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I was doing some hiking about 15 minutes outside of Boulder. Was hiking along a creek when I stumbled upon an abandoned mineshaft that was open. You can see the opening in the cliff here.
Obviously I had to find a way over to it which involved a slightly sketchy jump across the creek. Got up to it and saw that it was open. Went in about 10 yards but decided not to continue because I didnt have any gear and just my phone flashlight. Here's a close up of the entrance.
Also saw plenty of the remnants of the machinery used back in the day rusting in the creek.
Anyways, I am planning on going back this weekend with the right gear and a team of other idiots I have convinced to go with me. I've done a good amount of research on the dangers of mineshafts, but am still determined to get in there. That being said, I do not have a ton of personal experience in mineshafts but plenty in caves.
Any recommendations from people that have done it on things to look out for, what to bring, etc.?
Thanks and I will update on this thread when I make it inside and hopefully make it back out lol.
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That looks pretty cool- It's a lot of the same precautions with caves, the best advice i can give you is move slow, and watch out for wizes (vertical shafts). Anything made out of wood really isn't to be trusted, especially with a mine close to / filled with water. An old caving trick we used to do is bring a Bic lighter, and if it's a low oxygen environment, the flame will burn really tall and you should probably get out of there- that's assuming you check for methane first and don't blow yourself up, some of the mines can do weird things with sulfur gas and decomposing things. That's about my two cents, just trust your gut and get out of there if it gets sketchy.
What the raccoons know:
Whole world is garbage- Garbage is delicious | |
ooh, try to get some good photos! also curious to see the inside
D.I.C.K "You'll find us in your manhole" | |
I've done a fair amount of exploring in Colorado and you'll definitely want to be careful with the mines there. Most mines in the Colorado area are shaft mines, with narrow and deep passages that don't receive nearly as much airflow as the shallow room and pillar type mines you see more often in the midwest.
I'd highly, highly recommend finding the mine in question on the US Geological Survey mineral resource maps. While most of the mines near Leadville are hard rock metal mines, the eastern plains and Denver area have quite a few coal mines. Stay away from the coal mines- even the most experienced explorers shy away from them because they are so much more dangerous than any other kind of mine. Do your research to know what you're getting into.
Now, almost all the Colorado explorers I know carry gas meters because of the elevated possibility of bad air due to the depth and narrow passages of the mines. I wouldn't recommend running any mine in Colorado without a meter, but I suspect you'll do it anyway- so get real familiar with the symptoms of bad air exposure (CO, CO2, H2S, and low O2) and play things super cautious while inside. Also be aware which way the air is flowing and don't enter early morning, late afternoon, or anytime the airflow is likely to change direction. Try to go when the airflow is sucking in fresh air instead of blowing out stale air.
For structural stability, be extra cautious around the entrance, anywhere there's mine timbers, and anywhere you see large cracks or faults in the rock. Don't make loud noises and try not to touch anything load bearing unless you absolutely have to. Beware of drop shafts, vent shafts, and covered holes in the floor- especially rotting false floors/shaft hatches hidden under dust or sand. Do not climb anything unless you have at least two ways back in case the first ladder breaks.
Lastly, bring at least three sources of light (phone lights don't count) and spare batteries for each, as well as navigational aids like glowsticks to drop as a breadcrumb trail if need be. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back, and stick to that schedule so they know to send search and rescue if you don't make it out.
Mines out west are a different breed, and exploring them is absolutely playing with fire. Make sure you do your prep work to ensure your safety.
"Sorry, I didn't know I'm not supposed to be here," he said, knowing full well he wasn't supposed to be there.
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Posted by jitty04
I was doing some hiking about 15 minutes outside of Boulder. Was hiking along a creek when I stumbled upon an abandoned mineshaft that was open. You can see the opening in the cliff here.
<clipped>
Anyways, I am planning on going back this weekend with the right gear and a team of other idiots I have convinced to go with me. I've done a good amount of research on the dangers of mineshafts, but am still determined to get in there. That being said, I do not have a ton of personal experience in mineshafts but plenty in caves.
Any recommendations from people that have done it on things to look out for, what to bring, etc.?
Thanks and I will update on this thread when I make it inside and hopefully make it back out lol.
