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2003 Field Trips
Index:
Where: (see club's May newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: BLM
To Collect: Barite and Calcite
Leader: Bill Hawes from the RAMS Club
Approximately: 4 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Heat; wind; snakes; scorpions; sunburn (no shade).
Terrain: Low barren hills.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~4,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Near the site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Nearest Motel is in: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Additional Comments: The Grand Junction Show is the same weekend. Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs.
BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's May newsletter)
Time: 7:30am
Land owner: N/A
To Collect: Insect Fossils
Leader: Bill Hawes from the RAMS Club
Approximately: 1 hour from Grand Junction (3 hours from Denver)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Snakes; scorpions; sunburn; elevation.
Terrain: unknown
Difficulty: unknown
Elevation: 8268 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 1 hour away in Grand Junction
Nearest Motel is in: 1 hour away in Grand Junction
Additional Comments: The Grand Junction Show is the same weekend. Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs. BACK TO TOP
Where: Timpas, Colorado (see club's May newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: U.S. Government Military
To Collect: Calcite and Barite
Leader: Bill Chirnside and Donna Hughston
Approximately: (contact the leaders)
Fee or Donation: Depends on where you dig
Health Hazards: (contact the leaders)
Terrain: (contact the leaders)
Difficulty: (contact the leaders)
Elevation: (contact the leaders)
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Garden scratcher, shovel, hand spade and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: (contact the leaders)
Water: (contact the leaders)
Nearest Town for Supplies: (contact the leaders)
Nearest Motel is in: (contact the leaders)
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs. One day will be at the Pinon Canyon Maneuvering site for calcite. Another day will be at the Comanche National Grasslands for barite. Another day will be in Kenton, Oklahoma. BACK TO TOP
Where: TBA
Time: 9am
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Smoky Quartz, Amazonite, Fluorite and Topaz
Leader: Rose Reynolds
Approximately: 1.5 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: Optional Forest Service donation
Health Hazards: Ticks and sunburn; afternoon lightning storms; rain
Terrain: Rocky mountains and hills; pine and aspen trees
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~8500 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, crack hammer, chisels, screen, small prybar, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: 0 to 3 miles from collecting site
Water: Available at Devil's Head Campground, but bring your own just in case.
Nearest Town for Supplies: Sedalia
Nearest Motel is in: Sedalia (?) or Lake George (to the south)
Additional Comments: Dry camp. Last 11.5 miles on bladed dirt forest road (Rampart Range Rd). The road may be "washboardy", so take it easy. 0 to 3 mile hike on moderate to steep terrain. Mid-afternoon storms. Joint trip with the RAMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: (contact the leader)
To Collect: Epidote, Magnetite, Quartz, Uralite and Pyrite
Leader: Moyra Lynne
Approximately: (contact the leader)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Small cactus; sun; heat
Terrain: Mountains and pine trees; small cactus
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~9400 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, prybar, crack hammer, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Nearest Motel is in: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS club. An optional trip to the Hartsel barite site will be offered on Sunday. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Smoky Quartz, Amazonite, Fluorite and Topaz
Leader: Bob Aussprung from the CMS club
Approximately: 1.5 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: Optional Forest Service donation
Health Hazards: Ticks and sunburn; afternoon lightning storms; rain
Terrain: Rocky mountains and hills; pine and aspen trees
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~8500 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, crack hammer, chisels, screen, small prybar, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: 0 to 3 miles from collecting site
Water: Available at Devil's Head Campground, but bring your own just in case.
Nearest Town for Supplies: Sedalia
Nearest Motel is in: Sedalia (?) or Lake George (to the south)
Additional Comments: Dry camp. Last 11.5 miles on bladed dirt forest road (Rampart Range Rd). The road may be "washboardy", so take it easy. 0 to 3 mile hike on moderate to steep terrain. Mid-afternoon storms. Joint trip with the CMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Time: 10:30am
Land owner: N/A
To Collect: Amethyst, sowbelly agate, and sulfides at Last Chance Mine; thundereggs at Del Norte
Leader: Eldon Hunewell
Approximately: 5+ hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: $2.00/pound of material at the Last Chance Mine
Health Hazards: Old mine dump conditions (e.g. boulders, old timbers, rusty metal, etc.)
