Radium, Colorado facts for kids
Radium is a small, quiet community in the mountains of Colorado, United States. It's not a big city or town, but a collection of houses where people live. Radium is found in the southwestern part of Grand County. It sits right next to the Colorado River, which is a very important river in the western United States.
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What is Radium, Colorado?
Radium is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town would. The area is managed by the larger county government. Radium is located high up, about 6,890 feet (2,100 m) above sea level. This makes it a mountain community.
Where is Radium Located?
This small community is nestled in the mountains. It's along a quiet part of the Colorado River. This section of the river is downstream from a famous and rugged area called Gore Canyon. Radium is also southwest of a larger town called Kremmling. Getting to Radium can be a bit of an adventure because you can only reach it by dirt and gravel roads. A main train track, once part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and now used by the Union Pacific Railroad, also runs through the area.
Why is it Called Radium?
The community of Radium gets its name from the chemical element radium. This might seem a bit unusual! In the early 1900s, the element radium was mined in Colorado. Even though radium mining isn't a big industry there anymore, the name stuck for this small community.
Things to Do Near Radium
Even though Radium is small, there are some interesting spots nearby, especially for outdoor lovers.
Radium Recreation Site
On the opposite side of the Colorado River from the community, you'll find the Radium Recreation Site. This area is part of the Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area. It's managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is a government agency that takes care of public lands. This site is a great place for activities like fishing, rafting, and enjoying nature along the river.
Radium Hot Springs
A few miles south of Radium, and about 15 miles from Kremmling, are the Radium Hot Springs. These are natural hot springs located right on the river bank. People often visit them to relax in the warm, mineral-rich water. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a unique outdoor experience.
