A Fool for Fool's Gold

There's no doubt that Pyrite has made more than one fool over the years. But when it comes to collecting minerals in the mineral-rich state of Colorado, those deceitful little cubes are py-RIGHT by me (the jokes won't get any better folks).

It was the first morning of a two-day rockhound adventure for my trusty sidekick Chase and I. After spending quality time talking shop at The Rock Doc (Nathrop, Co), we plunged south down 285 and make a hard right to the west on 50. We were headed for overlooked treasures in the mine tailings along County Road 228, a few miles from Monarch, Colorado.

Word of caution: unless you are in an amazingly high-clearance vehicle with real climbing power, do not take County Road 224 to County Road 228. We made this tragic mistake, and after talking to a wonderful family from Iowa that was almost stuck in their minivan about a mile into 228, we too had to eventually turn around.

(I drive a Honda Pilot with 4WD....didn't help.)

Stay on Highway 50 until you come to County Rd 228 near Monarch (click on the picture below to enlarge)

Here is a link to that exact location using GPS:
CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Once you turn onto CR 228, it will be a gravel road like you've never seen before. There is an active marble quarry a few miles up, and the quarry operators have packed the dirt road with beautiful, crushed, white marble. It is very smooth, and almost looks like snow!

Continue up the (much more accessible) section of CR 228 for a few switchbacks. Keep an eye out on the right side for the abandoned mine buildings shown in the pictures. You cannot miss it, the mine tailings literally dump out into the road.

CAUTION: There are huge trucks that traverse this road from the marble quarry, so pull your vehicle well-off the road. They need every inch of space in the turn that is by the mine tailings.

As soon as you step out of your vehicle, the rush of "decomposing" pyrite will assault your nose...that pungent aroma of sulfur is hard to miss! The ground (in places) looks like you are walking on streets of gold, there is so much pyrite laying around. Larger pieces are harder to come by, but the quantity of small cubes (less than 1/4") are everywhere. Bring a hand-trowel, and also a camera. The abandoned buildings with rotting wood set against the backdrop of the beautiful Colorado Rockies are a nice photo-op.

I have been told that if you continue UP the mountain, and go past the marble quarry, that there is another, larger abandoned mine area with the opportunity to find more minerals. I cannot speak to the quality (or lack thereof) of road conditions, so driver beware.

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