Terrain: Mountains
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: N/A
Vehicle Suggested: Any (see June newsletter)
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, chisels, scratcher, prybar and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Various places near Creede and South Fork.
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 2 miles away in Creede
Nearest Motel is in: Creede or South Fork
Additional Comments: We will only be allowed to collect at certain spots on the dumps. Joint trip with the RAMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Land owner: Public property
To Collect: Blue Forest Wood, Eden Valley Wood, Agate and Fossil Fish
Leader: NONE
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Heat; sunburn; mosquitos and ticks; very windy.
Terrain: High desert
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~7200 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, chisels, long thin pole for probing in the ground, and collecting bags.
Camping: near collecting sites
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Farson, WY
Nearest Motel is in: Farson, WY
Additional Comments: Toilets available at camp site. One motel in Farson; more in Rock Springs which is 35 miles to the south. Very hot and windy! Joint trip with the RAMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's July newsletter)
Time: 8am
Land owner: TBA
To Collect: Zircon, Riebeckite, Bastnaesite, Genthlevite and Astrophyllite
Leader: Ray Berry from the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: MOSQUITOS!!!; heat; cold; wind; rainstorms with lightning.
Terrain: Mountains; steep.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: TBA
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, hammer, prybar, chisel, scratcher, gloves and material for wrapping specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Colorado Springs, CO
Nearest Motel is in: Colorado Springs, CO
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the CMS and CSMS clubs. We must arrive and leave together with the trip leader! BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's July newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: San Isabel National Forest
To Collect: Clear Quartz
Leader: Richard Parsons and Bob Holder from the Lake George Club
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Sunburn; altitude sickness; afternoon lightning storms
Terrain: Steep; tundra and talus
Difficulty: Moderate to Extreme (steep 1/2 mile hike at high altitude)
Elevation: 11,700 - 13,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any; high clearance suggested
Equipment Suggested: Scratcher, shovel, crack hammer, chisel, gloves and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Dry, flat area (old quarry) at location; USFS campground off US Hwy 50 W. of Garfield; commercial RV camp east of Maysville
Water: Not available. Bring plenty!
Nearest Town for Supplies: Poncha Springs
Nearest Motel is in: Poncha Springs or Garfield
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the Lake George club. Topo map: Garfield Quad BACK TO TOP
Where: Steamboat Springs State Park Visitor Center (see club's July newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: TBA
To Collect: Clear Quartz
Leader: Donna Hughston from the RAMS Club
Fee or Donation: none
Health Hazards: TBA
Terrain: TBA
Difficulty: TBA
Elevation: ~8400 ft
Vehicle Suggested: 4WD required; car-pool from meeting place if necessary.
Equipment Suggested: Scratcher, shovel, crack hammer, chisel, gloves (rocks are sharp) and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Steamboat Springs State Park (or elsewhere)
Water: TBA
Nearest Town for Supplies: Steamboat Springs, CO
Nearest Motel is in: Steamboat Springs, CO
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS club. To get to the top of Hahn's Peak, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required. If you do not have 4-wheel drive, you need to arrange for a ride to the collecting area. This weekend is a state holiday and the campgrounds fill up early. If you plan to spend the weekend in the park, make your reservations early. BACK TO TOP
Where: Spruce Grove Campground (see club's August newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Topaz and Smoky Quartz
Leader: Bob Loeffler
Approximately: 2 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: $7.00 per night if camping
Health Hazards: Mosquitos!!!
Terrain: Rocky mountains and hills; pine and aspen trees
Difficulty: Moderate to Extreme
Elevation: ~8700 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, hammer, prybar, screen and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: at the Spruce Grove Campground; 1 1/4 miles from collecting site.
