Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour — Cripple Creek, Colorado

Discover the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour in Colorado

Descend 1,000 feet underground into America’s only authentic vertical-shaft gold mine open to the public at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. Located in the historic gold camp of Cripple Creek, this unforgettable tour takes visitors deep beneath the Rocky Mountains for a first-hand look at real mining tunnels, machinery, ore veins, and mining life during Colorado’s Gold Rush.
Why it’s special:
Mollie Kathleen is the only mine in the U.S. offering a vertical mine-shaft ride, giving visitors a thrilling, immersive descent into a real, hard-rock gold mine.

History/Story of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

Discovered in 1891 by Mary Catherine “Mollie” Gortner, the mine became one of Cripple Creek’s most successful independent mines. Unlike many mining claims of the era, Mollie Kathleen’s mine was actually named after a woman—an uncommon honor in the 19th century. The mine continued producing gold through the mid-20th century before opening as a historical underground tour.

What You’ll See & Do at the Mollie Kathleen Mine

• Ride an authentic miner’s cage 1,000 feet straight down the vertical shaft

• Walk through illuminated tunnels showing real ore veins and blasting pockets

• Watch demonstrations of air-powered drills, jackhammers, and mining tools

• Learn how miners drilled, blasted, hauled, and processed ore

• See underground tramcars, ore chutes, timber sets, and gravity systems

• Ride the underground tram air locomotive used by real miners

• Receive a free gold ore specimen at the end of the tour

Hands-On Elements: Touch ore samples, examine real gold-bearing rock, watch drill demos, handle mining tools (designated areas).
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed underground; no tripods or bright lights.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gold ore samples, gemstones, jewelry, shirts, hats, mining toys, educational books.

Pricing of the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour

• Adults: $35

• Seniors (65+): $30

• Children (ages 3–12): $25

• Children under 3: Not permitted underground

Practical Info for Visiting the Mollie Kathleen Mine

Duration: 60 minutes
Format: Guided underground tour with vertical shaft descent
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily May–October; limited winter hours
Working Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (varies by season)
Audience: Families, history lovers, geology fans, adventurers
Accessibility: Underground environment not ADA accessible; steep areas and metal cages
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes required

• Jackets recommended (temperature underground stays around 50°F)

• No infants or children under 3

• Hard hats provided
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Groups welcome with reservation
  What to Bring/Wear: Warm layers, sturdy shoes, camera
  Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms at surface level, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Weather or maintenance may delay cage operations

Nearby

• Cripple Creek Heritage Center

• Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

• Victor Gold Mining District

• American Eagles Overlook & Mine

FAQs About Visiting the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

How far underground do we go?
You descend a full 1,000 feet, deeper than most public mine tours in the U.S.

Is the shaft ride scary?
It feels adventurous but is very safe—the mine cage is the same type miners used daily.

Will I see real gold?
Yes—guides point out gold-bearing quartz veins, and each visitor receives a gold ore sample.

Is it cold underground?
Yes—about 50°F year-round, so bring a jacket even in summer.

Can children go on the tour?
Children must be 3 years or older to ride the mine shaft cage.