Colorado School of Mines is home to a number of valuable on- and off-campus resources — many of which are available to campus visitors and members of the general public.
Arthur Lakes Library
The Arthur Lakes Library welcomes over 140,000 visitors a year and is a campus center for learning, study and research. The library is open to campus visitors and to the general public and shares resources within the Colorado Alliance library consortium.
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Student Recreation Center
The Student Recreation Center (SRC) and the associated Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) feature a gymnasium, natatorium, indoor and outdoor running tracks, climbing wall, and more. Use of the facilities by campus visitors attending CPES events requires advance arrangements through the CPES office and payment of a small fee.
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Campus Bookstore
The Colorado School of Mines bookstore features a wide variety of books, software, supplies, gifts, and Mines apparel. The bookstore is open to campus visitors and to the general public.
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Geology Museum
The Geology Museum serves as the state repository for Colorado's mineral heritage and promotes its importance and understanding to the university community and the public. It aims to inspire scientific curiosity through education and research while encouraging appreciation of the earth and responsibility for its mineral, fossil, meteorite, and historic mining treasures. The museum is home to one of Colorado's moon rocks, collected during the Apollo 17 mission, and is open to campus visitors and to the general public.
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Edgar Mine
The Edgar Mine, known as Colorado School of Mines' Experimental Mine, was a working mine in the 1870s. Located above Idaho Springs, Colorado, it produced high-grade silver, gold, lead and copper. Today, as an underground laboratory for future engineers, it produces valuable experience for those who are being trained to find, develop and process the world's natural resources. The Edgar Mine is open for public tours for a nominal fee. Public hours vary, so tours must be booked in advance.
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Campus Dining
The campus offers a number of dining options — from food courts, to cafes, to franchises. Dining locations are distributed throughout the campus, and all are open to campus visitors and the general public. Click on the links below for more information about each:
The city of Golden is located just west of Denver, Colorado, at the base of the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains.
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Golden is a great place to visit during any season. Separated from Denver by two mesas, Golden retains its small town character, yet enjoys access to the many cultural and social benefits of the metropolitan area.
Serving as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Golden also has many hiking trails, ranging from easy hikes along historic Clear Creek to challenging treks into the foothills. Golden is the home of the American Mountaineering Center and the Colorado Mountain Club, and boasts a world-class kayack course and parasailing from the top of Mount Zion — and all of these opportunities are within walking distance of the Colorado School of Mines campus.
With easy access to I-70 and other highways into the mountains, Golden is only a short drive away from many resorts and outdoor activities — mountain climbing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and a host of others. Feel free to visit the many available websites to learn more about Golden and the surrounding community. We suggest:
Weather and Terrain
Golden, Colorado, the location of Colorado School of Mines, is situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The elevation (altitude) of the campus is approximately 5,800 feet (1,768 meters) above sea level.
Weather in Golden is generally seasonal, with cold temperatures in winter (December through February), hot temperatures in summer (June through August), and variable temperatures in spring and fall. However, due to the proximity of the Rocky Mountains and the city's altitude, temperatures can vary widely from the norm on a day-to-day basis.
Precipitation in the area is generally infrequent, with average annual equivalent rainfall of 15 inches (38 centimeters). Precipitation generally occurs as snow in winter, late fall, and early spring, and as rain during the remainder of the year. Snowfall in the winter can be significant, with accumulations greater than 6 inches (15 centimeters) being common. Summer days can experience severe thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Current weather information and near-term forecasts for Golden are available on the Internet. Learn more...
Visitors unaccustomed to the combination of Golden's altitude and generally dry climate are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to be cautious if engaging in rigorous exercise.