4.0St. Elmo(457 reviews) - Some cool old buildings and...chipmunks? Ghost Towns
While there were a number of other people visiting St. Elmo while we were there, most of them seemed entirely focused on feeding chipmunks...? So we basically had the historical structures to ourselves. It's a cool little spot. If you're looking for a more isolated, truly abandoned place, I recommend hiking to Interlaken Resort to the north of Buena Vista.See more..
This ski resort with its Victorian look offers all types of terrain for the skier.See more..
4.5Animas Forks(234 reviews) - Nice Day Trip but beware! Scenic Drives • Ghost Towns
This is a great day trip if you are just seeing the sights and are not doing the whole "Jeep" thing. Most sources say that this can be reached via 2wd. Yes, it can but I'd only do it in a car you hate or maybe if you borrowed someone's without telling them. Even then, it would take some finesse. 4wd isn't necessarily needed but it sure makes a world of difference. The biggest issue is major portions of the road are comprised of fairly large, sharp rocks. I did it in a rental Ford Explorer with 4wd. (The rental company probably wouldn't approve).The 4wd worked great but I was really concerned about the tires taking a sidewall hit. They were just stock all-season tires. No way should a 2wd car, with it's low ground clearance attempt this road. A 2wd suv could make it with a competent driver taking it slow if it's dry. A stock, street 4wd is no issue but beware! Your donut spare isn't going to get you home from here!See more..
Located eleven miles up Castle Creek Road, the silver mining ghost town features the restored remains of several historic buildings, including the Blue Mirror Saloon, a post office, and a hotel. Interpretive signage tell the stories of the former boom town and a docent is onsite during the summer months. The ghost town is operated by Aspen Historical Society from June - October. For winter access contact Ashcroft Ski Touring.See more..
4.5Tin Cup(79 reviews) - Not a Ghost Town Ghost Towns
Visitors can tour the remnants of this former mining town, deserted in the late 1800s after a severe storm knocked out supply routes.See more..
4.5Summitville Ghost Town(18 reviews) - Great views easy drive in the dry months. Spent 2-3 hours Ghost Towns
A nice drive preferably with a four wheel drive vehicle in the winter. Easy in the dry months. The old mine is now a supper fund site but the old buildings and history remain. One of the most pristine and beautiful sites to drive to.See more..
5.0Tomboy(15 reviews) - Best burger ever! Spent More than 3 hours Ghost Towns
This is a very cozy restaurant and has a nice menu. We had the Colorado burger with truffle fries along with lamb chop lollipops as an appetizer. The meal was great, I think it was the best burger we ever had! We ordered the peach pie with ice cream and it was truly unbelievable. The staff seemed light due to Covid, but the service was still very good.See more..
4.5Winfield(11 reviews) - A Cool Treat Ghost Towns
If you're interested in ghost towns and the transient history of Colorado's mining history, this is the place for you. Winfield and Vicksburg are located within a 15 minute drive of each other on the same dirt road. Currently, the road is passable for most vehicles but if you want to be safe, consider using a vehicle with some clearance. These towns aren't completely abandoned but seem to have some residents - at least part time. But visiting these places feels like a great way to get in touch with history.See more..
5.0Skagway Power Plant(1 review) - Come Prepared For This Expedition! Historic Sites • Ghost Towns
Douglass City is a fascinating place, accessible from the Colorado Midland Centennial Trail. (Drive up Hagerman Pass Road a bit farther than the sharp right turn where the road starts ascending just after the Native Lake and Windsor Lake trailheads. The trailhead is across the road just after a large parking area you will find to your right. The road is fairly easily passenger car passable to that point, assuming you take reasonable care.) Just follow the trail and you will get to Douglass City. There is a decaying sign as you come to the town (included in the photos attached to this review) that tells the story of the place, and I'll finish this review by quoting from it: "Typical of the short-lived ghost towns of the Colorado Rockies was Douglass City - The remains of which you see here. Douglass City, however, was built for a different purpose [from the usual mining camp ghost towns of the Rockies] - to house the Italian construction workers who labored on the Colorado Midland [railroad] in this area and who helped construct the Hagerman Tunnel, trestles, etc. -- This one street 'city' had eight saloons, mostly in tents plus a dance hall where the 'professor' played the piano while the 'ladies of the evening', too jaded for Leadville, entertained - and took the laborers' money. The wild city was the scene of drinking, shooting, fighting, knifing, and other innocent pleasures." Rest in peace, Douglass City.See more..