Water: Available at campground
Nearest Town for Supplies: Lake George, CO (15 miles away)
Nearest Motel is in: Lake George, CO (15 miles away)
Additional Comments: Paved road to campground; may have potholes. 1 1/4 mile hike over moderate to difficult terrain to collecting site; one or two steep hills. Toilets available. Bring lots of mosquito repellant! Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's August newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: (contact the leader)
To Collect: Epidote, Peridot, Unakite, Fluorite
Leader: Bob Aussprung from the CMS club
Approximately: (contact the leader)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Insects; heat; sunburn.
Terrain: Mountains and pine trees
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~9400 ft
Vehicle Suggested: (contact the leader)
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, crack hammer, rock hammer and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Nearest Motel is in: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Additional Comments: Bring insect repellent. Bring plenty of water. Joint trip with the CMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's August newsletter)
Time: TBA
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Aquamarine, Fluorite, Phenakite and Smoky Quartz
Leader: Bob Loeffler
Approximately: 3.5 to 4 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Extremely high altitude; cold; very windy; rain, snow, hail; lightning in afternoon; sunburn; rockslides (loose rocks).
Terrain: Steep, bare, rocky mountains; above the tree-line.
Difficulty: Extreme
Elevation: 11,500 - 14,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Hi-Clearance, 4WD REQUIRED
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, crack hammer, chisels, garden scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: 2 miles from digging site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 20 miles away in Buena Vista (takes a couple hours due to bad road)
Nearest Motel is in: 20 miles away in Buena Vista (takes a couple hours due to bad road)
Additional Comments: Afternoon storms are common. Elevation at camp is 11,500 ft. All collecting areas are above 12,500 ft. Buena Vista is a couple hours away due to extremely rough dirt and rock roads that can have potholes more than a foot deep. Joint trip with the RAMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's September newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: BLM (claimed)
To Collect: Smoky Quartz, Amazonite, Fluorite and Feldspar
Leader: Jeff Self and Donna Ware from the CMS club
Approximately: 2 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Sunburn; insects.
Terrain: Mountains and pine trees.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: TBA
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Near the site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Lake George
Nearest Motel is in: Lake George
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the CMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's September newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: BLM
To Collect: Topaz, Bixbyite, Pseudobrookite, Garnets, Red Beryl, Hematite, Opal and maybe Geodes
Leader: Robert Boehm from the CMS club
Approximately: 550 miles from Denver (between 11 and 12 hours)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Desert conditions (can be hot, cold and/or windy); may snow; possible scorpions, rattlesnakes and bugs; sunburn
Terrain: Barren desert mountains; rocky
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~5300 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any (some rough roads)
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, rock hammer, chisels, crack hammer, 1/8" steel rod (curled), screen, screwdriver and something to hold your collected specimens in (eg. egg cartons or flats).
Camping: within sight of digging area
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Delta, UT (50 miles to the southwest)
Nearest Motel is in: Delta, UT (50 miles to the southwest)
Additional Comments: No facilities. Bring plenty of water. The Dugway Geode Beds location is just north of Topaz Mt. This is a joint trip with the CMS club. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's September newsletter)
Land owner: Claim on private property; permission REQUIRED (club members have permission)
To Collect: Blue Barite
Leader: Bob Loeffler
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Can be hot, cold (snow) and/or windy; Sunburn (no shade); possible rattlesnakes.
Terrain: Grassy plains and barren cliffs.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~4500 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, crack hammer, chisels, prybar, pick, wedges and something to hold your specimens (such as egg cartons and tissues).
Camping: Within a mile or two of the digging site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Ft. Morgan, CO (36 miles to the south) or Sterling, CO (to the east)
Nearest Motel is in: Ft. Morgan, CO (36 miles to the south) or Sterling, CO (to the east)
Additional Comments: Digging is in rock-hard clay. No open fires. Fill in holes. If wet or muddy, do not drive on access road; park on main road and hike in. Frank Bendrick,the claim owner, will let us in and out of the gate. BACK TO TOP
Where: (see club's October newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: BLM
To Collect: Barite and Calcite
Leader: Ted Gildea (RAMS Club)
Approximately: 4 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Heat; wind; snakes; scorpions; sunburn (no shade).
