Beyond the famous landmarks and bustling cities, much of Colorado’s rich history lies in the almost forgotten ghost towns scattered throughout the state; relics and fragments of the past. Built on dreams but soon becoming relics of the past, these abandoned settlements hold stories of the silver boom, optimism and the fleeting nature of life. These five Colorado ghost towns offer an unforgettably beautiful experience on the American frontier and are some of the most accessible for tours and hikes. This summer, explore these once thriving towns and get a glimpse of pioneer life in these now-silent places.
Ashcroft
Photo credit: sheenashahangian.com
Location: 11000 Castle Creek Rd., Ashcroft
The bottom line: 11 miles down Castle Creek Road and 10 miles from Aspen lie the remains of Ashcroft, a town that once rivaled the now infamous celebrity ski resort. Surrounded by lush alpine meadows, the skeletons of this once-thriving mining mecca are open to visitors. Ashcroft boomed in the late 1800s when two prospectors discovered silver deposits in the Castle Creek Valley. As soon as word spread, they formed the Mine Workers’ Protective Association, paved the roads and built a courthouse in two weeks. Ashcroft’s population grew to 2,000, but then dropped just as quickly.
The mines, which once produced 14,000 ounces of silver, quickly became shallow deposits and residents fled in droves. By 1885, only 100 residents remained, holding on to Ashcroft’s promise of prosperity.
In 1974, Ashcroft was added to the National Register of Historic Places and preserved as a ghost town. Today, visitors can explore restored historic buildings, including the Blue Mirror Saloon, post office, jail and hotel. With warm weather and ski season over, it’s time to head out this summer to explore the ruins of Ashcroft Ghost Town.
Independence
Photo courtesy of AllTrips Aspen
Location: 620 West Bleeker St. Aspen
The lowdown: High in the Roaring Fork Valley, 16 miles east of Aspen, lies another abandoned place: Independence Ghost Town. This was the valley’s first mining operation, and rumor has it that the Independence Gold Road was discovered on July 4, 1879. Soon after, the town had 500 residents, four grocery stores, four boarding houses and three saloons. A year later, Independence was booming with business and peaking with an estimated population of 1,500, but outside pressures would soon take a devastating toll.
Residents found the winters harsh, and Aspen drove miners to move to lower altitudes for milder temperatures and higher wages. Gold production fell from $190,000 to $2,000 within a year, and Colorado’s worst winter storm in 1899 cut off supply routes from the town. To escape the unlivable conditions, miners demolished their homes to make 75 pairs of skis.
Just one year after the Aspen Historical Society received permission to recognize Ashcroft as a ghost town, the society received separate permission for Independence, which was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Not much remains of Independence Ghost Town apart from the remains of a livery stable, general store and a restored intern cabin, but history is still strong in this eerie, abandoned place.
St. Elmo
Photo courtesy of St. Elmo Ghost Town
Location: 25865 Co Rd 162, Nathrop
Overview: Founded in 1880, St. Elmo is Colorado’s best-known and best-preserved ghost town. Once a mining town that thrived on the gold and silver mines of Chaffee County, St. Elmo welcomes visitors on a time machine hop into the city to explore its general store, church, school and several cabins that have been restored to their heyday.
Like Ashcroft, the town grew quickly, with a population of 2,000 as locals saw the wealth and business prospects there. Ten years later, hopes were dashed when a fire destroyed the St. Elmo facility. The mines dried up, the miners fled, and the town was never fully rebuilt.
Located 12 miles west of Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, St. Elmo is now considered a ghost town, but it’s still as lively as ever. Visitors can explore the protected land by ATV or horseback, hike the St. Elmo Trail, and even get the chance to befriend the town’s newest residents: chipmunks, which roam the deserted streets in search of seeds and nuts.
Arrow
Photo courtesy of Visit Winter Park
Location: R000228, Winter Park
Overview: Located at the top of Rollins Pass just north of Winter Park, Arrow started out as a railroad and timber stop unlike the other sites on this list. Now a hidden gem in Winter Park history, the community got its start when the railroad tracks were laid in 1904. Over 2,000 people lived in the nearby construction stop and received their mail from Arrow. At one time, the town had a “diner” and saloon where locals would come to enjoy a meal and a drink.
Arrow is considered Colorado’s spookiest ghost town. Though nothing remains of this once vibrant community, the land is by no means deserted. Add Arrow to your Colorado bucket list and you’ll be rewarded with the tranquility of the mountains and lush prairies.
Holy Cross City
Photo credit: trailsoffroad.com
Location: CGCF+7W, Minturn
Key Points: When explorers discovered gold southeast of Mount Holy Cross, they sought to develop a new camp and mining district. By 1881, the city of Holy Cross was taking shape, and newspapers reported that the community was becoming rich from gold ore. About 300 people called Holy Cross home, building two general stores, several saloons, a blacksmith shop and two rows of cabins. Optimism for the new town spread quickly, but hope alone was not enough to keep the place afloat.
Dreams of riches quickly faded as the mines became unprofitable. Miners discovered that the gold ore was mixed with pyrite, which could not be separated. Harsh winters took a toll on the residents of Holy Cross City, forcing them to abandon the mines.
Though Holy Cross City is gone, it’s still possible to explore the no man’s land by off-roading or hiking. The Holy Cross City Trail offers a challenging 7.4 mile journey near Red Cliffs, but it’s well worth it. Take on the adventure and you’ll be rewarded with surreal views and a slice of history.
This summer, travel back in time and experience the fading ruins of Colorado’s ghost towns, places that capture the spirit and dreams of pioneers searching for a homeland.
