Early last month, I finally got back out into the field again to do some epic exploring. I teamed up with my good friend and exploring buddy, as well as one of Colorado's urbex legends, Withered Perception. We headed up into the mountains in pursuit of a location of historic significance in Colorado. After an hour and a half drive, I took my little Dodge Neon up a back country mountain road more suited for 4WD vehicles, and after nearly bottoming out, arrived at our target location. This was one of the most beautiful locations I have been to. The mill is currently under restoration, with hopes to make it a tourist spot/museum in the next year or so. I'm very happy I was able to make it in while it was still in it's almost original state.
ps- this is also the location that made me realize that respiratory protection is a MUST for urban exploration. Don't try to be macho guys, I didn't think I'd ever need a mask or respirator, but after exploring here I was left with a very bothersome and long lived heavy cough for almost a month. Thankfully it didn't turn into something severe, but always bring breathing protection.

Ok, enough talking. Let's let the photos speak for themselves:
In The Shadow of the Mountain by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Paris Mill by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Side of Paris Mill by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

First View by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Round and Round We Go by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Wooden Maze by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

The Silent Beast by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Skeletal Remains by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Spooky by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Keep Out! by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr
The odd thing about this sign, it is hung underneath the main flooring in a little "crawlspace" that we almost missed. But, whatever.

Peering Into the Hole by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Rocky Trespasses by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr
We saw another structure a little ways away while exploring the main mill. In order to get to the other structure, we had to cross a river, bushwhack through thick shrub, climb this large rock slide to circumvent a thick, muddy marsh, and hike another few hundred yards.

Standing Tall by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr
The building we were after.

Looking Up by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

Looking Down by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr


And to close this thread with a photo of the breathtaking view we had while exploring. The Rocky Mountains in all their grandeur.
Rocky Mountain Grandeur by Uncharted Sights, on Flickr

So, so good. Any idea what function the second building served?

The second building was used to receive tram carts full of ore mined from the mine situated well up on the mountain. It was then ferried via another tram to the mill. I am planning a return full day trip to try to hike up to the mine itself.