Terrain: Low barren hills.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~4,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Near the site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Nearest Motel is in: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS club. BACK TO TOP
| May 10 | Book Cliffs (Grand Junction, CO) #1 | |
| May 11 | Douglas Pass (Rifle, CO) | |
| May 24 - 26 | Southeast Colorado | |
| May 31 - June 1 | Devil's Head (Sedalia, CO) #1 | |
| June 21 - 22 | Calumet Mine (Salida, CO) | |
| June 21 | Devil's Head (Sedalia, CO) #2 | |
| July 4 - 6 | Creede and Del Norte, CO | |
| July 4 - 6 | Big Sandy Resevoir, Wyoming | |
| July 12 | Eureka Tunnel/Fairview, CO | |
| July 19 - 20 | Missouri Ridge/Taylor Mountain, CO | |
| August 2 - 3 | Hahn's Peak (Steamboat Springs, CO) | |
| August 16 - 17 | Spruce Grove/Tarryall Mtns. (Tarryall, CO) | |
| August 23 | Turret area (Salida, CO) | |
| August 30 - September 1 | Mt. Antero (Nathrop, CO) | |
| September 6 - 7 | Crystal Peak (Lake George, CO) | |
| September 18 - 22 | Topaz Mtn., Utah | |
| September 27 - 28 | Stoneham, CO | |
| October 11 - 13 | Book Cliffs (Grand Junction, CO) #2 |
Book Cliffs (Grand Junction, CO) Trip #1
May 10
Where: (see club's May newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: BLM
To Collect: Barite and Calcite
Leader: Bill Hawes from the RAMS Club
Approximately: 4 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Heat; wind; snakes; scorpions; sunburn (no shade).
Terrain: Low barren hills.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~4,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Near the site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Nearest Motel is in: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Additional Comments: The Grand Junction Show is the same weekend. Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs.
BACK TO TOP
Douglas Pass, CO Trip
May 11
CANCELLED due to rain and snow!
Where: (see club's May newsletter)
Time: 7:30am
Land owner: N/A
To Collect: Insect Fossils
Leader: Bill Hawes from the RAMS Club
Approximately: 1 hour from Grand Junction (3 hours from Denver)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Snakes; scorpions; sunburn; elevation.
Terrain: unknown
Difficulty: unknown
Elevation: 8268 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 1 hour away in Grand Junction
Nearest Motel is in: 1 hour away in Grand Junction
Additional Comments: The Grand Junction Show is the same weekend. Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs.
BACK TO TOP
Southeast Colorado Trip
May 24 - 26 (Memorial Day weekend)
CANCELLED due to illness!
Where: Timpas, Colorado (see club's May newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: U.S. Government Military
To Collect: Calcite and Barite
Leader: Bill Chirnside and Donna Hughston
Approximately: (contact the leaders)
Fee or Donation: Depends on where you dig
Health Hazards: (contact the leaders)
Terrain: (contact the leaders)
Difficulty: (contact the leaders)
Elevation: (contact the leaders)
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Garden scratcher, shovel, hand spade and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: (contact the leaders)
Water: (contact the leaders)
Nearest Town for Supplies: (contact the leaders)
Nearest Motel is in: (contact the leaders)
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs. One day will be at the Pinon Canyon Maneuvering site for calcite. Another day will be at the Comanche National Grasslands for barite. Another day will be in Kenton, Oklahoma.
BACK TO TOP
Devil's Head, CO Trip #1
May 31 - June 1
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: TBA
Time: 9am
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Smoky Quartz, Amazonite, Fluorite and Topaz
Leader: Rose Reynolds
Approximately: 1.5 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: Optional Forest Service donation
Health Hazards: Ticks and sunburn; afternoon lightning storms; rain
Terrain: Rocky mountains and hills; pine and aspen trees
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~8500 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, crack hammer, chisels, screen, small prybar, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: 0 to 3 miles from collecting site
Water: Available at Devil's Head Campground, but bring your own just in case.
