Fourth of July Mine

Fourth of July Mine was established on, you guessed it, July 4, 1872. The mine is located at an elevation of 11,260 feet above sea level. This place was hard to get to. Forgetting the steep hike, the last 45 minutes was all 4-wheeling. All-wheel-drive recommended! How they hauled down tons and tons of copper daily, back in the day, is beyond me.

The trail goes straight through the Indian Peaks Wilderness, along the Arapaho Pass Trail. The valley is so grand and majestic. This photo doesn’t do it justice.

This hike is one of the best hikes in Colorado for wildflower lovers!

Back and front. Always remember to turn around on hikes. You never know what you might miss. Lost Lake is actually 2.5 miles away from this location.

Welcome to the mine, enjoy your stay. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

Don’t eat the flora. This might be hallucinogenic but might also give you a REALLY bad stomach ache.

Downtown Eldora has it all!