The Little Annie Mine

Charles Thompson, J. K. Casteel and Annie Casteel laid claim to a valuable lode of ore in 1894. When filing with the Four Mile/Swift Water Mining District, they gave their mine the name Little Annie. It eventually had a 90-foot shaft and myriad branching tunnels underground, and above ground there was a power house and worker housing. Sadly, none of the buildings remain.

To get there, take paved CR 370, which begins in Buena Vista as Colorado Avenue. You will cross the Arkansas River and go about two miles to CR 377 just before the tunnels. Take 377 five miles to CR 375 on your right. Both of these county roads are dirt. After 1.1 mile on 375, you will see an old unmarked wagon road on the left. Park your vehicle and walk up the road, which is a clear, but steep, ¼ mile hike to the mine. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the wagon road. Be on the lookout for signs of small mining operations in the area, but exercise caution. Remember to tread lightly and be aware of the dangers of unstable subterranean passages.