Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine | Colorado Springs

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, located in Cripple Creek, Colorado, is a historic gold mine that offers one of the most authentic underground mining tour experiences in the United States. Named after Mollie Kathleen Gortner, a pioneering female prospector credited with discovering the mine in 1891, it stands out as the only vertical shaft gold mine open to the public for tours, allowing visitors to descend deep underground by elevator and experience the working conditions of miners from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

1. Historical Background

The mine was discovered and developed during the Cripple Creek gold rush, which began in the 1890s and transformed the region into one of the richest gold mining districts in the country. Mollie Kathleen Gortner, the mine’s namesake, was one of the few women miners of her time and played an important role in the early development of the operation. The mine was actively worked commercially until 1961, producing millions of dollars’ worth of gold ore during its peak years.

After closing, the mine was preserved as a tourist attraction to showcase the history and technology of underground gold mining. It has since become a key destination for visitors wanting to explore the workings of a genuine historic mine in a safe and educational environment.

2. Tour Experience

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour is notable for its immersive, hands-on approach, which begins with visitors entering the mine through a vertical shaft elevator. This elevator lowers guests 1,000 feet (approximately 300 meters) underground - a unique feature, as most mine tours use horizontal or inclined tunnels for access.

Once underground, visitors walk through a quarter-mile of flat, well-maintained tunnels and mining areas where gold veins can be observed in their natural rock formations. The tour provides insights into:

Mining Techniques: The evolution of gold mining methods from hand drilling and blasting to mechanized extraction.

Mining Tools and Equipment: Displays and explanations of drills, picks, explosives, and transport systems used by miners.

Mine Layout: Visitors see timber supports, ventilation shafts, ore chutes, and other structural elements essential for safe mining operations.

Historical Stories: Guides share anecdotes about the miners’ daily lives, dangers faced underground, and the technological advancements of the period.

An exciting part of the tour is the underground rail car tram ride, where visitors board a small mine locomotive to travel through the mine’s passageways. This ride recreates the movement of ore and miners during the operational days, adding an authentic sensory experience.

3. Environmental Conditions

The temperature inside the mine remains steady around 50°F (10°C) year-round, so visitors are advised to bring warm clothing regardless of the season. The underground environment is safe but confined, with good lighting and well-maintained pathways to ensure accessibility and comfort.

4. Safety and Accessibility

The mine is not ADA accessible; due to its underground nature, wheelchairs, walkers, and service animals are not permitted inside.

Visitors must be physically able to handle walking through uneven terrain and climbing into the mine elevator cage.

Strollers, large backpacks, food, and drinks are prohibited inside the mine to ensure safety and preservation.

Photography is allowed, allowing guests to capture unique images of the mine’s interior.

Restrooms are available above ground, but there are none inside the mine tunnels.

5. Recent Incident and Operational Status

In October 2024, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine was the site of a tragic accident when an elevator malfunction trapped twelve people underground, resulting in the death of a tour guide and injuries to others. Following a thorough investigation, the accident was attributed to operator error rather than mechanical failure. After extensive safety reviews and improvements, the mine resumed operations in early 2025, continuing to welcome visitors under strict safety protocols.

6. Visiting Information

Location: 9388 Highway 67, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813

Operating Season: Typically open from May through mid-October, weather permitting. Outside this period, tours may be limited or unavailable.

Tour Duration: Approximately one hour, covering about a quarter-mile of walking underground.

Tour Frequency: Tours depart roughly every 30 to 45 minutes during peak season, starting at 9:00 AM and running until 6:00 PM.

Admission Prices:

Adults (13+): Around $30

Children (3–12): Around $18

Children under 3: Around $2 or free in some cases

Reservations: Recommended for groups of 15 or more, walk-ins are generally welcome but may face wait times during busy periods.

Contact: Visitors can call +1-719-689-2466 for more information or to book tours.

7. Nearby Attractions

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine is situated in the heart of Cripple Creek, a town rich with history and heritage tourism opportunities:

Cripple Creek Heritage Center: An interactive museum about mining history and local culture.

Cripple Creek District Museum: Exhibits on the town’s mining era and Victorian life.

Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum: Showcasing the wild and often lawless history of Cripple Creek.

Various casinos, shops, and historic buildings complement the mining heritage of the town.

Summary

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine provides an exceptional, authentic experience of Colorado’s gold mining history through its unique vertical shaft descent and underground exploration. Visitors gain a vivid understanding of the challenging working conditions and the remarkable engineering feats of the era. Despite recent safety challenges, the mine continues to operate as a premier historic attraction, blending education, adventure, and cultural heritage in one unforgettable tour deep beneath the surface of Cripple Creek.