Quarry History

Beginning in 1903, limestone was excavated from Pikeview Quarry via the drill and blast mining method. Prized for its contribution to concrete’s strength and reduction in shrinkage and cracking, limestone was (and still is) a sought-after building material.  

In 1940, the quarry was expanded to provide limestone for the concrete used to build the United States Air Force Academy.

It is estimated that nearly half of the limestone used in the construction of Colorado Springs was mined from the Pikeview Quarry.  

In 1972, the quarry was acquired by Castle Concrete (now Castle Aggregates). Mining operations were permanently halted in 2018, following a series of slope failures, and previously approved reclamation plans were amended and formally approved in 2020.

 

Pikeview Quarry Reclamation

Project Overview

While the Pikeview Quarry’s contribution to the development of Colorado Springs is significant, its 115 years of operation left a visual scar. Harvesting natural resources comes at an undeniable cost - and the quarry is no exception. This carefully monitored reclamation project is designed to return the 100-acre site to its natural state and to restore its status as a plant and animal habitat, in preparation for future recreational use.

Site Safety

The Pikeview Quarry reclamation site is monitored on an hourly basis for safety and stability via two advanced systems: the GeoMoS monitoring system and the digital theodolite system. On an hourly basis, the computer-controlled digital theodolite system sends laser light to to prisms, which is then reflected back to measure any potential movement. The regrading and restoration process is designed to fully restore the site’s stability.

Phase I: Reclaim

The first phase of the reclamation plan includes utilizing local sources to backfill the site and stabilize the mountainside. Trucks regrade the surface, gradually restoring the terrain in preparation for revegetation. 

Before After

Phase II: Restore

The second phase of the reclamation plan focuses on planting native vegetation and restoring wildlife habitat. Two large herds of bighorn sheep make their home in the Pikes Peak and Rampart Range areas. In addition to increasing the bighorns' habitat, the restored quarry site will also provide an ideal home for mule deer, black bear, bobcats, fox, mountain lions, small game animals such as rabbits, and numerous bird species, including the mountain bluebird.

Before After

Phase III: Recreate

The third and final phase of the restoration efforts encourage ecologically responsible recreational use of the former quarry site.  Once the reclamation work is completed, the site will be evaluated by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS).  Pending DRMS's determination that the reclamation is complete, and upon the City of Colorado Springs's acceptance of the site as contemplated by an existing agreement with the City, the reclaimed and restored Pikeview Quarry site will be donated to the City. The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is currently considering future plans for the site, including the possibility of developing a world-class mountain bike park overlooking the Olympic City.

Before After

Project Leadership

All costs for reclamation of the Pikeview Quarry are being funded by Castle Aggregates, the quarry’s owner and former operator, in partnership with Riverbend Industries (Castle Aggregates' parent company). Stantec is providing engineering  with oversight by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS).