Compromise Mine

Useful Information

Location:	Aspen Mountain, Aspen
Open:	JUL to AUG daily after appointment. Reservation mandatory. [2023]
Fee:
Classification:	Silver Mine
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Compromise Mine, 110 Smuggler Mountain Rd, Aspen, CO 81611, Tel: +1-970-925-2049.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

04-JUL-1879	prospectors discover Independence Gold Lode.
1880	300 people living in a tent city.
1888	Compromise Mine formed by consolidating Durant and Aspen mines.

Geology

Description

Compromise Mine is located on Aspen Mountain, above the Little Nell Ski Run. This is a working mine, currently used on an exploratory basis. The tour is guided by experienced local miners, who will explain the differences between modern mining and historic mining. To reach the mine, guests are driven to the mine entrance with four wheel drive vehicles. Then they board an 18 gauge mine car and ride 700 m underground.

This is actually where Aspen silver mining began. When silver seekers crossed the pass from Leadville, they found ore at this place, and soon realized they found the mother lode. Numerous small mines existed in this area, which were finally united, to end a continuous struggle. Hence, the name Compromise Mine.