Skip to main content
Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Calamity Camp Mining Site

Bedrock, Colorado · Mesa County

This remote, historic site contains one of the last standing vanadiun-radium-uranium camps in Colorado. Calamity Camp is an example of the historic mining camps that were active during the uranium booms from 1916 to 1980. The site has several well-preserved structures, including a cookhouse. NOTE: There is some residua…

Advertisement
38.61208, -108.85284
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Calamity Camp Mining Site

This remote, historic site contains one of the last standing vanadiun-radium-uranium camps in Colorado. Calamity Camp is an example of the historic mining camps that were active during the uranium booms from 1916 to 1980. The site has several well-preserved structures, including a cookhouse. NOTE: There is some residual radiation at this site, because of radioactive minerals in the area.

How to Get There

From Grand Junction, travel U.S. Highway 50 south 10 miles to State Highway 141. Travel 42 miles west, toward Gateway. Turn off at Niche Road, 4 miles east of Gateway. Follow Niche Road 16 miles to Calamity Mesa. It is recommended that maps be purchased from BLM before visiting the site.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Calamity Camp Mining Site

Heading to Calamity Camp Mining Site? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Calamity Camp Mining Site?

Yes — reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Popular sites fill quickly, especially weekends and holidays. Book up to 6 months in advance.

How do I get to Calamity Camp Mining Site?

From Grand Junction, travel U.S. Highway 50 south 10 miles to State Highway 141. Travel 42 miles west, toward Gateway. Turn off at Niche Road, 4 miles east of Gateway. Follow Niche Road 16 miles to Calamity Mesa. It is recommended that maps be purchased from BLM before visiting the site.

How do I contact Calamity Camp Mining Site?

You can reach the park at phone: 970-244-3000.