5 Colorado Ghost Towns You Can Easily Reach By Car

To reach some of Colorado's high-altitude destinations, you will need a high-clearance vehicle. Exploring ghost towns like the ones in Crystal or Animas Forks means driving some serious back-country roads that not every car can handle.

Don't have a high-clearance vehicle? That's okay. Colorado is home to several ghost towns that are easy to visit, and some of them are even located off paved roads that make them easy to get to. You can absolutely do this.

Why Colorado Ghost Towns Are Worth Visiting (Even Without a Jeep)

Visiting Colorado’s ghost towns is a great way to learn more about mining history and to see what life was like for some of the early settlers of the territory. While many of these historic places require going over some rough roads, we’ve got five ghost towns that you can make it to in a regular car, without four-wheel drive.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

St. Elmo, Colorado (Chaffee County)

A handful of ghost towns in Colorado have been well preserved over the years, and St. Elmo is one of them. The town still has a general store, old structures, and very hungry chipmunks ready to follow you around. You can find St. Elmo on County Road 162 from Nathrop. This is a paved road that passes the town. Hiking trails and the Mount Princeton hot springs are nearby.

Read More: From A to Z: Tour the Haunted Streets of Colorado Ghost Towns

Ashcroft, Colorado (Near Aspen)

Ashcroft offers mountain views, old log cabins, and an easy-to-follow walking tour 11 miles south of Aspen on Castle Creek Road. The road is fully paved. Ashcroft has a saloon, post office, building remnants, and guided walks during the summer. Check out Ashcroft, then have lunch in Aspen, or hike up Castle Creek.

Independence, Colorado (Near Independence Pass)

If you plan on driving over Independence Pass, make time to stop and check out the ghost town of Independence. What remains of cabins and structures can be found surrounded by wildflowers just 16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. Old mining remains and interpretive signs can be found near the pass. This highway is open from May to October.

Gold Hill, Colorado (Boulder County)

Gold Hill is another well-preserved ghost town. There are some residents here, but the historic buildings, general store, and old-time museum provide a great ghost town feel. You can reach Gold Hill from Boulder via Sunshine Canyon Drive. This partially dirt road is well-graded, easy for cars. The Gold Hill Inn, Gold Hill Museum, and the historic cabins are all easy to see.

Silver Plume, Colorado (Near Georgetown)

Silver Plume is another ghost town that is easy to get to. If you drive I-70 to Denver, you have probably gone right past. No off-roading required. There is an old schoolhouse in Silver Plume that is worth a look. Mining structures and views of the mountains are great too. The Georgetown Loop Railroad is nearby, if you prefer to have someone else drive while you check out the area.

Get our free mobile app