Entry No. 93 — the Grand Junction file — filed under: abandoned-mine

Bangs Canyon Trailhead (Mica Mine)

Located in the Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area, this historic site was once the Williamson Mine, which produced mica and quartz until the 1950s. Today, a 1.3-mile trail leads hikers into Ladder Canyon to the abandoned open-cut mine. While the main mine tunnel has collapsed, visitors can still see glittering sheets of mica embedded in the canyon walls and scattered across the ground.

The move: Hike the scenic 2.6-mile round-trip trail through Ladder Canyon to admire the towering red rock cliffs and photograph the glittering mica and quartz deposits at the historic mine site.

📍 Before you go The mine is located on public BLM land with a well-maintained hiking trail, but entering any remaining mine tunnels or climbing on unstable quarry walls is dangerous and restricted.

• 📍 Grand Junction
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Little Park Ct, Grand Junction, CO 81507, USA

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

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: roadtripryan.com · spokeandblossom.com

last checked: 2026-07-20