Bluebell Mine

This is a strenuous route along a road through private property but hikers are allowed, on trail. Although the entire route is a 4x4 road, motorized travel is not allowed. Please respect this. The trail climbs most of the way up James Peak ending at the Bluebell Mine site. Quartzite was the primary mineral taken out of this mine. The entrance is really cool with lots of colorful oxidation. There are signs warning you to take care not to transport the bad weeds in the area. These are becoming big problems so make sure and wipe yourself down before leaving so you don't track seeds to other areas. This is a road that is fairly loose rock a lot of the way. It would be a very challenging and fun bike ride. I have hiked both times. It's a steady uphill the entire way. It climbs about 2,300 feet in 4.5 miles. There is only one fork that you will run into. Take the high road to the right. The trail at the top close to the mine gets very rough as it is on top of a crumbling peak so large loose rocks to walk through. Once at the cabin you will be done with all the climbing. The view from the top here is phenomenal. You are very close to the top of James Peak. Powder Mountain Ski Resort is directly on the opposite side of the mountain from here. Further down the trail, the old miners cabin is clearly visible. It is mostly collapsed but still a very cool piece of history. Don't touch it and hopefully it will still be there for many years. Whoever worked this mine sure got a beautiful office view. Right next to the cabin is a pretty large tailings pile. If you decide to enter the mine, be very careful. You have to climb in on your butt so make sure to wear a helmet. Once inside, the mine itself is in surprisingly good repair. There are a couple of side tunnels that shortly end. The main tunnel ends in a 15 foot vertical shaft, with rope it could easily be done.