Noah Pike, whose family has worked in coal mining and coal-fire power plants, poses for a portrait in his room in Craig, Colo., on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Embers in Colorado's Coal Belt
Craig Station stood sentinel over town, its three coal-fired units visible from the county's only high school. The plant and nearby coal mines have been the place many graduates go for well paying jobs right out of high school. But that will soon change in a big way.
As reporter Neal Morton writes, "Noah Pike nearly had the money in hand.
Growing up in Colorado’s coal belt, Pike constantly heard his father, uncles and both grandfathers talk about how much they earned in the mines. Most bought starter homes in their early 20s and never borrowed a penny.
After graduating from high school last spring, with no desire to attend college, Pike couldn’t resist the lure of Craig Station’s starting hourly wage of up to $40 for maintenance workers on heavy mining equipment.
'It’s just a really good living,' Pike said. 'I could be making the same as someone coming out of college, if they even find a job. And I won’t be in any debt.'
The 19-year-old also knew it would only ever be a temporary job. By the time Moffat County’s current class of high school freshmen graduate, in 2028, the utility company that owns Craig Station will shutter its remaining mines and coal-burning units.”
Filmed and photographed for The Hechinger Report, with publishing partner High Country News
Seen from Moffat County High School, the only high school in the county, Craig Station operates outside of town.
A worn down sign in support of coal sits in someone’s front yard in Craig, Colo.
The skull from Noah Pike’s first elk kill sits atop his welding gear, metals and other hardware in his work station at home in Craig. Pike was hoping for a well-paying welding gig in Craig Station but isn't sure if it will happen anymore, even temporarily.
Pike, whose family has worked in coal mining and coal-fire power plants, demonstrates welding while fixing a recent project in his garage.
Noah Pike, right, talks with his dad, Justin Pike, over dinner at home. Most of the men in Pike’s family, including his dad, have worked in coal mining and coal-fire power plants in the area.
A wooden coal miner statue holding a Trump 2024 flag decorates a front yard in Craig, Colo.
Kevin Kleckler, right, helps a student during a welding certification class at his school, the Colorado Welding Institute, in Hayden, Colo.
Students work during class.
Kleckler, right, helps a student during class.
Sparks blow as a a student works during class.
A tattered American flag decorates a mailbox in Craig.
An old dragline bucket previously used in the Trapper Mine for 34 years sits on display at a local park in Craig.
Hayden Station, slated to close by the end of 2028, operates just down the road in Hayden.