I like old mines and buildings of Colorado’s rich past. Mines are scattered all over the state. Some mines are difficult to get to, others are on private lands, and still others are made into tourist traps. Perhaps one of the best places to see a lot of mines and mining buildings up close for free is in Victor. Victor is about 25 miles southwest of Colorado Springs and just a few miles south of the gambling trap known as Cripple Creek. Once here, drive straight through town to the parking area near the largest of the mines known as the Vindicator. This parking area starts the Trail of Gold walking tour. The Vindicator mine is the first one to see here. Feel free to go inside and look around. It’s an ominous building. The trails have site markers giving information on each site. From here it’s a simple yet up hill hike to various other mines and buildings. To see them all, you might need most of the day, but since it’s not far from the Springs, this is easy to do.

Worth Noting: The mines are spaced out all along the hillside, so some up hill hiking will be required if you want to see them all. There are no fees, and dogs seem to be allowed. I saw no other people here, but since it was February, that might change in the summer months? After this hike, you can turn back and go to Cripple Creek for food or casino gambling, or continue on the road, and it will loop around back before town. I plan a return trip here soon as I read that there is a scenic road (Phantom Canyon Road) that heads south out of Victor that contains some tunnels and an old railroad trestle that I want to see and shoot.