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I spend a lot of time exploring old mines. As you probably already know, everyone in your party should carry multiple lights and batteries. I can't tell you how many times I've been underground with people whose lights have failed and with no backup. I would also suggest a hardhat, climbing helmet, or some sort of head protection. PLEASE DO NOT take a can of spray paint to mark the way back to the exit. If you are unsure if you can remember how to get out, then it's time to turn around and head for the exit. Apart from that, be careful, don't touch any of the timbers if you can help it. You don't want everything coming down on your head. Call a friend when you head in and when to expect you to be out. Call them when you get out. We do this every time we head underground.
Be careful and have fun!
Abby Normal
"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." Ronald Reagan | |
Posted by Aran
I've done a fair amount of exploring in Colorado and you'll definitely want to be careful with the mines there. Most mines in the Colorado area are shaft mines, with narrow and deep passages that don't receive nearly as much airflow as the shallow room and pillar type mines you see more often in the midwest.
I'd highly, highly recommend finding the mine in question on the US Geological Survey mineral resource maps. While most of the mines near Leadville are hard rock metal mines, the eastern plains and Denver area have quite a few coal mines. Stay away from the coal mines- even the most experienced explorers shy away from them because they are so much more dangerous than any other kind of mine. Do your research to know what you're getting into.
Now, almost all the Colorado explorers I know carry gas meters because of the elevated possibility of bad air due to the depth and narrow passages of the mines. I wouldn't recommend running any mine in Colorado without a meter, but I suspect you'll do it anyway- so get real familiar with the symptoms of bad air exposure (CO, CO2, H2S, and low O2) and play things super cautious while inside. Also be aware which way the air is flowing and don't enter early morning, late afternoon, or anytime the airflow is likely to change direction. Try to go when the airflow is sucking in fresh air instead of blowing out stale air.
For structural stability, be extra cautious around the entrance, anywhere there's mine timbers, and anywhere you see large cracks or faults in the rock. Don't make loud noises and try not to touch anything load bearing unless you absolutely have to. Beware of drop shafts, vent shafts, and covered holes in the floor- especially rotting false floors/shaft hatches hidden under dust or sand. Do not climb anything unless you have at least two ways back in case the first ladder breaks.
Lastly, bring at least three sources of light (phone lights don't count) and spare batteries for each, as well as navigational aids like glowsticks to drop as a breadcrumb trail if need be. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back, and stick to that schedule so they know to send search and rescue if you don't make it out.
Mines out west are a different breed, and exploring them is absolutely playing with fire. Make sure you do your prep work to ensure your safety.
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Dude thank you so much for the feedback. Brought a lot of different things to my attention. I've done a fair amount of research but didn't know exactly what to look for which is why I came on here. Hadn't even thought about time of day.
Do you have a certain gas meter that you recommend?
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Posted by Aran
I'd highly, highly recommend finding the mine in question on the US Geological Survey mineral resource maps. While most of the mines near Leadville are hard rock metal mines, the eastern plains and Denver area have quite a few coal mines. Stay away from the coal mines- even the most experienced explorers shy away from them because they are so much more dangerous than any other kind of mine. Do your research to know what you're getting into.
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I second this. You definitely want to know what exactly you're getting into as different mines can pose different threats depending on what type of mine you're going into. If you're inexperienced with mines definitely look into getting some gear for you and your friends before going in.
I like the view | |
Looks fun! Abandoned mines are my favorite explores!
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Looks cool! Best of luck man
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Did you end up finding anything cool?
"Sorry, I didn't know I'm not supposed to be here," he said, knowing full well he wasn't supposed to be there.
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Posted by Aran
Did you end up finding anything cool?
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Guess there still waiting on his call that he made it back out!
"Your kid may be an honor student but YOU'RE still an IDIOT!" | |
Sorry guys I haven't logged in in a while! I did end up going in, but didn't go to the end. Honestly didn't go far at all. I want to get some more experience in mines that others have explored before I try and go into ones I don't know about so I know what warnings to look for. I am pretty inexperienced with mines and decided not to press my luck due to some of the advice on here. I plan to continue to do more research and network with some guys that have done it before so I can make sure I come out alive lol.
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