The Creeper Jeepers Gang was once again proud to partner with the Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) of Durango for an annual 4x4 tour. On September 19th, several of our members volunteered to take ASA participants to La Plata Canyon and into Columbus Basin. We are told this event is one of the highlights of the year for the ASA crew.
“The Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) is a non-profit organization located at the foot of the beautiful San Juan Mountains in historic Durango, Colorado. Our mission is to provide outdoor, sport and recreational experiences for people with disabilities. These activities are provided regardless of individual financial limitations and create an atmosphere for learning and enhancing self-esteem.”
The drive up La Plata Canyon offered spectacular scenery with fall colors, waterfalls, wildflowers, and mining history. It was the perfect escape for a mid-day Saturday run.
The destination was the Columbus Mine site. The mine is reached via Columbus Basin Road, which is a short spur road approximately 7 miles up La Plata Canyon from where the pavement ends. The road itself is much more narrow, steep, and rocky than the main road up La Plata Canyon. Upon our arrival, the CJG treated everyone to lunch from Tom’s Deli of Durango.
This mine was last active from the late 1800’s until 1917. The mine was accessed through a 350’ shaft and had 5 levels. In 1916, the mine had 16 miners, 4 kickers, 2 machine operators, and a blacksmith. The mine’s steam boiler, which was installed in 1914, sits near the opening. It was fired with coal shipped from Hesperus to Mayday by rail and then from Mayday to the mine on pack animals. The mine extracted primarily gold and silver ore.
The mine was safeguarded in 2008 with a steel grate and a polyurethane foam closure by the Colorado Inactive Mine Reclamation Program. According to an interpretive sign at the site, this program was created in 1980 to address the hazards and environmental concerns from the 23,000 hazardous mines and 1,300 miles of streams that are impacted.
The Columbus Mine is privately owned by long-time Durango residents and is under 24-hour video surveillance.
After lunch and time to explore the area, we headed back down the mountain. We were fortunate to have fabulous weather. Everyone had a great time and the participants are already looking forward to next year’s event. Many thanks to all who made this event possible.