Nearest Town for Supplies: Sedalia
Nearest Motel is in: Sedalia (?) or Lake George (to the south)
Additional Comments: Dry camp. Last 11.5 miles on bladed dirt forest road (Rampart Range Rd). The road may be "washboardy", so take it easy. 0 to 3 mile hike on moderate to steep terrain. Mid-afternoon storms. Joint trip with the RAMS club.
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Calumet Mine, CO Trip
June 21 - 22
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: (contact the leader)
To Collect: Epidote, Magnetite, Quartz, Uralite and Pyrite
Leader: Moyra Lynne
Approximately: (contact the leader)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Small cactus; sun; heat
Terrain: Mountains and pine trees; small cactus
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~9400 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, prybar, crack hammer, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Nearest Motel is in: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS club. An optional trip to the Hartsel barite site will be offered on Sunday.
BACK TO TOP
Devil's Head, CO Trip #2
June 21
Pictures
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Smoky Quartz, Amazonite, Fluorite and Topaz
Leader: Bob Aussprung from the CMS club
Approximately: 1.5 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: Optional Forest Service donation
Health Hazards: Ticks and sunburn; afternoon lightning storms; rain
Terrain: Rocky mountains and hills; pine and aspen trees
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~8500 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, crack hammer, chisels, screen, small prybar, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: 0 to 3 miles from collecting site
Water: Available at Devil's Head Campground, but bring your own just in case.
Nearest Town for Supplies: Sedalia
Nearest Motel is in: Sedalia (?) or Lake George (to the south)
Additional Comments: Dry camp. Last 11.5 miles on bladed dirt forest road (Rampart Range Rd). The road may be "washboardy", so take it easy. 0 to 3 mile hike on moderate to steep terrain. Mid-afternoon storms. Joint trip with the CMS club.
BACK TO TOP
Creede, CO Trip
July 4 - 6
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Time: 10:30am
Land owner: N/A
To Collect: Amethyst, sowbelly agate, and sulfides at Last Chance Mine; thundereggs at Del Norte
Leader: Eldon Hunewell
Approximately: 5+ hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: $2.00/pound of material at the Last Chance Mine
Health Hazards: Old mine dump conditions (e.g. boulders, old timbers, rusty metal, etc.)
Terrain: Mountains
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: N/A
Vehicle Suggested: Any (see June newsletter)
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, chisels, scratcher, prybar and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Various places near Creede and South Fork.
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 2 miles away in Creede
Nearest Motel is in: Creede or South Fork
Additional Comments: We will only be allowed to collect at certain spots on the dumps. Joint trip with the RAMS club.
BACK TO TOP
Big Sandy Resevoir in Farson, WY
July 4 - 6
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: (see club's June newsletter)
Land owner: Public property
To Collect: Blue Forest Wood, Eden Valley Wood, Agate and Fossil Fish
Leader: NONE
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Heat; sunburn; mosquitos and ticks; very windy.
Terrain: High desert
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~7200 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, chisels, long thin pole for probing in the ground, and collecting bags.
Camping: near collecting sites
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Farson, WY
Nearest Motel is in: Farson, WY
Additional Comments: Toilets available at camp site. One motel in Farson; more in Rock Springs which is 35 miles to the south. Very hot and windy! Joint trip with the RAMS club.
BACK TO TOP
Eureka Tunnel/Fairview, CO Trip
July 12
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: (see club's July newsletter)
Time: 8am
Land owner: TBA
To Collect: Zircon, Riebeckite, Bastnaesite, Genthlevite and Astrophyllite
Leader: Ray Berry from the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: MOSQUITOS!!!; heat; cold; wind; rainstorms with lightning.
Terrain: Mountains; steep.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: TBA
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, hammer, prybar, chisel, scratcher, gloves and material for wrapping specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Colorado Springs, CO
Nearest Motel is in: Colorado Springs, CO
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the CMS and CSMS clubs. We must arrive and leave together with the trip leader!
