Animas Forks
The majestic Rocky Mountains aren’t just home to scenic views—they're also the final resting place for dozens of Colorado ghost towns. These eerie remnants of the past, once booming with miners and prospectors chasing fortunes, now stand silent, their stories etched into the weathered wood and crumbling stone. If you’re up for a spooky adventure with a side of history, these Colorado ghost towns will give you chills—whether from the mountain air or the lingering spirits, well, that's up to you.
1. St. Elmo – Where Time Stands Still (And So Might a Ghost or Two)
20 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BUENA VISTA
Once a thriving mining town, St. Elmo was home to over 2,000 souls in its heyday. Today? It’s a ghostly relic frozen in time. Wander down its deserted Main Street, past buildings that still stand, and you might feel like you’ve stepped into a Wild West movie—minus the bustling saloons. Locals say the ghost of Annabelle Stark, who lived in St. Elmo until her dying breath, still roams the town. Keep an eye out for her; she’s known to give visitors a real "boo" for their buck.
2. Gilman – Poisoned Past and a Perilous Fire
EAGLE COUNTY
Perched high above the Eagle River, Gilman was once a thriving mining town, known for its rich zinc deposits. However, its fate took a dramatic turn when, on an early Wednesday morning, a destructive fire swept through the heart of the town. The entire business portion was wiped out, leaving both sides of Main Street desolate. The fire, discovered at two o'clock in the upper rooms of a home, engulfed the area with terrifying speed… despite there being no fire in the house since the evening before. Today, the remnants of Gilman cling precariously to the cliffs, their charred facades whispering stories of the past. Designated as a Superfund site due to toxic pollution, it stands as a haunting reminder of the town’s dark history. While officially off-limits, the eerie atmosphere and tragic tales of its fiery demise make it one of Colorado’s most intriguing ghost towns. Just standing nearby, you can almost feel the weight of history—and perhaps a few restless spirits lingering in the shadows.
3. Animas Forks – High Altitude, Higher Spook Factor
BETWEEN SILVERTON AND OURAY
Perched at over 11,000 feet, Animas Forks was once one of the highest mining camps in the state. While its residents were toughing out brutal winters, the town itself couldn’t survive the post-gold rush bust. Now, it’s a haunting sight—abandoned homes dot the landscape, standing against the elements with an eerie sense of resilience. As you explore the remnants of this former boomtown, you’ll understand why some say the thin mountain air isn’t the only thing that’ll leave you breathless.
4. Ashcroft – Where Wealth Faded into Thin Air
ASPEN
Ashcroft was once the place to be—its saloons outnumbered grocery stores (because priorities, right?), and it was home to dreams of silver mining fortune. Unfortunately, those dreams fizzled faster than you can say “boomtown.” By 1885, the miners moved on, and Ashcroft became a ghost town. Today, it’s a hauntingly beautiful spot to visit, surrounded by Aspen’s snowy peaks. No documented ghosts here, but the stillness might just have you glancing over your shoulder.
5. Independence – A Once-Bustling, Now-Spooky Reminder
NEAR ASPEN
Named for the day gold was first struck there (July 4th, 1879), Independence was a bustling hub for miners. But when the gold ran dry, so did the town’s population. Now, it’s a shell of its former self, with weathered cabins and the skeletons of businesses standing against the wind. Local legend has it that some of the miners never left. And hey, with views like these, can you blame them?
6. Teller City – From Boom to Bust (and a Little Ghostly Dust)
JACKSON COUNTY
Teller City rose quickly on the promise of silver but vanished just as fast. At its height, it boasted over 1,200 residents, dozens of saloons, and an entire business district. Today, all that’s left is the eerie quiet of a forest reclaiming what once was. If you visit, you’ll find scattered remains of log cabins and old mining equipment, as if the past is patiently waiting to tell its tale. Whether you hear whispers of those tales? That’s for you to decide.
Colorado Ghost Towns
Colorado’s ghost towns offer more than just a window into the past—they provide a thrilling backdrop for anyone seeking a slightly spooky adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, an intrepid explorer, or just someone looking for a reason to get goosebumps, these towns deliver. So, grab your backpack (and maybe some sage for good measure) and step into the haunted history of the Rockies.
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