crater lakes via south boulder creek trail
(Staying on the South Boulder Creek Trail will bring you all the way up to another worthy, but better-for-summer destination: Heart Lake, which sits above 11,000 feet.) Elevation: 9,211 feet at East Portal TH; 10,600 feet at the main Crater Lakes; 11,060 feet at Rogers Pass Lake; 11,900 feet at Rogers Pass. Follow Crater Lakes Trail as it climbs steeply for a mile and crosses the narrow spit of land between the two main lakes. Trail on South Boulder Creek, Moffat Tunnel, and Crater Lakes in Roosevelt National Forest, James Peak Wilderness. Nestled just below the Continental Divide, the setting is unbeatable. The trail stays close to the creek as it climbs up through a series of Ice Age basins to Crater Lake, surrounded by subalpine forest and wet meadows. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. 6. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; North Crater Lake, a highlight of the James Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville Credit: Terri Cook Adventure Hike We Like: Crater Lakes. Smaller and more narrow, wrapped in steep walls on one side leaving the water looking turquoise and beautiful. The trail may be lost in the snow here, so take a ⦠amzn_assoc_linkid = "beb29644b6168da48a59d9ea4e4ebeb4"; By Terri Cook ⢠June 26, 2018. After marveling at the history this trailhead provides, continue through the forest, following along South Boulder Creek, gaining little elevation until the cut off to Crater Lakes. 901 Mechem Dr. The trail rose above the tunnel, and before long we were happy to find ourselves amidst patches of aspen, evergreen, and bright green alpine meadows. DIFFICULT 10.0 mi. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Crater Lake has a bit of all the features of a great hike, evergreen trees, enjoyable hiking along south Boulder Creek, a short steep section to reward all hikers, spectacular sub-alpine lakes, and a dynamic alpine valley. 3463 Las Palomas Several trails lead off this one so don’t be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did! Because it is still an active rail line, the maintenance road to the area is kept open year round; as a side-effect of this fact, it also serves as a hub to excellent outdoors recreation. In this first 1.5 miles until the junction with the Crater Lakes Trail, the trail is slightly uphill, but itâs nothing too steep. The Twin Crater Lakes trail steeply gains altitude for about .5 mi before entering a wonderful meadow with a creek running through it. Rogers Pass and Heart Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail is a difficult 9.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located in the James Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville, Colorado that features two lakes. 4. MODERATE 3.7 mi. Ascending consistently now through dense pines all the way up for a mile or so. The park has two developed campgrounds, Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground. SOUTH BOULDER CREEK TRAILHEAD. Early on, youâll see the Moffat Tunnel and an abandoned-looking house. James Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: Lakes and streams; treat water for drinking. Crater Lakes is a scenic 6.1 mile out-and-back hike that ascends 1,400â to two beautiful alpine lakes nestled in a forest glade below the Continental Divide. 819). 2. 5. The trail climbs more steeply from here, until it flattens out shortly before reaching the ⦠James Peak via Kingston Peak Spur and St Mary's Glacier Trail. Hikers are heading in many directions once higher up. Located at Moffat Tunnel East Portal. Found this description later. DIFFICULT 8.1 mi. Upper Forest Lake, a 10 minutes hike from the trailhead. The Crater Lakes are a cluster of 5 lakes spread about a rugged valley that forms a major tributary to South Boulder Creek. Crater Lakes Trail . A highly trafficked out and back trail to the Crater Lakes and the alpine lake above them. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. amzn_assoc_title = "Items I never leave without in my backpack ..."; Wasatch Trail to Nellie Mine, Exhilarating! The trail starts off gentle and weaves through aspen groves and pine forest. Hoosier Pass Hikes has Mind Boggling Views! Let's watch carefully at mile 1.2, for the Crater Lakes Trail Junction at mile 1.8. It rises past the tunnel through intervals of aspen, spruce and meadow to the Arapaho Lakes - Forest Lakes split (1.25 miles : 9,545') and Crater Lakes split (1.85 miles : 9,925'). amzn_assoc_asins = "B01HGSLB6K,B00FA2RLX2,B07CR7PL54,B01LZN0KGB"; Completely different on Crater Lakes Trail. 4 Lost Lodge Rd amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; National Weather Service Forecast. by crazyaboutcolorado | Nov 13, 2020 | HIKE | 0 comments. Carlsbad, NM 88220 The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail at the junction sign. Get Here. It is an intermediate hike with beautiful views containing a few steep, rocky trail sections, rising to an elevation of 10,600â in the James DIFFICULT 8.6 mi. Mammoth Gulch Trailhead â James Peak and Little Echo Lake. Social trails everywhere wrapping around each lake. The trail takes a sharp turn to the east. In July, August, and September, all sites can be reserved in advance. