Calumet Mountain

Overview

Calumet Mountain is located just outside Salida, Colorado in the San Isabel National Forest. It isn't by any means a prominent peak or a difficult climb but it has a hidden treasure. For us rock collectors this mountain has some great mineral specimens. In particular there are great Epidote, Calcite, Magnetite and Graphite here. The Calumet mine that was once in operation on the slopes of the namesake mountain was a fine provider of minerals especially graphite and Magnetite (iron) to the ever growing mining industry in Colorado in the middle of the twentieth century.

Getting There

See this Map for an overview of the area and where other mines are locates nearby. This whole area is rich in mineral deposits so get out here and explore! To get to Calumet Mountain head north out of Salida on Colorado Highway 291 for a little under a half mile and turn right onto Co Road 175. After 0.2 miles take the first right to stay on Co Road 175. Follow Co Road 175/Ute Trail for 9 miles as it winds through a beautiful canyon and passes many turn-offs. Don't take any other county road. Stay on 175 until you get to the top of a large hill overlooking Antero and Princeton to your west. At the top of this hill there is a large mine into hard rock and a small parking area.

Mt. Antero and Princeton from the summit of Calumet Mountain

From here hike downhill down the grassy slope heading in a northward direction until you get at the bottom of the hill and cross a little drainage. Then climb back uphill and continue walking up the ridge until you hit the summit of Calument Mountain. To get to the Calumet Mine, look down the slopes to the west and look for a small road that is more like a trail now. This track comes from the south. You can then descend down to this track and hang right on it until you get to the mine. Be sure you don't descend right over the mine as old shafts and adits can collapse. Around the mine are many very good mineral specimens for you to find and collect. Bring your rock hammer!

External Links

See this page for a little more information of what you can find here.
Calumet Mine