Summitville Mine - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are many things to do at Summitville Mine. You can take a tour of the facilities, try your hand at gold panning, or explore the surrounding forest. The mine is located in Rio Grande county, Colorado, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Tours of the mine are conducted regularly, and offer a unique opportunity to see where gold is mined. During the tour, you will learn about the history of the mine and how it has operated over the years. You will also get to see the equipment used to extract gold from the ground. Gold panning is another popular activity at Summitville Mine. Visitors can try their hand at finding gold in one of the many pans available for use. The surrounding forest is also a great place to explore. There are numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do at Summitville Mine.

The Summitville Mine is a gold mine located in Rio Grande County, Colorado. The mine was operated by the Summitville Consolidated Mining Company from 1987 to 1991, and produced about 1.4 million ounces of gold. The mine was then sold to the World Bank, and is currently being operated by the Rio Tinto Group. The Summitville Mine has a long and complex history, dating back to the early days of prospecting in Colorado. In the late 19th century, the mine was owned by a man named Augustus Searle, who mined the gold using hydraulic mining methods. Searle eventually ran out of money, and the mine was abandoned. In the 1930s, a group of prospectors discovered gold in the area, and re-opened the mine. However, they were only able to extract a small amount of gold before the US government closed the mine down during World War II. After the war, the mine was reopened and operated sporadically until it was finally closed for good in 1991. Despite its tumultuous history, the Summitville Mine remains an important part of Colorado's mining heritage.

The best time to visit the Summitville Mine is during the summer months. From June to August, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding area. 

1. Visitors should dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so closed-toed shoes are recommended. 
2. There is no cell phone service at the mine, so visitors should plan accordingly. 
3. Dogs are not allowed at the mine due to safety concerns.
4. The Summitville Mine is a historic site, so please be respectful of the area and do not remove any rocks or artifacts. 
5. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water as there are no sources of water at the mine. 
6. There are picnic tables available at the mine, so visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks from the on-site concession stand. 
7. Please stay on the marked trails and do not venture off into the mine shafts as they are dangerous. 
8. Photography is allowed at the mine, but please be considerate of other visitors and do not use flash photography. 
9. Be respectful of the property and the owners' privacy. This is a working ranch, not a tourist attraction, so please be considerate of the people who live here.
    

1. The Summitville Mine is located in Rio Grande County, Colorado, approximately 30 miles southwest of Alamosa. The mine sits at an elevation of 12,000 feet and encompasses approximately 12,600 acres. 
2. In its heyday, the Summitville Mine produced over one million ounces of gold. 
3. In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared the Summitville Mine a Superfund site. 
4. It is estimated that there are still millions of dollars worth of gold and silver remaining in the mine.
5. The Summitville Mine has been described as "one of the most egregious examples of environmental abuse in North America."
    

The average person spends about two hours exploring the mine, but some people like to stay longer to enjoy the experience. The biggest groups can take up to four hours to explore the entire mine. 

There are a few different ways to reach Summitville Mine in Rio Grande County, Colorado. The most direct route is to take Highway 160 east from Del Norte, then turn onto County Road 2 and follow it for about 12 miles. Another option is to take Highway 285 north from Alamosa and turn onto County Road 8. This route is a bit longer, but it offers some spectacular views of the area. Whichever route you choose, you'll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach the mine.

There is no entrance fee, but there is a suggested donation of $2 per person to help with maintenance and upkeep. 

It is open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The mine is closed on weekends and public holidays.