Entry No. 75 — the Boulder file — filed under: history

Burlington Mine

Operating from 1920 to 1973, the Burlington Mine was once a premier fluorspar-producing site in the western United States. Following its closure, underground collapses created a massive 300-foot-deep surface pit, which has since been backfilled and capped during extensive ecological reclamation. Today, while the main shafts are sealed, colorful whitish-tan and purple-tinted mine tailings remain visible along the hillsides.

The move: Take a scenic drive up James Canyon Drive to County Road 87, where you can park and safely view the historic mine tailings from the roadside while searching for small fragments of purple fluorite.

📍 Before you go The mine site itself is private property, heavily remediated, and marked with 'No Trespassing' signs, but the historic tailings and geological features are easily visible from the public right-of-way along County Road 87.

• 📍 Boulder
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Boulder, CO 80302, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Westword · Reddit

last checked: 2026-07-20