During a recent trip to Colorado to ride the trails, we visited the Summitville mine. Lots of old structures around the mine that we took pictures of but didn't go into the mine itself as it is still active, being one of the largest Superfund clean up projects in the US. In trips past, I have noticed that the stream draining out of the site (Whieman fork) has colored the rock an orange color and contaminated the river below with heavy metals. Rumor has it that the techs testing the water don't recommend you get it on you. I did bathe in it one year, sort of a "right of passage" and DANG, that's cold water!!!!

The site itself is active. We didn't get into the mine site itself but I heard tell you can get a tour of the place. We looked around at the old structures facing the mine. These buildings are typical of others that surround old mines in Colorado. Gives one a clue to the way life was many years ago.