Since this big chunk of high mountain landscape became a state in 1876, Colorado has seen its fair share of towns incorporate and disperse. Several of these towns that are abandoned still remain in their deserted state, making them fascinating places for tourists, adventurers, ghost hunters, and historians alike. Today we will be taking a road trip to haunted places in CO, focusing on some of the state’s more unsettling ghost towns in Colorado. Let’s go!

You can find an interactive map of the route on Google Maps.
Google Maps
This is a great trip to split across two days, or into short legs to complete this over the course of a few weeks, or even months. The more time you have to explore, the better!
1. Animas Forks
Animas Forks, CO 81433, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Located just northeast of Silverton, Animas Forks was once a bustling mining town that dissolved soon after the closing of the thriving Gold Prince Mill. All that remains today of Animas Forks are deserted homes and businesses, and the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Check out this wonderful dashcam video of the drive up to Animas Forks:
2. St. Elmo
Saint Elmo, St Elmo, CO 81236, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Quite possibly the most famous ghost town in Colorado is that of St. Elmo, which was at one time a well-populated mining town with a telegraph office, general store, town hall, hotels, saloons, dance halls, newspaper office, and even a schoolhouse. This National Register of Historic Places town is still home to a handful of people, but is primarily populated by the many tourists who come to visit each year.

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3. Climax
Climax, CO 80461, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Can you consider a town with a re-opened mine to be a ghost town? When it comes to Climax, CO you can, as the molybdenum mine was closed and deserted for almost 17 years before re-opening for business!

Explore the mine area (safely!) in this fascinating drone video:
4. Independence
35.8174° N, 91.5984° W
Flickr/LDELD
If the history of mining fascinates you, you will love the ghost town of Independence, which houses a few hauntingly beautiful cabins, mining camps, and homes. Interesting fact: The once prosperous mining town - and first European settlement in the valley - was at one time home to over 1,500 residents and dozens of businesses.
5. Eureka
Eureka, CO 81433, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Quite possibly one of the most intriguing of all the ghost town remains is that of old ore mill in Eureka, which at first glance resembles ancient ruins. In addition to the old ore mill, Eureka is also home to an old wooden mine shaft and several abandoned homes.

Check out this awesome birds-eye view of Eureka:

Have you had the opportunity to visit any Colorado ghost towns? We would love to hear your story!

And if this road trip to haunted places in Colorado made you thirsty for more, read all about the most haunted spots in Colorado… if you dare!

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More to Explore

Ghost Towns in Colorado

Kim Magaraci | January 26, 2021

What are the most haunted places in Colorado?

While the Stanley Hotel may be the most well-known haunted spot in the Centennial State, other creepy locations include the Molly Brown House, Cheesman Park in Denver (built on an old cemetery!), and the abandoned Fitzsimons Army Hospital that sits, in ruins, in Aurora.

What are the creepiest cemeteries in Colorado?

Woodpecker Hill, in Canon City, is the final resting spot of several death row inmates. They're still said to haunt the spot, perhaps looking for justice or pleading their case one more time. If you drive past the quiet, old Bingham Hill Cemetery in Laporte, you might get chased down the road by a ghost! Littleton Cemetery is where Alfred Packer is buried, and the horrible cannibal is said to still haunt the grounds.

Are there any haunted hotels in Colorado?

Of course! After all, "The Shining" was based on a haunted Colorado hotel! Opened in 1909, the Stanley Hotel is what inspired Stephen King. If you stay at this Estes Park inn, you might experience the inexplicable, like flickering lights, the sound of children running down the hall, and objects moving about on their own. Other haunted hotels in Colorado include the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, Hotel Jerome in Aspen, and the second oldest hotel in Denver, the Brown Palace, which has been operating since 1892! -- and never closed a day since.

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