7:30 Mine Trail

 Today was day one of my annual 14er climbing trip. This year I will make an attempt on Quandary Peak near Breckenridge, Colorado. However, for a warm-up hike, today would take me up the 7:30 Mine Trail to the Griffin Memorial.

I started my day at the Kelly Dahl Campground outside of Nederland, Colorado. Unlike my previous stays at this campground, last night I practically had the place to myself. This morning, I woke up, ate breakfast, packed up camp and then hit the road. After a brief stop in Idaho Springs to grab a coffee, I drove on to the small town of Silver Plume and parked downtown to start my hike up the 7:30 Mine Trail. 

Right at the start of the trail there is some old mining infrastructure, including what appears to be some type of flume.

The trail climbs steadily right from the start. Luckily the grades are not too steep. Soon a view opens up over the town of Silver Plume.

The trail continues to ascend, passing more mining relics.

Occasionally, the trail passes through stands of attractive aspen trees.

Moving on, I passed an old, rotting mining shack.

Then I found an old mine adit. 

Since it wasn't sealed, I went in a short distance and looked out.

Further up the trail were more mines, these were grated off.

Soon, I arrived at the Clifford Griffin Memorial, the final resting place of a man who had been born in England. 

The views from the memorial were pretty spectacular. I could look down onto traffic on Interstate 70 far below.

There was also a view of a tall, slender waterfall trickling down the mountain nearby.

I continued on the trail past the memorial and found more evidence of mining activity.

I could also look back to the Griffin Memorial looming over Clear Creek far below.

I made my way back towards the trailhead enjoying the occasional view.

I even caught a glimpse of the Georgetown Loop Railroad which Noelle, Sierra, and I had ridden a few years ago.