This hike "Uranium Mine Trail" in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is such a serene hike and flashback in history! To get to this hike, you'll need to drive to the parking lot at the end of Fish Creek Falls Road (where you can hike down to the base of Fish Creek Falls, which is a spectacular hike in itself.) I believe the parking is $5.
The hike to the uranium mines is roughly only 1.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 800 feet. Several switchbacks take you to a breathtaking panoramic view of the canyon. You'll see stunning Aspen trees, which Steamboat Springs is known for, along with some berry bushes that pop with the contrast of the white bark from the Aspens. You may even see a bear! Some folks on my hike saw a bear, and let me just say, "Bears love berries!"
This trail/hike actually used to be a road to access the uranium mine at the top. In the early 1950's, the United States was in a race with the Soviets to stock pile nuclear weapons and was in need of the uranium. Uranium prospectors dug for roughly 1,000 feet before the mine was closed.
Once I arrived at the mine, I found it was gated. The gate is to prevent potential collapse of the mine and also the mine has potential noxious radon gases. However, the type of gate installed still allows for local colonies of bats to access the cave.
Next, you venture on through another grove of aspens as the hike goes on a decent down to a mountain spring. Be sure to take your boots and socks off and wade on in to the cool mountain water. This is one of the best homeopathic remedies for sore feet there is. And, it's also one of my favorite past time activities. Anyone who has hiked we me knows I will get in the water, and if wearing a swimsuit, I'll jump on in!
Here are a few shots of the hike:
The uranium mine!
The ride to Fish Creek Falls
The trailhead...
Some pretty Fall colors...
Aspens and bear food...the berry bushes...
At the top...
Shucks, no bats...
The canyon!
Drum roll please...Fish Creek Falls from the Uranium trail hike (turned out a little blurry)
(Ahhh, my favorite...dipping my feet in ice cold mountain water)
It's simply the best!
After the hike, I visited Beau Jo's Colorado Style Pizza. This place is delicious, and they serve honey with their pizza. Honey and pepper flakes on a pizza really take a pie to the next level. This place is worth the stop.
If you get a chance to visit Steamboat Springs, the periodic table does not end here with the uranium mine. Make sure to visit the Strawberry Hot Springs park for a steamy dip one of their many hot springs pools. The pools vary in temperature ranging to hot to WHOA THAT'S REALLY HOT! The springs get their heat from the sulfur underground. You can literally walk (or swim, as some pools are deeper) and feel where the heat is coming into the pool. And here's a bonus, you don't ever smell the sulfur! A lot of natural springs can smell really sulfur-y.
Your muscles feel so rejuvenated and relaxed after your visit, so it's definitely great to plan for after a good hike. Also, due to COVID, you have to go online and book a time and the price went up a bit since they are limiting the amount of people in the pools now. My last two times have been at night with full moons and a sky full of stars. So, sorry no pictures. They frown on photography since the some of the night visitors dip in the pools wearing their birthday suits only. Also, flashlights and camera lights are frowned upon because they add light pollution, which takes away the enjoyment from the stargazers. However, you'll be amazed how your eyes will adjust to the moonlight. Definitely 100% worth the visit. I've been wanting to go back next time it snows and during the day, because the pictures online are absolutely breathtaking.
There is also lodging there! So, you can stay and soak as long as you desire. There are onsite facilities to book a massage, even.
Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Halloween!
Boo!
Kimmie
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