The Vanishing
Historical Footprint.
Located on US Highway 40 between Hayden and Steamboat Springs, the former mine sites of Mt. Harris offer a rare glimpse into a landscape reclaimed by nature.
Not a Ghost Town, But a Memory
Unlike preserved "ghost towns" with standing structures, Mt. Harris is a place where the land has largely been reclaimed by nature. Only subtle traces remain of the once-vibrant community, leaving visitors to read the landscape rather than tour buildings.
History & Conservation
From Extraction to Conservation
Established in 1914 as a "model coal camp," Mt. Harris was a bustling, diverse town of nearly 1,300 residents. It operated until it was auctioned off and dismantled in 1958.
For conservation advocates, this site offers a compelling case study on how industrial landscapes can transition back into ecological assets. Today, the site is protected by a conservation easement held by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT), preserving agricultural heritage and wildlife habitat along the Yampa River.
A Historic Tragedy
The site is somberly known for the Wadge Mine explosion of 1942, which claimed the lives of 34 miners.
A historical marker on the highway commemorates this event and the town's history.
Ecological Value
The protected land now serves as critical winter range for elk and deer, and provides a riparian corridor for bird species.
Visual Remains
No standing buildings left. Sharp-eyed visitors can spot concrete foundations hiding in the sagebrush and trees on the south side of the highway.
Community
A testament to the "vanishing" footprints of the West. Nearby museums explore the preservation of similar Western Slope mining history.
Visiting Information
This is primarily a viewing area. There is a pull-off for the historical marker on US Highway 40.
The land itself is largely private or conserved under easement. Exploration is typically limited to the roadside viewing area to protect the ecological habitat.