Old Hundred Gold Mine - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Old Hundred Gold Mine is a great place to pan for gold, ride a mine train, and learn about life in a former gold mining town. Located in San Juan County, Colorado, the mine is open to the public for tours and gold prospecting. The area around the mine is rich in history, and there are plenty of things to do in the area. Visitors can explore the old mining town, tour the mine itself, and try their hand at panning for gold. There are also several hiking trails nearby, providing ample opportunity to take in the breathtaking views. For those looking to learn more about the history of mining in the West, Old Hundred Gold Mine is a great place to start.

The Old Hundred Gold Mine is a real-life gold mine that players can visit in the San Juan County of southwestern Colorado. The area around the present-day gold mine was originally part of the San Juan Mining District, which was established in 1876. In 1888, a prospector named Nicholas Creede discovered a rich vein of gold near the town of Creede, and the resulting rush of miners led to the establishment of the Old Hundred Claim. The mine operated continuously until it was closed in 1991, making it one of the longest-running gold mines in Colorado history. Today, visitors can take tours of the old mine site and learn about its unique place in Colorado's mining history.

The best time to visit the Old Hundred Gold Mine is during the summer months, when the days are long and the weather is warm.

1. Research the history of the mine before your visit. This will give you a better understanding of what you're seeing and make the experience more enjoyable.
2. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You'll be doing a lot of walking, and the temperature inside the mine can be cooler than outside.
3. Be prepared for narrow spaces. Some of the areas inside the mine are very cramped, so if you have claustrophobia, this may not be the activity for you.
4. Watch your step. There are many trip hazards inside the mine, so it's important to pay attention to where you're walking.
5. Don't touch anything. The mine is full of old mining equipment and other hazardous materials. It's best not to touch anything to avoid injury.
6. Stay together with your group. It's easy to get lost in the maze-like interior of the mine, so it's important to stick together with your fellow visitors.
7. Use caution around machinery . Although much of the machinery in the mine is no longer in use, some of it is still operational . Steer clear of any moving parts to avoid getting hurt . 
8. Take breaks when needed . Walking around the mine can be tiring , so feel free to take a seat when you need a rest . There are benches located throughout the attraction , so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to sit down.

1. The mine was established in 1872 by prospector Henry Clay Hornbeck and the mine operated for more than 50 years and produced millions of dollars worth of gold. The mine was closed in 1926 due to declining gold prices.
2.  Visitors can explore the historic tunnels and see exhibits on the mining process.
3. The oldest section of the mine is known as the grant lode, and is said to be where much of the gold was found in the early days of mining. 
4. The oldest section of the mine is known as the grant lode, and is said to be where much of the gold was found in the early days of mining. 
5. During its 70 years of operation, the mine produced over 1 million ounces of gold. 
6. Visitors can take a tour of the historic mine workings, and see firsthand how hardrock mining was done in the early days of Colorado history.

The maximum time required to explore Old Hundred Gold Mine is four hours. However, many visitors choose to spend more time at the mine, as there is plenty to see and do.

To reach the Old Hundred Gold Mine, follow these directions: travel north on US Highway 550 for about 12 miles, then turn left onto County Road 2. After a little over 2 miles, you will reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork, and continue on County Road 2 for another 6 miles. At this point, you will come to a sign for the mine. Follow the dirt road for about a mile, and you will reach the parking area for the mine. From there, it is an easy hike to the entrance of the mine. The entire trip should take about two hours.

The cost of a tour is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.  This includes a tour of the mine, panning for gold, and a souvenir bag.  

The mine is open year-round for tours. From mid-May to mid-October, the mine is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. From mid-October to mid-May, the mine is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The last tour of the day begins at 2:00 pm. The mine is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.