Ghost Towns

Explore abandoned communities in southwest Colorado

Gold mining in Colorado boomed in the mid-1800s. An influx of prospectors arrived, filled with the hope of boundless riches. Today, the remnants of the Gold Rush include numerous ghost towns. Some sites were home to thousands, while others were small with only a few cabins. Yet, they all tell a similar tale of the unforgiving Colorado climate, and what’s left when resources run out.

In your exploration of these abandoned sites, be cautious of any unprotected mineshafts, and don’t allow children to wander. Take only photos, and leave only footprints. Don’t destroy these sites by carrying away any pieces of history.

ANIMAS FORKS

Coordinates: 37.932464 N°, 107.571092° W

Built by prospectors in 1884, this town was once a bustling mining town, with a population of 450 people. There was a hotel, saloon, post office, a general store and even a local newspaper, the Animas Forks Pioneer. Because of its location, Animas Forks was plagued by avalanches as well as a recordbreaking blizzard in 1884 that lasted 23 days. By 1910, mining operations had ceased, by 1920 Animas Forks was a ghost town.

The town is located on a 65-mile system of roads known as the Alpine Loop. This loop connects the towns of Lake City, Ouray and Silverton. The road from Silverton to Animas Forks is passable by two-wheel drive vehicles during summer months, but the road beyond Animas Forks is four-wheel drive only.

ALTA

Coordinates: 37.886379° N, 107.853739° W

Situated between Telluride and Rico, Alta is one of the most scenic ghost towns in Colorado.

In its heyday, from 1877 to 1948, a few hundred people lived there. The town functioned as the center for mining activity, which shut down after a mill fire in 1948. Today, the ghost town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To get to Alta, take Highway 145. Six miles south of Telluride exit Alta Lakes Road. Turn left and stay on the road for 4 miles to reach the town of Alta. The road is passable in two-wheel drive.

IRONTON

Coordinates 37.9328° N, 107.6803° W

Opened in 1893 by Red Mountain Mining District, Ironton was an important transportation hub between Ouray and other mining camps. Travelers staged there before heading over the pass. At its height, the population hovered around 1000 residents. Ironton had its own mines, two daily trains from Silverton, chain stores from Ouray and Silverton, as well as hotels, saloons and other necessities. The last official resident, Milton Larson, passed away in the mid-1960s.

Ironton is one of the easiest ghost towns to reach, located on the San Juan Skyway, between Silverton and Ouray. It’s accessible by two-wheel drive year-round.

RED MOUNTAIN TOWN

Coordinates: 37°54’13”, N 107°42’09”W

Red Mountain Town was once the largest mining town on Red Mountain Pass. Gold ore was discovered here in the 1870s, however, harsh winters and primitive roads delayed the boom. In its heyday, the population was projected as high as 10,000 residents. The town’s decline followed that of the mining decline in the region. Ouray and Silverton are the only towns on either side of Red Mountain Pass to remain populated today.

Red Mountain Town is simple to reach, located between Silverton and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway 4.5 miles from Ironton.