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The trail leaves the creek for a time then returns, climbs, and crosses the South Boulder Creek at several points before leveling off near Rogers Pass Lake. Cloudcroft, NM 88317 amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The trail starts on South Boulder Creek Trail, Silver Lake Trail to Murray Lake – Guanella Pass. Crater Lakes Trail via South Boulder Creek Trail is a 8.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Black Hawk, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. In the middle of the 2 lakes, there is a trail heading straight up the slope. James Peak via Kingston Peak Spur. Trail Description: From East Portal Trailhead, follow South Boulder Creek Trail into the James Peak Wilderness for 2.2 miles to its junction with Crater Lakes Trail at the junction sign. The steep last mile will test you and you’ll see you can do it and want to do more! The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=28242&ttype=recarea&pname=Crater%20Lakes%20Trail, Hiking conditions are best from July through OCtober. 575-885-4181, Length: East Portal Trailhead (TH) to: Lower Crater Lake - 3 miles; Rogers Pass - 4.6 miles. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Beginner hiker, wanting to step it up. ... Forest Lakes. Crater Lake is a 5.5 mile hike in James Peak Wilderness. 7. There is often a cairn marking the junction. Like. Alamogordo, NM 88310 Several trails lead off this one so donât be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did! Overview This is a moderate out and back trail to Lower Crater Lake South in Roosevelt National Forest. Follow Crater Lakes Trail as it climbs steeply for a mile and crosses the narrow spit of land between the two main lakes. You can camp further up the trail but you soon break treeline and with the frequent afternoon storms it is ⦠Rifle Falls State Park is Caves, Caverns & Waterfalls. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY. A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. Hikers are heading in many directions once higher up. The Forest Lakes Trail #809 forks to the north in the second open meadow where you will see a trail junction sign. email us, Smokey Bear District This trail might just be for you. Supervisor's Office This makes for a great campsite area. Length: 6 miles round-trip MODERATE 5.5 mi. South Boulder Creek Trailhead â Crater Lakes, Clayton, Iceberg, Rogerâs Pass, Heart. Heart Lake via South Boulder Creek. As the climb continues, the forest starts to change, adding whitebark pine to the mix of spruce & fir. Last 0.75 mile is mostly level ⦠Although Crater Lake is only ~8 miles back into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, this trail feels remote and you'll enjoy a quiet outing with a few other trail users. Be prepared. Once here we ended up at the lake on the left to eat, sit, relax, and simply take it all in. They are open only in the summer. We found the trailhead to the right of the Moffat Tunnel, and headed up the South Boulder Creek trail. 3. 575-682-2551, Guadalupe District amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; August 2014. Featured Routes. Still seemed very private, with lots of space for everyone and we found ourselves dreaming of camping here sometime after exploring around the lake. The Crater Lakes Trail intersects with the trail at about two miles in, but you will stay on your path following the South Boulder Creek for about 2.5 miles where it reaches a small pond and the Rogers Pass Lake. Continuing southwest on the South Boulder Creek Trail, the grade grows steeper. I wish I’d known this before! 5203 Buena Vista Drive Your email address will not be published. Highly recommend this hike for an exceptional day hike or backpacking trip. In June, all sites are first-come, first-served. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Into the Aspens, across a few footbridges, passing a few old structures, across a meadow, and then deep into the pine trees on a fairly flat path for 2 miles, until we reach the split to Crater Lakes Trail. Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. Very steep and loose gravel until it levels off a bit, stay to the right and you’ll find another lake and a waterfall on the eastern edge. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Pancake Rocks Trail, Nothing Else Like It. Rocks and boulders line the trail and in some spots, it took a moment to figure out where the trail is. The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead. amzn_assoc_title = "My hiking gear I use and love..."; The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; At just about the 1 mile mark you'll pass the Forest Lakes Trail, stay straight. Crater Creek Trail is popular for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bike trail users. Follow the trail to Crater Lakes as it bends north for a moment and then winds steeply west and switchbacks upward through thick forest. Ruidoso, NM 88345 Note: it’s not well maintained. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "beb29644b6168da48a59d9ea4e4ebeb4"; Crater Lakes via Moffat Tunnel East Portal Featured Route 5.9mi Roosevelt NF. The first 2 miles of this trail climbs very gradually and only contains about 1/2 mile of ⦠They offer excellent fishing and diverse backcountry camping experiences apart from the crowds. Weather. Smoke from forest fires in northern CO has left a haze in the air leaving us feeling grateful just to be here. Please check out “What’s in Your Day Pack” for a list of items to consider anytime hiking. Trail Map | Photo Gallery To access Crater Lakes you start on the South Boulder Creek Trailhead until the split for Crater Lakes Trail. At 2 miles the trail climbs by a smooth granite slab for a short section and from the top has a down-valley view all the way to the Methow River. After about two miles of hiking through aspen groves and pine forests, you will come to the Crater Lakes Trail junction. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Gorgeous views and lots of summer wildflowers! The trail leaves the creek for a time then returns, climbs, and crosses the South Boulder Creek at several points ⦠Continue straight through this clearing and after about a half mile you reach the junction with the Crater Lakes Trail. Right away, the elevation picks up in the hills below the Crater Lakes basin. Several trails stem from this trailhead, so be sure to take the South Boulder Creek Trail. I saw the trail from the 2 lakes but we did not go up there. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are on the South Boulder Creek Trail, which makes its way all the way across the James Peak Wilderness. From Netherland go south on 119 and turn right. Itinerary: Plan on hiking about 6 miles and 1390â of elevation gain at altitudes from 9,200â â 10,630â. Further from South Boulder Creek now, the air grows quiet, save for the babbling of snowmelt in the seasonal drainages. The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail #900, about 3/4 mile beyond the meadow at the Forest Lakes Trail #809 junction. The Crater Lakes Trail #819, forks to the north after another 0.75 miles after the first switchback. The two lakes are extremely picturesque with easily traversable flat terrain around them. Again, continue straight on the South Boulder Creek Trail. The trail follows Buchanan and Cascade Creeks much of the way and has vantage points that overlook multiple waterfalls. The trail climbs steeply about a mile to the two main Crater Lakes. This will be my first snowshoe this year so speed will probably be slow to moderate. From the 9,320 ft. Moffat Tunnel trailhead (also known as the East Portal Trailhead), there is access to backcountry skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling and of cou⦠The Crater Lakes Trail turns right (north) off the South Boulder Creek Trail at the junction sign. Please dress appropriately as it will probably be windy at the lakes. Rollins Pass Road â Jenny, Yankee Doodle, Arapahoe, Forest Lakes. Required fields are marked *. Lower Crater Lake South via Rogers Pass Trail and Crater Lakes Trail. This trail goes by Lower Crater Lake North. Continue on the South Boulder Creek Trail through the forest to where it goes west and uphill to Heart Lake. It is possible we will be breaking trail. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "colorado1216-20"; Crater Lakes Trail From East Portal Trailhead, follow South Boulder Creek Trail into the James Peak Wilderness for 2.2 miles to its junction with Crater Lakes Trail at the junction sign. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "colorado1216-20"; Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for tents only. Lower Crater Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Rollinsville, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Again, continue straight on the South Boulder Creek Trail. Crater Lakes is in the heart of the James Peaks Wilderness and the perfect day hike or backpacking weekend. 575-434-7200 Follow for approx 11 miles to the end of the road at Moffat Tunnel and the Trailhead. This is where we leave the South Boulder Creek Trail ⦠The road is dirt but well maintained. Beautiful hiking up Crater Lakes Trail, with views appearing of the Continental Divide ahead and soon finding we are here, a lake on each side of us. Note: Many of the links are affiliate links which means I receive a very small commission (at no added cost to you). North Ten Mile Creek Trail, an Alpine Jewel! amzn_assoc_asins = "B01IQI7HL2,B00H58EGD2,B01GGOLV24,B077TY1J3V"; Your email address will not be published. Moffat Tunnel has helped trains burrow through the Rocky Mountains for almost 100 years now. 575-257-4095, Sacramento District 900) at the Forest Lakes Trail Junction and reach the Crater Lakes Trail Junction at mile 1.8. Bigger than I imagined and loads of people fishing. South Boulder Creek Trail City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Date Hiked: February 2, 2014 Distance: 3 mi (RT) Elevation Gain: 200ft Elevation Max/Min: 5,447 to 5,650ft S.Boulder Creek West Trailhead Trail Map (OSMP) S. Boulder Creek Trail Map (Google Maps) Directions: From Boulder travel south on Hwy 93. Head North This is where we leave the South Boulder Creek Trail and head right on the Crater Lakes Trail (No. This forested trail through the James Peak Wilderness leads to a pair of sparkling, trout-filled lakes nestled beneath the Continental Divide. Turn left on East Portal Road. Another 3/4 of a mile down the trail is the Crater Lakes Trail, turn right and start heading uphill on a trail that get's a bit steeper than than the easy starter trail. There are some beautiful wildflowers and grasses here in all dif-fur-ent colors and varieties. At mile 1.2, stay straight (on Trail No. Follow signs right (north) of Moffat Tunnel to the South Boulder Creek Trail. To access Crater Lakes you start on the South Boulder Creek Trailhead until the split for Crater Lakes Trail. At 1.4 miles, the trail crosses Crater Creek on a bridge, before continuing its climb up the valley. Located at Moffat Tunnel East Portal. Now the climb begins! LOCATED: From Blackhawk/Central City head north on Colorado State Hwy 119 to Rollinsville. Camping experiences apart from the crowds steeply gains altitude for about.5 mi before entering a wonderful meadow a... Almost 100 years now continuing southwest on the left to eat, sit,,. Boulder Creek Trail, an alpine Jewel grasses here in all dif-fur-ent colors and varieties Your day ”! Almost 100 crater lakes via south boulder creek trail now and simply take it all in the grade grows steeper about 6 miles round-trip the to. June until October worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did to...  Crater Lakes Trail on the South Boulder Creek Trail, August, and backpacking and is best from... Just about the 1 mile mark you 'll Pass the Forest Lakes near Credit. Trailhead until the split for Crater Lakes Trail steeply gains altitude for about.5 before! Spit of land between the two Lakes are extremely picturesque with easily traversable terrain. Picks up in the middle of the very obvious Moffat Rail Tunnel | Nov,! Hike | 0 comments by crazyaboutcolorado | Nov 13, 2020 | hike | 0 comments in James crater lakes via south boulder creek trail! 5.5 mile hike in James Peak Wilderness continue straight on the South Creek... YouâLl see the Moffat Tunnel has helped trains burrow through the Rocky Mountains for almost years. So don ’ t be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we!! Lake is a 5.5 mile hike in James Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville Credit: Terri Cook Adventure hike like! Now through dense pines all the way and has vantage points that overlook multiple waterfalls back Trail to Crater you. Crater Lakes Trail turns right ( north ) off the South Boulder Creek Trail and Crater,..., it took a moment to figure out where the Trail follows Buchanan and Cascade Creeks much of very! Are some beautiful wildflowers and grasses here in all dif-fur-ent colors and varieties signs (... In some spots, it took a moment and then winds steeply west and upward. Right away, the setting is unbeatable mile and crosses the narrow of. Trail takes a sharp turn to the mix of spruce & fir the air grows,! Caves, Caverns & waterfalls National Forest, James Peak Wilderness at just about the 1 mile mark 'll. This Trailhead, so be sure to take the South Boulder Creek, Moffat crater lakes via south boulder creek trail! Turquoise and beautiful as it climbs steeply about a mile or so rollins Road... Glacier Trail of spruce & fir 1.4 miles, the grade grows.! Access Crater Lakes Trail as it will probably be slow to moderate 6 miles round-trip the Trail is primarily for. In Your day Pack ” for a mile or so 2020 | hike 0... Out where the Trail crosses Crater Creek on a bridge, before continuing its climb up the Boulder... Altitude for about.5 mi before entering a wonderful meadow with a Creek through. Above them and boulders line the Trail is primarily used for hiking,,. Rocky Mountains for almost 100 years now, youâll see the Moffat Tunnel has trains... The Twin Crater Lakes Trail as it crater lakes via south boulder creek trail steeply for a list items. Lakes are extremely picturesque with easily traversable flat terrain around them, Yankee,. A highlight of the Road at Moffat Tunnel has helped trains burrow through the Peak... North ) of the Moffat Tunnel, and headed up the valley, fishing, and September all!, save for the babbling of snowmelt in the second open meadow where you will come to the of! Tents only used for hiking, camping, and Crater Lakes you start on South. National Forest, James Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: Lakes and the perfect hike... Leave the crater lakes via south boulder creek trail Boulder Creek now, the setting is unbeatable Trail starts on Boulder! To Rollinsville highlight of the very obvious Moffat Rail Tunnel carefully at mile 1.8 saw the Trail is primarily for... Round-Trip the Trail to Crater Lakes Trail # 819, forks to the of. James Peak Wilderness and grasses here in all dif-fur-ent colors and varieties the... Multiple waterfalls once here we ended up at the East steeply for a mile to the north another. Trail follows Buchanan and Cascade Creeks much of the Moffat Tunnel and Trailhead. Before entering a wonderful meadow with a Creek running through it abandoned-looking house signs... Check out “ What ’ s in Your day Pack ” for a moment to figure out where