Dec 23, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
One of the best ways to enjoy the winter scenery in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is to go hiking in the snow. There are many trails to choose from, but one of my new favorites is the Uranium Mine Trail, which leads to an old mine site and a beautiful viewpoint of the valley. The Uranium Mine hike is a perfect combination of history, nature, and adventure. The main parking lot also connects to the Fish Creek Falls Trail, which takes you to a stunning waterfall that freezes in the winter.
I decided to do this hike on a cold and cloudy day in late December, when there was a light snowfall. I parked my car at the Fish Creek Falls parking lot, where there was a $5 fee that you can pay with a credit card on the machine located there. I put on my hiking boots, warm layers, a backpack with water, snacks, and a 360 camera. I also brought a pair of microspikes, which are metal spikes that attach to your shoes and provide traction on icy surfaces. I highly recommend them for this hike, as the trail can get slippery and there are some steep areas. Many people also hike with snowshoes, but it is not required.
The trail head starts a couple hundred feet back down the road that you come in on. I followed the sign for the Uranium Mine Trail, which the first part has a couple switchbacks and is probably the hardest part of the trail in terms of elevation gain. From one of the switchbacks, you can see where the falls are below, and people on the Falls Overlook trail. I took some photos and enjoyed the view for a few minutes.
I continued on the trail, which follows along the hills and has some steep rock slides that go down into the valley below. The trail was well-packed from other hikers that had snowshoed through here. I did not see any other signs and markers along the way to indicate that I was on the correct trail but there were no cross trails to get confused. But I was hoping that I was headed in the right direction out into the wintery wilderness. I was able to get GPS on my phone that showed I was headed in the right general direction. The trail was very quiet and peaceful, and I only saw a few other hikers and snowshoers along the way. At some points I felt like I was the only one out there in this vast wilderness.
The trail is about 1.5 miles one way, and it took me about 45 minutes to reach the mine site. The trail was lined with pine and aspen trees, which were covered with snow and ice. The snow was falling gently, creating a magical atmosphere. I saw some animal tracks on the snow, and heard some birds in the trees. Always keeping an eye out for a moose or some other wild animal that I did not want to run into. The trail was not too difficult or strenuous, but I did take some breaks to catch my breath and admire the scenery. You are above 7500 feet here so the air is a little thin.
I almost walked right past the mine, except for a random sign that sits right in front of it, I would not have seen it. It is somewhat camouflage with trees and bushes. The mine site was an interesting and eerie place, there was not much other than a random sign and a heavy steel bar door that was locked to keep people out. The mine was operated from 1955 to 1968, and produced uranium ore for nuclear weapons and power plants. It was abandoned and reclaimed in the 1980s, and is now a historical and educational site. The sign has some information and photos about the mine and its history. I explored the site area for a while, and imagined what it was like to work there out in the middle of what seemed like nowhere.
The best part of the trail was the viewpoint, where I could see the whole valley below. You could hear the North Fork Fish Creek rushing below but could not see much of it with all the snow. The view was amazing and breathtaking, and I felt like I was on top of the world. I took some 360 photos and cell phone pictures, and enjoyed a snack and a drink. I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and I was glad I made it to the top. It appeared that the trail continued on but this was where I was turning back.
I went back the same way I came, I retraced my steps and descended the hill, enjoying the downhill and the views. It was a little faster on the way down and as I got back to the parking lot it started to snow again. I was not ready to stop, so I decided to take the quick trail down to see Fish Creek Falls. There are two trails from here, one is the Fish Creek Falls Overlook and then another one that takes you down to the bridge that crosses Fish Creek. I took the one at the end of the parking lot that takes you down to the creek, again this trail was well packed and easy to hike in just boots. If there was a recent snowfall it may be better with snowshoes.
The trail was not challenging or overly adventurous, but very scenic and rewarding. The trail offered some spectacular views of the creek, the canyon, and the mountains above. The creek was flowing fast and clear, but most of it was not visible due to all the snow.
My short trek ended at the bridge that crosses Fish Creek where you can see the frozen lower falls, which were a sight to behold. The website says that it is about 280 feet high but I am not sure if they were referring to the lower or upper falls. It was pretty high from what I could tell and they were completely frozen, forming a wall of ice. The falls were impressive and beautiful, and looked like a work of art. The sound of the water was muffled and muted, and the air was cold and crisp. Again, I took some 360 photos and marveled at the falls for a while. While I was out there, a guy was just coming down along the frozen creek with an ice ax, crampons and helmet, he said he was ice climbing the falls. I would have liked to see that.
I went back the same way I came, as the trek for me was just an out and back. The trail does go on up to the upper falls past the bridge but I was not going to do that trip this time. Maybe next time, I would like to come back here in the summer time. I retraced my steps and followed the creek, enjoying the scenery but this time it’s all uphill back to the parking lot and my car.
I ended my day feeling happy and tired. I had a great time hiking in the snow, and I also learned a lot about the area and its history. I was grateful for the opportunity to experience this unique and beautiful place. I would highly recommend this hike to anyone who loves snow and nature. It is a fun and memorable way to enjoy the winter wonderland of Steamboat Springs.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
