I’m a resident of Colorado, and in this guide, I outline the 21 best ghost towns in the state. Colorado is renowned for its gold rush era, and while some mining settlements became tourist destinations, others were abandoned as swiftly as they began.
. This post covers 21 ghost towns that still exist today, ranging from well-maintained sites to remnants being reclaimed by nature. Keep reading — I also share a few lesser-known spots that even most locals don’t know about!
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21 Best Ghost Towns in Colorado
Ashcroft
Another Aspen-adjacent ghost town and the largest in Colorado.
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Ashcroft was a silver mining town, and remnants can still be seen like the saloon, post office, and hotel. Guides are present to recount the history of this Colorado ghost town here in the Wild West and help you learn more.
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There is a recommended $5 donation for adults touring the abandoned town, but those 18 and under and active military are free. Ashcroft does not allow canine animals.
📚 Related Article: 41 Prime Places to Visit in Colorado in 2022 (By a Local)
Independence
A landmark stopover on the bold Independence Pass roadway.
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In the summer, Independence makes a great stop along Independence Pass. The route is one of the best Colorado road excursions, connecting Leadville and Buena Vista to Aspen.
The interpretive stations tell the stories of people who lived in the mining town. One harrowing story is about the final group of miners who tore apart their homes during a terrible winter storm. They turned the lumber into skis and left the town for Aspen.
There is a suggested $5 donation for adults visiting the ghost town, but those 18 and under and active military personnel are free.
Crystal
A charming but difficult-to-get-to town near Marble.
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Crystal is likely most recognized for photographs of the Crystal Mill. It was constructed in 1892 alongside the Crystal River. The fact that the town was so difficult to access is what led to its decline, and even now, it can be a tricky and potentially unsafe route to this idyllic spot.
Dearfield
One of the sole all-African American settlements in Colorado documented on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Dearfield, located southeast of Greeley, was an all-Black community that was established by a businessman who wanted to generate a refuge for African-Americans. However, farming during the Great Depression was difficult, and ultimately, the area was deserted.
Animas Forks
An off-road adventure near Silverton.
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An off-road vehicle would be needed to reach this village connected via the Alpine Loop linking Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City. While individuals were drawn to the town originally for mining, conditions were extremely harsh. Each fall, all citizens would migrate down to Silverton to weather the difficult winters. Visitors today can find brochures and maps providing more information upon visiting the town.
👉 Don’t Miss: If in the area, visit nearby Colorado mountain hamlets for added history and activities to do.
Carson
Make another stop along the Alpine Loop close to Silverton.
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Carson is even more challenging to arrive than Animas Forks, and once more, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with ample clearance. It’s situated on Wager Gulch Trail, a side track from the Alpine Loop. Old Carson is farther along the equivalent road, just about at the top of the Continental Divide.
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Mayflower Gulch
An easy hike to a former mining encampment near Leadville.
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Mayflower Gulch is one of the finest hikes in Colorado and one of our favorite activities near Leadville! Not far into the hike, you’ll see some remnants of mining buildings. Continue to see the remains of the town and the Boston Mine.
Saint Elmo
An easily accessible town near Buena Vista with convenient access.
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Saint Elmo is easy to access throughout the year. The town road isn`t paved but lays flat. Like numerous ghost cities in Colorado, St. Elmo was a mining community with many saloons and mainly a male population. The town isn`t completely empty now – there`s a general store offering drinks, snacks and souvenirs for sale, and a cabin to rent.
Tin Cup
A restored town inhabited during the summer months.
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Tin Cup is often listed among ghost towns in Colorado, but strictly speaking it does not fit that description. Nearly all the homes in the town are very old cabins that have undergone restoration, allowing one to feel as though wandering through mid-1800s Colorado. Tin Cup lies off Cottonwood Pass and is surely among the finest activities near Buena Vista!
Alta
This Telluride-area town may have lacked amenities but provided magnificent views!
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Alta sits at an elevation of 11,800 feet in the mountainous region accessible via Alta Lakes Road. Several structures remain from the former mining community, which was active until 1948. Travelers will want a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive capabilities, and the town is a short hike from the parking location.
📚 Related Reading: Things to Do in Telluride
Teller City
Teller City is a spread-out ghost town in the Grand Lake area.
