The Climax Mine is a huge molybdenum mine at the summit of Fremont Pass. The mine complex spans across the continental divide and two separate counties. For a long time, this was operated as a hard rock mine but the main ore body was transformed into a strip mine back in the 70s. After a few decades of being shuttered, it is back in production and remains the richest source of molybdenum found on the planet to date.
A few of the old underground carts used to bring ore to the surface.
One of the old engines that hauled ore carts underground.
An old mucker.
A marmot came out to say hello.
Old carts for hauling ore underground.
Looking west of the continental divide. The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad ends in the trees to the left.
Down the road toward the freeway sits a few former mining towns now completely obliterated by the tailing ponds of the Climax Mine. One housed the highest Masonic temple in the world.
Now there are just endless tailing fields.
