Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Did you know that Colorado has over 600 ghost towns? When Colorado was settled in the 1800’s, there were thriving towns all over the state supporting the burgeoning mining industry. Over time, as mining profits fell and railways became abandoned, many of these towns were completely deserted. While some of these ghost towns are inaccessible or have no visible remains to date, many of them are still standing and are easily accessible for visitors. Head out of your apartment and check out the uninhibited historical structures and stunning scenery at one of these nearby ghost towns. These abandoned spots make for a fun day trip that will transport you back into the history of our fair state.

Caribou

Caribou is the closest ghost town to your apartment complex, located in Boulder County near the town of Nederland. A former silver mining town in the late 1800’s, the town once boasted a church, three saloons, a newspaper, and a population of 3,000 people. Explore the area via the hiking trails, from which you can glimpse the few forlorn structures left standing, like the stone foundation of The Sherman House hotel. No bikes or dogs are permitted at Caribou Ranch. To get there, take Highway 72 north from Nederland and turn west on county road 128.

Eastonville

Eastonville is one of the few ghost towns in Colorado that was not originally a mining town. Located in the Colorado Springs metro area, there are still many abandoned structures left from Eastonville. The town was founded by homesteaders, and grew due to its massive potato harvests and proximity to the Denver and New Orleans railroad. After the drought during the Great Depression, the railroad was abandoned and the town followed suit. To see the remains of this town, travel East on Baptist Road from Monument, past the intersection with Eastonville Road, and then turn East on Sweet Road. Remnants of the town are on either side of Sweet, including the old Church and the Cemetery.

St. Elmo

St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s most preserved ghost towns, making it well worth a day trip from your Boulder apartment. Located near Buena Vista in the Sawatch Range, this town is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Mary Murphy mine of St. Elmo was extremely profitable, and in the 1890’s the town was booming with business. Once the mining industry shut down, eventually the railroad was abandoned as well, leaving the town desolate. While the town is considered a ghost town, it is actually still inhabited by a few residents. These residents open up the general store to rent four wheelers and other supplies for visitors. To get there, from Buena Vista take US 285 South to Nathrop, then take Country Road 162 West for 16 Miles.

Animas Forks

Animas Forks is located on the unpaved road system connecting Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City, known as the Alpine Loop. The small town followed the same pattern as many others, growing steadily in the 1870’s until mining profits declined. This ghost town is a popular spot, as there is unrestricted access to the remaining structures, as well as maps and informational brochures available. Animas Forks is accessible for four-wheel drive vehicles. To get there, Take state Highway 110 out of Silverton, following the road for 12 miles through Howardsville, Middleton and Eureka.

Nevadaville

Nevadaville was a gold mining town founded in 1859 near the casino towns of Central City and Blackhawk. While most of the town was destroyed in a fire in 1861, the town continued to prosper until around the turn of the century. Nevadaville is still home to few residents and several original buildings, mine shacks, and gravesites. The buildings themselves are private property, but visitors can still walk around the streets and view the historic mine sites from there. To get there, on Central City parkway headed towards Central City, take Nevadaville Road left just before downtown Central City. Follow that to the parking area near the Nevadaville town center.

With fall in full swing, it’s the perfect time of year to get out of Boulder and visit one of Colorado’s picturesque ghost towns.  Make sure to bring your camera and your hiking boots, and get ready to be captivated by the abandoned towns and rich history of Colorado.