Abandoned Mines

Cool things to do in Colorado: visit abandoned mines.  Mining and the Gold Rush are a huge part of Colorado's history and it's pretty obvious any time you drive through the mountains.  Any substantial drive almost guarantees a roadside view of an abandoned mine shaft, watermill or mining ghost town.  

I do l prefer photographing the old, ancient and decrepit over the new, sparkling and shining so when given the opportunity to visit a private abandoned mine, I signed up immediately.  You don't often have the opportunity to get up close and personal.  

Obviously these photos were taken a bit earlier in the year--we finally have our golden aspens that that I'd sought out two weekends ago in Vail.  I can sometimes post older pictures as I find them because I'm random like that.  And because sometimes I read fellow Colorado bloggers and am inspired by where they've visited and cool places they've found and think how nice it is that they've shared. 

Victor is one of those great finds.  While this old mine is on private property and only open for tours on occasion, there is a mining museum in Victor that has some great photography opportunities.  I saw some that some of my trip mates took and thought "Oh man--why didn't I see that?" I think Victor has some other mining tours available as well but they may be more modern mines.  Regardless, it's a quant little town with a corner soda fountain shop and a beautiful drive from Colorado Springs.  Definitely worth the trip if only for the breathtaking Rocky Mtn scenery.