Little Annie Mine Trail

Destination: Little Annie Mine

General Location: West and northwest of Buena Vista

How To Get There: Head east on Main St. in Buena Vista, turn left on Colorado Ave (County Road 371). Follow the road across the river to County Road 377 - about 2 miles. Once you turn on CR 377 (just before the tunnels) you go 5 miles and turn right on CR 375. Follow CR 375 1.1 mile and the remains of the old wagon road will appear on your left. Motorized traffic is restricted up the old road, and only hiking is permitted up to the mine, about 1/4 mile. The climb is steep, but clear.

Difficulty: Paved roads all the way to CR 377. CR 377 and CR 375 are easy four-wheel dirt roads. The old wagon road up to the mine is a steep hike and although not marked, it should not be accessed by 4 wheel drive. Evidence of small mining operations exist all over this area.

Private Property & Responsible Recreation: Venturing off of public roads and lands onto private land is trespassing. The surrounding mountains have miles of underground tunnels and shafts. The area is dangerous and a once safe and stable area can suddenly collapse. The buildings also are in various state of decay and are also unsafe. Obey any posted signs, travel & recreate responsibly, and always tread lightly.
 

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.