In terms of mine exploring, Boulder County is certainly a mecca. While there's no classic UEC-129 to be found here, there's still a ridiculous amount of mines. Unfortunately, many of the mines have been shut out from us explorers by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. They have tricked me many a time, but they haven't gotten everywhere!Ha, what fools! Anyways, here are some of the mines the crew and I have had the privilege of exploring. Again, sorry for the terrible quality photos but I hope they at least give you an idea.



This is a mine outside Ward, Colorado. One of the sketchest places I've ever been in. Small amount of lead-acid mine drainage in the adit entrance just past bars far enough to squeeze in to. In we go! As we get in about 500 feet, there is a medium-sized chamber. Inside the chamber is an old mining cart, and some other old mining things. As we are pondering our discovery, we hear what sounds like a car blasting music outside. "Hmmm, very interesting" we said. The sound increased, and it began to sound like air rushing through the mine. Loud whooshing and shaking followed. Realizing this was a cave-in, we bolted the hell out of there, losing shoes in the adit drainage in the process. The shaker, as it is now referred to among our xplorin crew, is a testament to how dangerous mines can be. Stay safe kids.

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Does he?


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This second mine is outside Nederland. We didn't have much time to explore, as weather was turning on us and we were out of gas. Nonetheless we still got a peak. The mine is an old gold mine, however there has clearly been some recent activity. Once inside, there are ladders that lead at least 300 feet underground, maybe farther as we have not had a chance to look. The walls inside the mine appear to in extremely unstable condition, with several places held up with a single piece of rotting wood. Classic. This one will be explored further in the summer months to come.


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Finally, this one is a mere ten minutes away from Boulder city limits. Didn't really get to explore, but the entrance is sick.

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So sweet bro. Old mines are awesome, and being able to actually get into them is even more cool. Good luck and stay safe.

Consider yourselves a fortunate few. Normally the mine gods reserve cave-ins for those who they wish to pluck from life on Earth, so for them to present you with one with such showmanship is an incredibly rare treat!

Also, do beware the mines that're not the hardrock variety, yessir many hazards in those.

Posted by Akron Consider yourselves a fortunate few. Normally the mine gods reserve cave-ins for those who they wish to pluck from life on Earth, so for them to present you with one with such showmanship is an incredibly rare treat!

I am the mine god

Ah, Ward... I used to haunt that area for mines (back in the day, when I was young and less interested in being careful). ;)

Posted by Tenebrae Ah, Ward... I used to haunt that area for mines (back in the day, when I was young and less interested in being careful). ;)

I've never seen people sitting on their roofs with shotguns before I went to Ward

Whoa - things have definitely changed there!

Posted by qgxzxy131 I've never seen people sitting on their roofs with shotguns before I went to Ward

Posted by Tenebrae Whoa - things have definitely changed there!

Goddamn Rocky Mountain Graboids...

Posted by Akron Goddamn Rocky Mountain Graboids...

The wardos are a special breed...

"Deliverance" special... ?

I am older now and maybe smarter? But when I was younger we searched for gold and found some rich ore in the pockets above were the ceilings had caved in. Another fun way is to search metal culverts under roads which act as sluce boxes when it rains and may have gold dust in them? Many mines were productive but hard work. Many old timers couldn't work their claims as they got older. It was a younger mans game. My Great grand dad died of a exploding gas pocket as they went in to air the mines out and a late worker entered with his headlamp open and ignited the mine. Be careful out there.