milepost 93, just west of County Road 25, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in a pull-out on the west side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Powderhorn CO 81243, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Old Spanish Trail (here, next to this
Colorado Historical Society
2. Marker detail: Alferd Packer
Regarding Lost in a Blizzard. Some sources, such as this interpretive panel, use the spelling Alferd for his given name, while others, such as Wikipedia, use the more common spelling Alfred.
Also see . . . Alfred Griner Packer (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Alfred Griner Packer (January 21, 1842 April 23, 1907), also known as the Colorado Cannibal, was an American prospector and self-proclaimed wilderness guide who confessed to cannibalism during the winter of 1874. After emerging as the sole survivor of a six-man party who had attempted to travel through the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Territory, he eventually confessed to having lived off the flesh of his companions, giving more than one version of his account(Submitted on January 18, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)as to the circumstances. After his story was called into question, Packer escaped jail and hid from justice for nine years. He was eventually tried, convicted of premeditated murder, and sentenced to death. Packer won a retrial and was eventually sentenced to 40 years in prison on five counts of voluntary manslaughter.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 21, 20253. Lost in a Blizzard MarkerThis is the leftmost of three interpretive panels at this location.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
