Gold is still being mined in Cripple Creek and Victor except now instead of underground mines the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company is slowly removing the mountain truckload by truckload. The rock is crushed and the gold is leached out using a sodium cyanide solution. In twelve years they’ve recovered 4 million ounces of gold.
A fifteen mile loop will take you around the entire new mine, past old mining sites with trails and interpretive signs, and to a view point high above the new mine pit. The main roads are paved. The short spurs to the parking lots and the road to American Eagles Scenic Overlook are dirt. The parking lots are small but still large enough for RVs, except for the handicapped parking lot at the overlook which is only big enough for vans or very small RVs.
Many of the old structures can be seen from the parking lots or the road. There have been attempts to make the first sections of the trails accessible but wheelchair users may still need to have help because of grades and loose stones. Some trails may be closed due to old and new hazards caused by the mines. Maps
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I think this is something we would want to do when we are in the area. I love old mines and old structures, and the new mines are interesting as well. Thanks for sharing. --Dave
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting especially if you like old buildings. I think that Marcia's scooter could make it to most of the sites close to the parking lots. There are many signs explaining everything. Just driving along the loop is very scenic and worth it even if you don't hike on any of the trails.
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