(From ColoradoCaves.org)
One of the most fascinating natural dramas in Colorado is now easier to experience. A unique team effort involving the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Orient Land Trust and the Saguache Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management/U.S. Forest Service has resulted in a viewing area near the Orient Mine in the San Luis Valley.
Each July and August, about 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the former mine, and just before dusk, they leave the cave to begin their nightly search for food. A massive column of bats exiting the mines continues for nearly an hour.
According to ColoradoCaves.org, the Orient’s bat colony is the largest in the state. The mine intersects several natural limestone cave passages. It has been closed to the public along with all caves on public land to prevent further spreading of White Nose Syndrome, a fungus that has been killing bats across the country.
The Orient Land Trust and the DOW worked in cooperation with the BLM-USFS office to offer public parking at the Black Canyon Trailhead. The one-mile trail leads to a viewing area for the mine. The trail can be accessed from Saguache County Road GG, north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17. To reach the trail, go east on Road GG and follow signs to the Black Canyon Trailhead. Hikers can also access the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness from the trailhead. The mine can also be reached farther up the road through the Valley View Hot Springs (a clothing-optional area).
Through August, guides will be stationed at the Black Canyon trailhead a few hours before dusk, about 5 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays. The trail is open, unguided, on the other days of the week.
For more information, go to www.olt.org
– Deb Acord
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