Phoenix Gold Mine Tour

"Mixed Feelings"

This was a tough one to rate. I have a lot of mixed feelings. My first impressions were NOT GOOD, but I loved my sweet tour guide so much that it ended up being great. I think they are way overpriced for what they are, but they are also one of the only mines that are open when it snows.

First, it is way off the beaten path...seriously. Prepare to drive up a dirt road in the sticks. When we first walked in, I entered a shack (literally) to pay for my tour, The woman in there was on the phone yelling obscenities at someone & totally ignored me for a full 10-15 minutes as I stood there freezing & breathing in her second-hand smoke (I sent my child outside to play in the fresh air & snow). After pushing the resident dog off me a couple of times & brushing muddy paw prints off my wool coat, a second miner chick came in & was very nice. She took my money & directed me to my guide, Adam.

Adam was a doll. He was so knowledgeable & so excited to be giving a tour. I got the feeling they don't get visitors much. We asked a ton of questions & he obligingly answered. We learned the history of the mine & mining itself in Colorado. Adam pointed out various ore veins, shafts & mining equipment. At the end of the tour, he showed us how far we had walked on a map of the mine.

We didn't stay to pan for gold as it was snowing & we were araid our fingers would snap off in the cold. Dress warm, wear good shoes & go potty first - all they have are smelly porta-potties!

Overall, it was an interesting experience. Would I do it again? Probably not. However, it is one of the more accessible mines in snowy weather & if you get a good guide, you can have a lot of fun.