The 7:30 Mine Trail in Silver Plume is one of those great, but often overlooked, Colorado hikes that merges the incredible natural beauty of the Front Range with the abundant mining history of the area.  The trail is moderate, not too hard, not too easy, but has some sections of narrow trail and steep slopes.  You’ll pass through mining ruins and ultimately arrive at a monument and a waterfall, all with views stretching out along the I70 corridor.

The trail starts from wherever you find room to park in town so the first part is walking to the trailhead.  The official trail starts with some signs explaining the local history and a series of switchbacks.  The switchbacks take you up with slope and past the ruins of mining infrastructure.  It is vital that you stay on the trail on the trail in this area as exploring or climbing on mining structures can be extremely dangerous, alos, never enter any abandoned mine shafts collapse, deadly gases, and mischievous Tommyknockers are only a few of the hazards that you may face.

The mining aspect of the hike is fascinating but the views, especially to the west, are breathtaking.  A short detour takes you down to the Clifford Griffin memorial monument which is also the best viewpoint of the trail.  Continue on the main trail for just a little bit longer and you’ll reach the waterfall.  The trail takes you to just above the spot where the waterfall drops off a steep cliff and the narrow but forceful cascade up slope is equally impressive.  Abandoned mining equipment can be found mixed with the boulders in the cascade.  The trail returns along the same route but it’s all downhill from the waterfall. 

Colorado’s legacy of mining is a mixed bag; abandoned mining ruins and debris can be a blight on the pristine natural environment, but the mining roads left behind usually become hiking trails providing access to the mountains that we all love.  This is a good spot to embrace that dichotomy and experience nature while getting your history lesson in at the same time.