Coal mines in the North Fork Valley along the North Fork Gunnison River in Colorado. The Elk Creek Mine has been idled since 2013. The Bowie No. 2 mine was closed in early 2016. The West Elk Mine, visible over the ridge and up the valley to the right, is the last of three that once employed more than 1,000 miners. (Daniel J. Schneider)
Coal mines in the North Fork Valley along the North Fork Gunnison River in Colorado. The Elk Creek Mine has been idled since 2013. The Bowie No. 2 mine was closed in early 2016. The West Elk Mine, visible over the ridge and up the valley to the right, is the last of three that once employed more than 1,000 miners. (Daniel J. Schneider)