BACK TO TOP
Missouri Ridge/Taylor Mountain, CO Trip
July 19 - 20
Where: (see club's July newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: San Isabel National Forest
To Collect: Clear Quartz
Leader: Richard Parsons and Bob Holder from the Lake George Club
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Sunburn; altitude sickness; afternoon lightning storms
Terrain: Steep; tundra and talus
Difficulty: Moderate to Extreme (steep 1/2 mile hike at high altitude)
Elevation: 11,700 - 13,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any; high clearance suggested
Equipment Suggested: Scratcher, shovel, crack hammer, chisel, gloves and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Dry, flat area (old quarry) at location; USFS campground off US Hwy 50 W. of Garfield; commercial RV camp east of Maysville
Water: Not available. Bring plenty!
Nearest Town for Supplies: Poncha Springs
Nearest Motel is in: Poncha Springs or Garfield
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the Lake George club. Topo map: Garfield Quad
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Hahn's Peak (Steamboat Springs), CO
August 2 - 3
Pictures
Where: Steamboat Springs State Park Visitor Center (see club's July newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: TBA
To Collect: Clear Quartz
Leader: Donna Hughston from the RAMS Club
Fee or Donation: none
Health Hazards: TBA
Terrain: TBA
Difficulty: TBA
Elevation: ~8400 ft
Vehicle Suggested: 4WD required; car-pool from meeting place if necessary.
Equipment Suggested: Scratcher, shovel, crack hammer, chisel, gloves (rocks are sharp) and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Steamboat Springs State Park (or elsewhere)
Water: TBA
Nearest Town for Supplies: Steamboat Springs, CO
Nearest Motel is in: Steamboat Springs, CO
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS club. To get to the top of Hahn's Peak, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required. If you do not have 4-wheel drive, you need to arrange for a ride to the collecting area. This weekend is a state holiday and the campgrounds fill up early. If you plan to spend the weekend in the park, make your reservations early.
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Spruce Grove/Tarryall Mtns., CO Trip
August 16 - 17
Trip Report
Where: Spruce Grove Campground (see club's August newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Topaz and Smoky Quartz
Leader: Bob Loeffler
Approximately: 2 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: $7.00 per night if camping
Health Hazards: Mosquitos!!!
Terrain: Rocky mountains and hills; pine and aspen trees
Difficulty: Moderate to Extreme
Elevation: ~8700 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, hammer, prybar, screen and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: at the Spruce Grove Campground; 1 1/4 miles from collecting site.
Water: Available at campground
Nearest Town for Supplies: Lake George, CO (15 miles away)
Nearest Motel is in: Lake George, CO (15 miles away)
Additional Comments: Paved road to campground; may have potholes. 1 1/4 mile hike over moderate to difficult terrain to collecting site; one or two steep hills. Toilets available. Bring lots of mosquito repellant! Joint trip with the RAMS and CMS clubs.
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Turret area, CO Trip
August 23
Where: (see club's August newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: (contact the leader)
To Collect: Epidote, Peridot, Unakite, Fluorite
Leader: Bob Aussprung from the CMS club
Approximately: (contact the leader)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Insects; heat; sunburn.
Terrain: Mountains and pine trees
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~9400 ft
Vehicle Suggested: (contact the leader)
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, crack hammer, rock hammer and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Not available
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Nearest Motel is in: Salida (10 miles away on dirt road)
Additional Comments: Bring insect repellent. Bring plenty of water. Joint trip with the CMS club.
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Mt. Antero, CO Trip
August 30 - September 1 (Labor Day weekend)
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: (see club's August newsletter)
Time: TBA
Land owner: National Forest Service
To Collect: Aquamarine, Fluorite, Phenakite and Smoky Quartz
Leader: Bob Loeffler
Approximately: 3.5 to 4 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Extremely high altitude; cold; very windy; rain, snow, hail; lightning in afternoon; sunburn; rockslides (loose rocks).
