Mt. Antero Treasures Mining Adventure

Buena Vista, Chaffee County, Colorado. Mineral searching license for a daily dig.

Details

Map. Buena Vista, Chaffee County, Colorado. Larger map

Where: 328 Charles st, Buena Vista, CO 81236. Directions
When: Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM; Sunday: 10 AM - 4 PM.
Season: Historically, mining could only take place three months out of the year.
Fees: $500.
Access: Tour guide does not provide a vehicle; rental company suggested for side-by-side or jeep; dig bag rental $25 per tool bag.
Walk-in or reserve: Phone the shop first to confirm high-altitude fitness; 719-626-1921.
Phone: (719) 626-1921
Website: mtanterotreasures.com
Managed by: Craig Cardwell and Tracie Cardwell.
Established: 1952.

One daily mineral searching license and one day with a guide per person; guides are experienced Mt. Antero prospectors from the operator's crew.

1952W.H. Cardwell and his son Grady M. Cardwell chose mining and targeted Mt. Antero. mtanterotreasures.com
1970sThe mine shifted entirely to gems and crystals, and Grady Cardwell handed the operation to his son Tommy. mtanterotreasures.com
1994Tommy Cardwell and his son Craig began the business. mtanterotreasures.com
2007Tracie became an esthetician and developed a skin-care line from mineral-rich clay found on Mt. Antero. mtanterotreasures.com
2013The Weather Channel's Prospectors, a reality TV show following miners in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, premiered in March 2013 with the Cardwell family among those showcased. mtanterotreasures.com
2016Prospectors' last episode aired in February 2016. mtanterotreasures.com

Craig Cardwell, fourth-generation miner who runs the Cardwell mining operation and Mt. Antero Treasures storefront (today).
Grady Cardwell, first mined Mt. Antero for beryllium; later discovered the gem resource the family business mines (1952).
Tracie Cardwell, co-runs the mining operation and storefront; esthetician who developed the Gemclay line from Mt. Antero clay (2007).
Grady M. Cardwell, retired military professional who began the family's Mount Antero mining venture (1970s).
Tommy Cardwell, took over the mining operation from Grady Cardwell (1970s).
W.H. Cardwell, began the Cardwell family's Mount Antero mining venture with his son (1952).