For the past five years, the TV show “Prospectors” has captured the hearts of viewers longing for an engrossing “strike it rich” story. The reality TV show premiered in March of 2013 on The Weather Channel and features a varied cast of characters who scour the Colorado Rocky Mountains in search of the rarest gems and precious metals. Lauded as The Weather Channel’s most popular show, “Prospectors” exceeded expectations by yielding revenue that surpassed the spending done by film crews. Below is a look at filming “Prospectors” near Salida, Colorado.
A Steadfastly Loyal Viewership
“People who see this show flock to the state — so we hear from people who own hotels and restaurants — to come and see Mount Antero. They may not do any mining or prospecting, but they just want to see the state.” – Sonny Hutchinson, Chief Administrative Officer for High Noon
Known for its picturesque film location, “Prospectors” is perhaps even more well-known for its steadfastly loyal viewership. Fans of the show are so captivated by the storyline that they regularly travel to Colorado to enjoy a taste of the picturesque setting and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. In addition to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado mountains, visitors can engage in geocaching or satisfy their desire to explore mineral hunting.
Mount Antero: A stellar location for filming and vacationing
In an effort to capture the authenticity of the hunt for precious metals, creators of “Prospectors” filmed the show in the Mount Antero area near Salida. Named after Chief Antero who led the Uintah band of Utes, Mount Antero is known for having the highest concentration of aquamarine in the entire country, making it a perfect location for “Prospectors.” In addition to its stunning beauty, Mount Antero is known for its impressive elevation of 7,200 feet above Salida. As Colorado’s tenth highest mountain, Mount Antero boasts two popular climbing routes and is a hot spot for off-road enthusiasts. It has become a top destination for hikers, campers, off-roaders, thrill seekers, and viewers longing to see the filming of “Prospectors” in Colorado.
A renewed curiosity about mineral hunting
“Prospectors” has also stimulated a renewed interest in mineral hunting. Also known as “rockhounding,” mineral hunting first began 2,600 years ago when the Pueblo tribe began mining for turquoise. As settlers began to catch on to the opportunities to find buried treasures, immigrants began to pour into southwestern areas of the United States to build their wealth. As evidenced by the popularity of “Prospectors,” mineral hunting has once again become a popular activity among treasure seekers.
A Geocacher’s dream
“Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor adventure that is happening all the time, all around the world. To play, participants use the Geocaching app or a GPS device to navigate to cleverly hidden containers called geocaches. There are millions of geocaches in 190 countries waiting to be discovered…” – Geocaching.com Official Blog
Geocaching first became popular in the early 2000s and steadily increased in popularity over the past decade. People across the United States are drawn to geocaching for a variety of reasons. Some engage in the sport because they are looking for an entertaining way to exercise while others are attracted to the activity because of the exposure to beautiful scenery. Regardless of the reasons behind geocaching’s popularity, its proponents are increasingly turning to the mountains of Colorado to satisfy their craving for the sport.
Selecting the best accommodations
Whether you are a loyal fan of “Prospectors” who are looking to immerse yourself in Colorado’s picturesque surroundings or someone who is merely looking for a romantic weekend getaway, the accommodations you choose can define your overall experience in Colorado. Not all accommodations are created equal, and it is essential to select your lodging wisely. Seeking a chalet that fosters relaxation while providing easy access to grounds for geocaching, mineral hunting, and sightseeing.
Since 2014, the owners of Creekside Chalets have provided visitors with accommodations that enable their guests to fully immerse themselves in the picturesque beauty of the Colorado landscape. Located just a short drive from the site where the show “Prospectors” is filmed, Creekside Chalets provide a welcome change of pace from a standard hotel room. As a BBB-approved business that is highly recommended by Trip Advisor, we are known for our commitment to providing our guests with environmentally-friendly accommodations that allow them to experience the Colorado outdoors. We invite you to contact us to learn why we are Colorado’s most popular haven for visitors. We look forward to making your stay an unforgettable one!