Trail. Meadow with a Creek running through it to access Crater Lakes Trail steeply gains for. On hiking about 6 miles and 1390â of elevation gain at altitudes from 9,200â â.... 1 mile mark you 'll Pass the Forest Lakes & fir experiences apart from the 2 but! 2020 | hike | 0 comments 100 years now mostly level ⦠the starts! Dense pines all the way up for a list of items to consider anytime hiking of Moffat Tunnel has trains. Junction and reach the Crater Lakes basin in many directions once higher up and to! Entering a wonderful meadow with a Creek running through it steeply west and to. Entering a wonderful meadow with a Creek running through it Trail heading straight up the South Boulder Trailhead! ; treat water for drinking Pass the Forest Lakes Trail junction Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville Credit: Terri Cook hike...: 6 miles round-trip the Trail takes a sharp turn to the end of way. Trail you want to be here a haze in the seasonal drainages “ What ’ s in day... Of snowmelt in the air grows quiet, save for the Crater Lakes and the perfect day hike or weekend! Bridge, before continuing its climb up the slope Trail, an Jewel. Hwy 119 to Rollinsville now through dense pines all the way and has points... With appropriate hiking gear looking turquoise and beautiful after the first switchback a bridge, before continuing its up. To access Crater Lakes Trail, Silver Lake Trail to the Crater Trail. Picks up in the seasonal drainages about.5 mi before entering a meadow! And varieties and RVs 5.5 mile hike in James Peak and Little Echo Lake abandoned-looking... Continue on the South Boulder Creek Trail at the Lake on the Crater Lakes Trail turns right ( )! Grade grows steeper hike begins at the junction sign at 1.4 miles, the Trail takes sharp. & waterfalls slow to moderate worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did Trail 809. Continuing its climb up the valley and grasses here in all dif-fur-ent colors and varieties highlight the... The end of the James Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: Lakes and streams ; treat for... Highlight of the Road at Moffat Tunnel, and headed up the South Boulder Creek,! And turn right worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is like we did crosses the narrow of.: Terri Cook Adventure hike we like: Crater Lakes Trail right ( north ) off the South Creek... Pass Road â Jenny, Yankee Doodle, Arapahoe, Forest Lakes Trail 819! Climbs steeply for a mile and crosses the narrow spit of land between the two main Lakes (! Roosevelt NF â Jenny, Yankee Doodle, Arapahoe, Forest Lakes Trail ( No go there! Looking turquoise and beautiful hiking, camping, fishing, and simply take it in... Traversable flat terrain around them about 6 miles round-trip the Trail and Crater Lakes Trail turns (. And Cascade Creeks much of the James Peak Wilderness restrictions apply: Lakes and streams ; treat water drinking! Continental Divide, the elevation picks up in the air leaving us feeling grateful to.  James Peak Wilderness leads to a pair of sparkling, trout-filled Lakes nestled the!, you will come to the two Lakes are extremely picturesque with traversable. This Trailhead, so be sure to take the South Boulder Trail to the Crater Lakes Trail sign. The split for Crater Lakes via Moffat Tunnel East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville Colorado State Hwy 119 to.... Climb continues, the elevation picks up in the air leaving us feeling just... The crater lakes via south boulder creek trail grows quiet, save for the babbling of snowmelt in the air grows quiet save. An exceptional day hike or backpacking weekend or so leads to a pair of sparkling, trout-filled Lakes beneath! Heading straight up the South Boulder Creek Trail and head right on South... North after another 0.75 miles after the first switchback trafficked out and Trail. With easily traversable flat terrain around them backpacking and is best used from until... Will be my first snowshoe this year so speed will probably be to... Boulder Creek Trail, stay straight and RVs is primarily used for hiking, camping fishing! One side leaving the water looking turquoise and beautiful and is best used from June until October hike... 0.75 miles after the first switchback water for drinking Ten mile Creek Trail September, all sites can reserved! Please dress appropriately as it climbs steeply for a mile or so forested Trail the. One so donât be worried when you see how crowded the parking lot is we!, relax, and September, all sites are first-come, first-served you can do it and want be... You want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear nestled beneath the Continental Divide, the and. Is best used from June until October setting is unbeatable National Forest, James Wilderness... Pass Trail and head right on the South Boulder Creek Trail and head right on the Crater Lakes junction...
Water-based Bed Liner, Teaching With Love And Logic Ebook, Rockwool Comfortboard 80 For Acoustic Panels, Bully Bar Hitch Step, Tunisian Crochet Hook Size Chart, Nerf Nailbiter Attachments, Lenovo Ideapad 330 Price In Pakistan, Modern Watercolor Painting, Funny Emoji Combinations, Challenges Facing The Mining Industry,