Colorado is a state known for its majestic mountains, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Alongside its natural beauty, Colorado is home to numerous abandoned places that tell stories of the past, from mining towns to deserted industrial sites. These forgotten locations offer a fascinating look at the state’s history of exploration, industry, and decline. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Colorado for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. St. Elmo Ghost Town (Chaffee County, Colorado)
One of the most well-preserved ghost towns in Colorado, St. Elmo was once a bustling mining town in the late 1800s. The town was abandoned in the early 20th century after the mining industry collapsed. Today, visitors can explore its empty buildings, including a general store, schoolhouse, and homes. The eerie quiet and rustic buildings make St. Elmo a top destination for those interested in the Old West.
2. Gold Camp Road Tunnels (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
The Gold Camp Road Tunnels were originally built in the late 1800s to support railroad transportation for gold mining. The tunnels were eventually abandoned after part of the route collapsed. Today, these dark, crumbling tunnels are popular with urban explorers and paranormal enthusiasts, as they are rumored to be haunted. Their decaying interiors and isolated location make for an eerie adventure.
3. Crystal Mill (Marble, Colorado)
The Crystal Mill, perched on a rocky outcrop above the Crystal River, is one of the most photographed abandoned structures in Colorado. Built in 1893, the mill was used to power machinery for silver mining operations. The stunning natural backdrop of the Rocky Mountains contrasts with the decaying, wooden structure, making this site both haunting and beautiful. Though the mill is not accessible inside, the surrounding area offers incredible views.
4. Animas Forks Ghost Town (San Juan County, Colorado)
Animas Forks was a thriving mining town at 11,200 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains during the late 1800s. After the silver industry collapsed, the town was abandoned in the early 1900s. Today, many of the buildings remain standing, including homes, a general store, and the original jail. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, Animas Forks offers a fascinating look into Colorado’s mining history.
5. Caribou Ghost Town (Boulder County, Colorado)
Located in the mountains near Nederland, Caribou was a silver mining town that flourished in the late 1800s. The town was abandoned after the silver mines were depleted. Today, all that remains are a few crumbling stone foundations, old mining equipment, and scattered remnants of the town’s past. The remote and rugged landscape adds to the site’s eerie appeal.
6. Dearfield (Weld County, Colorado)
Founded in 1910 by African American homesteaders, Dearfield was a farming community meant to provide African Americans with economic opportunities in the American West. The town thrived during its early years but was abandoned during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Some of the original buildings, including homes and a schoolhouse, still stand today as a testament to the resilience of its settlers. The town’s history and abandoned structures make it a unique and haunting site.
7. Gilman (Eagle County, Colorado)
Gilman was a thriving mining town that operated from the 1880s until 1984, when environmental concerns led to its closure. The town was built on a cliffside and included homes, a hospital, and a school. Today, Gilman remains completely abandoned, and its crumbling buildings have become a popular spot for urban explorers. The decaying houses and rusting mining equipment make it one of Colorado’s eeriest ghost towns, though it is technically off-limits to visitors due to contamination.
8. Denver Tramway Powerhouse (Denver, Colorado)
Located in Denver’s River North Arts District, the Denver Tramway Powerhouse is an industrial relic that once powered Denver’s streetcar system. The building was abandoned for decades, leaving its brick walls, rusting machinery, and large windows to slowly decay. While parts of the building have been repurposed, some areas remain untouched, offering a glimpse into Denver’s industrial past.
9. South Park City Museum (Fairplay, Colorado)
While South Park City isn’t technically abandoned, it is a carefully preserved open-air museum that replicates an old mining town from the 19th century. Many of the buildings and artifacts were moved from nearby ghost towns and are displayed as they would have looked during Colorado’s mining boom. The town includes a saloon, blacksmith shop, general store, and more, making it feel like a time capsule of Colorado’s Old West history.
10. Climax Mine (Lake County, Colorado)
The Climax Mine was once one of the world’s largest molybdenum mines, operating from the early 1900s until the 1980s. Parts of the mine were abandoned, leaving behind empty mining facilities, old machinery, and ghostly industrial buildings. Although the mine has partially reopened, sections of the facility remain abandoned and serve as a stark reminder of Colorado’s industrial past.
Conclusion
Colorado’s abandoned places offer a fascinating look into the state’s history, from its mining boom to the struggles of early settlers. Whether exploring ghost towns in the mountains or decaying industrial sites, these locations provide an eerie yet captivating glimpse into the past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many can be hazardous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Colorado’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable adventure through time.