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Teller City is located west of Rocky Mountain National Park, near the town of Walden, approximately an hour`s drive from Grand Lake. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended to access the areas scattered throughout the wooded setting that make up Teller City. Guests can enjoy wandering around to discover the various homes and structures.
Arrow
A historic Colorado ghost town located in the mountains near Telluride that allows visitors to search for metal artifacts.
When ready to head north of Jenny Lake towards the Willow Flats overlook, you’ll be able to observe the Grand Tetons across the area, and numerous elk and moose frequently occupy the lower region beneath the viewpoint. Walk from the parking lot to the left and trail the semi-established path to the hilltop for the ideal perspective. You won’t be alone, so inquire others to see if any activities are occurring.
Arrow, once referred to as Arrowhead, is situated at the top of Rollins Pass. Arrow is unlike many other Colorado mining ghost towns, serving rather as a railway depot and lumber camp. Not much remains there now to see, but hikers have found intriguing historical artifacts using metal detectors. The locale also provides spectacular views of nearby Winter Park, considered one of Colorado`s finest ski destinations.
Ohio City
This town near Gunnison still has a few inhabitants who dwell there.
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Ohio City was once a gold mining community with some original structures remaining. The small town also has a scattering of year-round inhabitants and is a scenic stop in summer for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Vicksburg
A well-maintained ghost municipality in Clear Creek Canyon.
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Vicksburg is located near Clear Creek Reservoir, just off Highway 24. There is an on-site museum that occasionally opens during the summer. Some of the cabins in the area are privately owned and may be occupied.
👉 Pro Tip: Winfield is another one of the nearby Colorado ghost towns worth exploring.
Capitol City
This town near Lake City has two of the initial buildings remaining.
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Capitol City still retains a U.S. Post Office building and Lee’s Smelter Stack. There are also some kilns and remnants of outbuildings in the area. It’s close to private land, so be aware as you explore.
Tomboy
A scenic abandoned Colorado mountain community containing wildlife and colorful seasonal plantlife.
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Though only five miles from Telluride, reaching Tomboy requires a trip along an unpaved road better navigated by an all-terrain vehicle. In addition to structures to explore, spectacular mountain scenery with wildflowers and potential wildlife sightings make the journey worthwhile.
Goldfield
A settlement in Teller County that is simply approached.
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Paved roadways imply Goldfield is an easy locale to go to for all vehicles. The town has numerous historic structures and homes to explore. Residents still live there today, so take care while wandering!
Uptop
Once home to the highest train tracks in the world, this La Veta-area town has a renowned history.
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Uptop is an exceptional town because it had various industries throughout the years. It was abandoned after a safer highway was constructed through the Sangre de Cristos. Views from Uptop are stunning, as some of the most scenic Colorado peaks over 14,000 feet are nearby.
Nevadaville
Stop near Central City to view these deserted structures.
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Nevadaville, once known as Nevada City, was a mining community for gold and silver until declining in the early 1900s. Buildings there stand on private property but can be seen from outside walking down streets. The lone Mason Lodge still standing makes it the sole ghost town with such a building.
Russell Gulch
A former mining town that’s one of the closest ghost towns to Denver.
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You can access Russell Gulch from Idaho Springs if traveling with a four-wheel drive vehicle, or from Central City in a two-wheel drive vehicle. In town, you’ll find an old brick schoolhouse, a barn, and some other mining remnants.
South Park City
Discover the way of living in this Colorado township highlighted on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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South Park City has a more tourist-oriented atmosphere than many of the abandoned ghost towns in Colorado. However, a number of the ghost towns lack depictions of the daily lives and experiences of early settlers in the region.
You’ll obtain all that here, in this replica town in Fairplay, Colorado. It includes 44 structures, portraying an 1800s mining town. Seven of the buildings are on their original sites, while numerous others were moved from mining camps and ghost towns in the area.
FAQs About Colorado Ghost Towns
What is the best ghost town to visit in Colorado?
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What is the largest ghost town in Colorado?
Ashcroft was once the biggest ghost town in Colorado. At its peak, in the late 1800s after a silver surge, Ashcroft had nearly 2,500 inhabitants and was larger than Aspen.
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Hopefully, this list of ghost towns in Colorado has ignited your interest in touring a few of them! Whether you want individuals to share stories and guide your experience or a completely deserted town to explore, there’s an opportunity on this list for all visitors.
