Camp Bird Mine - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Camp Bird Mine is located in Ouray County, Colorado. The area is rich in history and there are plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. For those interested in history, the Camp Bird Mine offers guided tours of the mine itself as well as the nearby ghost town of Ironton. Visitors can also explore the many hiking trails in the area or take a scenic drive through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Ouray County is also home to several hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring. 

The mine was established in 1896 by prospector George Sanborn. It was originally operated as an underground mine, but later became an open-pit mine. By the early 1900s, the Camp Bird Mine was one of the richest gold mines in Colorado, producing over $20 million worth of gold. The mine continued to operate until 1950, when it was closed due to declining gold prices.

By 1899, the mine was producing over $1 million worth of gold per year. The mine continued to operate until World War II, when it was forced to close due to a shortage of workers. In total, the Camp Bird Mine produced over $30 million worth of gold. Today, the mine is a popular tourist attraction. 

The best time to visit Camp Bird Mine is in the summer. The weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the area. The mine is open to the public from June through September, and during this time you can see the inside of the mine, tour the historic buildings, and pan for gold. 

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. Camp Bird Mine is located in a high mountain valley, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Be sure to dress accordingly and pack supplies for inclement weather.
2. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. You'll need it for exploring the dark tunnels of the mine.
3. Be prepared for a workout. There are some steep sections inside the mine, and you'll be doing a lot of walking (and climbing, if you want to explore all of the tunnels).
4.  Keep your hands to yourself. Please don't touch any of the historic artifacts inside the mine. Not only is it disrespectful, but you could also damage them irreparably with your oils and sweat. If you want to take photos of artifacts, use a flash diffuser to avoid causing glare or reflections.
5. Don't wander off the path. The tunnels can be maze-like, and it's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention to where you're going. If you do get turned around, stop and backtrack until you find a familiar landmark or the main path again. Better yet, stick with a group so you don't have to worry about getting lost at all!

1. Visitors to the Camp Bird Mine can take a tour of the mine's facilities and see firsthand how the mining process took place.
2. The Camp Bird Mine is the only gold mine in Colorado that you can tour without a guide.
3. Many of the original buildings and equipment are still on-site, making the Camp Bird Mine a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's mining history.
4. By 1880, the Camp Bird Mine was producing over $100,000 worth of gold each year.
5. The mine continued to operate until 1953 when it finally closed its doors for good.
6. Visitors can explore the remains of the mine shafts and see firsthand where the gold was extracted from the rock.

The guided tour of the mine lasts approximately one hour, and visitors are encouraged to allow plenty of time to explore the site before heading back into town. 

The mine is located just outside the town of Ouray, and it can be reached by a number of different routes. From Ouray, the mine can be reached by taking County Road 3 south for about two miles. This road leads to a parking area near the base of the mining claim. From here, visitors can either hike or take a four-wheel drive vehicle up the claim.

The entrance fee for the mine is $5 per person. Children under the age of 6 are free.

The mine is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.