In Colorado, it all began with our pioneer miners.

Many old masonry, wood and metal sculptures give testimony to the hard work and resourcefulness of men looking to get rich quick.

Colorado's ideal summer climate provides many warm, sunny days to visit historical relics, and the ones made of stone and brick are usually well preserved. Some ruins offer exceptional photo opportunities.

Most mines should be viewed from a distance as they are often left in unsafe condition. The road to the Lost Mine takes you millions of years through the geologic past. Travel by a "kid's" cave formed under an inland ocean 200 million years ago on your way up the gulch to the mine.

If luck is with us, resident big horn sheep will stand inquisitively along the pathway.

Around the next bend, an old tipple alerts us that mining activity was going on almost a hundred years ago. Interesting ore delivery systems and an old ore car greet us as we approach the tunnel entrance. Once hard hats and lights are provided, it's into the mine where the fun continues. Past the high grade ore body and swirling mineral coated crevices and through the shoring timbers, it's into the mineral coated cavern at journey's end. Our resident bat is often handing around. The rich cultural experience in visiting this authentic piece of history can only be eclipsed by the outstanding mountain vistas on the way back down the mountain from the Lost Mine Tour.

Visit 1890's lime kiln ruins. Explore cool caverns, and go inside an authentic old mine on this three hour thrilling family photo trip aboard the 6 x 6 Pinzgauer Minemobile.