Colorado Mountains, Skiing, Ghost Towns, 4×4, and Vacations

No Colorado vacation is complete without visiting the London Mine, high atop the Mosquito Pass.  The Pass is located high in the Colorado mountains and was often called “highway of frozen death” due to the number deaths from the mad gold rush to Leadville in the late 1870’s.  During 1879, more than a hundred wagons and coaches traveled the pass daily.  There were many traffic jams on the narrow road and many travelers lost in storms because of the harsh conditions.

By 1880, the railroad reached Leadville and the Mosquito Pass was abandoned.  After WWII the pass was reopened by the residents of Leadville and Fairplay to hold their annual burro race between the two towns.  This annual event continues today.

There are many old structures at the London Mine and the drive is extremely scenic through the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  During the summer, the floor of this valley is covered in bright flowers and the stream is clear and cold.

Although it was opened in the early 1870’s, the London Mine didn’t become a “money maker” until the early eighties.  The mine produced gold, silver, and lead.

The Denver & Southpark Railroad built a narrow-gauge railroad from London Junction (now called Alma) to the London Mine during the years of 1881-1882.  The actual portal of the mine was about 3,300 feet above this stop so an aerial wire-rope tramway was built to transport the ore down the mountain to the mill and train cars.  It is said that this aerial tramway was the first in Colorado.  Once the ore was loaded into the cars, it was transported back to London Junction (Alma) to be milled again, then to Black Hawk and Denver to the smelters.

The London Mine milled an average of 850 tons of ore per month by 1883 with a cost of about $7.50.  These total costs included the cost of the mining, transportation of the ore to the mill, and the milling of the ore.  The London Mine was very profitable.

By 1884, the profitable London Mine was closed due to litigation.  Originally, the London Mining Company was a consolidation of many claims owned by several different companies.  The disputes by the owners concerning the percentage of ownership and profits caused the mine to be tied up in court and closed in 1884.

Eventually the court battles ended and the new London Mining Company was incorporated. Boarding and bunk houses were built for the miners as well as an office building and stables.

The London Mine, high atop London Mountain, was quite isolated and in the most unfavorable climate.  Although it was difficult to attract experienced miners to such a harsh climate, the London managed to hire local American miners to work the mine.  Because these miners came with a vast amount of experience, this kept the costs of mining in line with the profits.

By 1910, the mines began slowing down and the miners began moving to other mining districts.  The London then hired Austrians, Hungarians, and Italians.  Since these labors were inexperienced, the costs of mining increased.  The miners were paid $3.00 per day for an eight hour day, while the machine men were paid $3.50 and the blacksmiths and foremen were paid $4.00.

As mining slowed even more, the London Mine closed its doors.  Today, the London Mine, LLC continues to exist further down the valley.

Directions: From the town of Alma, continue south about 4 miles towards Fairplay.  You will soon see the sign “Mosquito Pass” and the road is on your right.