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Colorado Prospector - Gem and mineral prospecting and mining forums _ Historical Equipment and Tales _ An old placer mine site near GJ

Posted by: jasong Mar 15 2010, 12:29 AM

Anyone else ever run across this place? Found it this summer when I was out 4x4ing. I'm fairly certain the "petroglyph" is from the miners (a flying pig???). Miles of tailings around, didn't get pictures of those though since it's just washed gravel. I think this place was mined in the late 1800's, again in the 1930's, and then again in the late 70's/early 80's. The name I think is a kid who lived in the stone cabin in the 30's.. No clue what the circles on the rock are...some sort of machinery imprint maybe?

If anyone happens to recognize this place and knows any more history about the miners here I'd be real interested to learn.

Posted by: jasong Mar 15 2010, 12:58 AM

Here is one of the 70's/80's era pieces of mining equipment, looks custom, 4 sluices. A couple miles up river. The older equipment appears to be long gone other than some random junk and screens.

Posted by: Gold_Barnstormer Mar 15 2010, 06:53 AM

Cool photos Jason. I'm assuming Grand Junction. That's one bad-ass lookin' sluice.

Posted by: Coalbunny Mar 20 2010, 12:13 AM

You'll have to give a bit more info than just that, Jason.
Could be west of GJ on the Colorado, likely on the Dolores though. Maybe on the Little Dolores.

Posted by: Kurt Oct 21 2010, 03:22 PM

Pretty neat would love to hear more also.

Posted by: RichDColorado Oct 21 2010, 08:26 PM

jasong - I believe you are correct regarding the petroglyph (a flying pig) and the dates of 1970's-80's. The flying pig was most likely the miner's homage to the 1977 release of the album "Animals" by the British rock group Pink Floyd, in particular, a direct reference to the song on the album, "Pigs on the Wing". My recollection of that period is somewhat clouded due to circumstances which are best left for discussion in a smokey barroom.