Terrain: Steep, bare, rocky mountains; above the tree-line.
Difficulty: Extreme
Elevation: 11,500 - 14,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Hi-Clearance, 4WD REQUIRED
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, crack hammer, chisels, garden scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: 2 miles from digging site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 20 miles away in Buena Vista (takes a couple hours due to bad road)
Nearest Motel is in: 20 miles away in Buena Vista (takes a couple hours due to bad road)
Additional Comments: Afternoon storms are common. Elevation at camp is 11,500 ft. All collecting areas are above 12,500 ft. Buena Vista is a couple hours away due to extremely rough dirt and rock roads that can have potholes more than a foot deep. Joint trip with the RAMS club.
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Crystal Peak, CO Trip
September 6 - 7
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: (see club's September newsletter)
Time: 10am
Land owner: BLM (claimed)
To Collect: Smoky Quartz, Amazonite, Fluorite and Feldspar
Leader: Jeff Self and Donna Ware from the CMS club
Approximately: 2 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Sunburn; insects.
Terrain: Mountains and pine trees.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: TBA
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Near the site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Lake George
Nearest Motel is in: Lake George
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the CMS club.
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Topaz Mtn., Thomas Range, Utah Trip
September 18 - 22
Where: (see club's September newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: BLM
To Collect: Topaz, Bixbyite, Pseudobrookite, Garnets, Red Beryl, Hematite, Opal and maybe Geodes
Leader: Robert Boehm from the CMS club
Approximately: 550 miles from Denver (between 11 and 12 hours)
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Desert conditions (can be hot, cold and/or windy); may snow; possible scorpions, rattlesnakes and bugs; sunburn
Terrain: Barren desert mountains; rocky
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: ~5300 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any (some rough roads)
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, rock hammer, chisels, crack hammer, 1/8" steel rod (curled), screen, screwdriver and something to hold your collected specimens in (eg. egg cartons or flats).
Camping: within sight of digging area
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Delta, UT (50 miles to the southwest)
Nearest Motel is in: Delta, UT (50 miles to the southwest)
Additional Comments: No facilities. Bring plenty of water. The Dugway Geode Beds location is just north of Topaz Mt. This is a joint trip with the CMS club.
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Stoneham, CO Trip
September 27 - 28
Trip Report and Pictures
Where: (see club's September newsletter)
Land owner: Claim on private property; permission REQUIRED (club members have permission)
To Collect: Blue Barite
Leader: Bob Loeffler
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Can be hot, cold (snow) and/or windy; Sunburn (no shade); possible rattlesnakes.
Terrain: Grassy plains and barren cliffs.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~4500 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, crack hammer, chisels, prybar, pick, wedges and something to hold your specimens (such as egg cartons and tissues).
Camping: Within a mile or two of the digging site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: Ft. Morgan, CO (36 miles to the south) or Sterling, CO (to the east)
Nearest Motel is in: Ft. Morgan, CO (36 miles to the south) or Sterling, CO (to the east)
Additional Comments: Digging is in rock-hard clay. No open fires. Fill in holes. If wet or muddy, do not drive on access road; park on main road and hike in. Frank Bendrick,the claim owner, will let us in and out of the gate.
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Book Cliffs (Grand Junction, CO) Trip #2
October 11 - 13
Where: (see club's October newsletter)
Time: 9am
Land owner: BLM
To Collect: Barite and Calcite
Leader: Ted Gildea (RAMS Club)
Approximately: 4 hours from Denver
Fee or Donation: None
Health Hazards: Heat; wind; snakes; scorpions; sunburn (no shade).
Terrain: Low barren hills.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: ~4,000 ft
Vehicle Suggested: Any
Equipment Suggested: Shovel, pick, rock hammer, prybar, chisels, scratcher and something to hold your collected specimens.
Camping: Near the site
Water: Not available
Nearest Town for Supplies: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Nearest Motel is in: 20 miles away in Grand Junction
Additional Comments: Joint trip with the RAMS club.
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