Colorado has no shortage of great hikes with amazing views and examples of the state's famous natural beauty. In addition, because of the state's history of mining in the early days, there are countless mines that have been abandoned.

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However, it's typically advised to not visit the majority of these mines due to safety and legal reasons, but one picturesque hike outside of Grand Junction leads to what is known as a mica mine which is much less dangerous to visit.

Beautiful Colorado Hike Leads to Mica Mine

Mica is a shiny, flaky group of minerals that can come in numerous different colors, but the most common variety is either white or a shiny off-white color.

While it looks like it could be a single mineral, there are actually 37 different minerals that make up what we know as mica.

The mica mine we're going to check out is located south of the city of Grand Junction, Colorado in what is known as BLM Bangs Canyon Management Area. On this hike, you'll encounter numerous different and beautiful rock formations until you begin to notice the flaky, white mica accumulating at your feet.

The 2.6-mile hike is considered easy and takes roughly two hours to complete. Because it's classified as "easy," this particular hike is enjoyed by hikers of all ages, including children.

Keep scrolling to take a virtual tour of the hike including some of the rock formations and numerous different examples of mica at the conclusion of this amazing hike:

LOOK: Beautiful Colorado Hike Leads to Mica Mine

Just outside of Grand Junction, Colorado are plenty of great places to hike including one that leads to a mica mine.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

The Hike to Mushroom Rock is a Colorado Hidden Gem

If you’re an avid hiker living in Colorado, you definitely need to check out the Mushroom Rock Hike.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

Picturesque Colorado Hike Leads to Abandoned Homes + Power Plant

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

A hike just outside of the historic town of Victor, Colorado leads to what was once known as Skaguay, which is now totally abandoned.

Gallery Credit: Nate Wilde

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