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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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Very close to the abandoned mining camp of Leadville, Nv.
Access road is not maintained, high-clearance vehicles recommended,
4-wheel might not be needed, but with ever changing conditions,
it's nice to have.
Short hike to cache location... Rated as 2.5 terrain due to the
rough but drivable road and the short hike, possibly crossing
water, depending on the route taken.
Leadville - Born in 1909 and abandoned in the 1920's. A small town
now ghostly and deserted, did not make much of a splash in mining
circles although production of lead and silver continued regularly
each year from 1910 to 1923.
In 1920 the Leading Mining Company took possession of the
area.
Production under this concern was $153,000 in 1921, and about
$254,600 in 1922. The property consisted of three main claims
developed by two shafts, a 1700-foot tunnel, and a 500-foot winze
equipped with two 75 and one 100-horse power and semi-Diesel
engine, compressor, electric locomotive, auto trucks, 7500-foot
water line, and 30,000 gallon tank. Also in operation was a 35-ton
mill and flotation plant. All this was incorporated in 1920 with
capital stock of $1,500,000.
Like all mining activities, ore petered out, and production ceased.
No one is living in Leadville at the present time, but some sort of
lease or claim on the mine was filed in Feb, 2011.
Prospectors and would-be miners never give up; there is always the
possibility of finding a new vein leading to a rich
bonanza...
There is not much left of the town except for scattered wood and
metal, a couple mines, tailings and there are still a couple
standing wooden structures left, although they are slowly
succumbing to the elements over time.
There are some things to be aware of if you decide to explore the
area. Abandoned mines still exist, though they are filled in for
the most part. I wouldn't drink the water... There is also a bit of
wildlife and cattle. During my visit I saw a bunch of cows and a
few deer... Since both of these animals frequent the area, there
are also Ticks in the area... I hiked well off the beaten path all
over the area and ended up finding ticks on me when I was done. If
you have a dog, make sure to either keep them safe, or check them
for ticks when you're leaving, not to mention checking yourself.
That being said, there haven't been any reported cases of Lyme
Disease in the area, and even though I was bitten, haven't had any
adverse reactions (yet). Just be aware.
ALSO. Please be respectful of this site and it's
surroundings. This is not technically a "historic site" by
lawful means, but it's preservation and history are maintained, or
should at least not be disturbed by visitors so that it may be
enjoyed by future generations to come.
Remember: Cache In, Trash Out.
Thanks for playing!
*Some info sourced from Desert Magazine - June,
1968; "A Trip To Leadville"
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
rreg