Idaho is, without a doubt, an outdoorsy state. Hiking, biking, rafting, trail running, and backcountry exploring only brush the surface of everything that the typical Idahoan strives to accomplish on a weekend out – whether we’re searching for a wooded place to escape into nature, or a quiet lake to catch some fish. But uniquely, Idaho also has a storied history, filled with triumphs and tragedies, Western lore and famous legends. While most of Idaho’s old mining towns have grown up and blossomed into lively modern communities, for every quaint town that dots the state, there are dozens of other tiny towns that just didn’t quite make it.
It is estimated that there are nearly 200 ghost towns peppered across the Gem State in varying stages of decay and preservation – some only labeled on maps, with little more than passed-down memories to mark their existence. Some were abandoned due to economic crisis, and others simply died along with their residents and now stand as quiet as the grave.
One particularly beautiful trail in Idaho combines these multiple favorite Idaho pastimes: hiking to a gorgeous secluded lake in the mountains, and exploring an abandoned ghost town that precious few Idahoans even know exists. How’s that for the perfect day trip?
As far as ghost towns are concerned, Boulder City is one Idaho mining community that has been all but forgotten.
Nevertheless, Boulder City holds a special intrigue that comes with exploring abandoned places in Idaho, especially when combined with a ruggedly beautiful hike and an exhilarating destination.
Nestled high above Ketchum in the Boulder Mountains, a long, steep trail narrows across a shale embankment and teases its way around the mountain.
At 10,000 feet, Boulder City was once Idaho’s highest mining settlement. The decrepit city is surrounded by the richly colored peaks of the Boulder Mountains overlooking Sun Valley. Scattered pine trees provide just the right amount of shade while carpets of yellow wildflowers and thick grasses surround the decaying cabins jutting at odd, log-style angles.
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Many people choose to camp at the base of the mountain and ride 4-wheelers or hike their way up the rocky ascent.
The road offers no guardrails and views on the way up feature steep drops into the valley below. Caution is advised! However, multiple winding creeks make the ascent worth the effort.
The centerpiece of the community is the remnants of the Golden Glow Mill up on a hillside.
The Golden Glow Mining Company isn't a name easily recognized by most Idahoans, but they captured veins of rich Galena ore from the mines here from about 1883 to 1893. From a historical perspective, it's simply incredible that a community of around 700 residents were able to haul up their tools, personal belongings, and the immense quantities of mining equipment and ore up and down the mountains. While lovely, this is not an easy journey even with modern conveniences!
The Golden Glow Mining Company isn't a name easily recognized by most Idahoans, but they captured veins of rich Galena ore from the mines here from about 1883 to 1893. From a historical perspective, it's simply incredible that a community of around 700 residents were able to haul up their tools, personal belongings, and the immense quantities of mining equipment and ore up and down the mountains. While lovely, this is not an easy journey even with modern conveniences!
The biggest surprise on the way up? Multiple waterfalls.
While these rocky mountains - aptly named, as it turns out - are beautiful by nature, explorers will be pleasantly surprised by just how lush and spectacular the scenery gets as the elevation transforms the landscape. The Basin itself is absolutely stunning, and it's easy to see what drew residents here in the first place.
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It’s a solid day hike to Boulder City, with multiple options for exploring this overlooked part of Idaho:
Many folks enjoy the history of the community before simply returning to their camps; others, undertake the additional hike and climb higher up the trail to Boulder Lake nestled above the mill.
Getting Here: You can access the Boulder Lake Trail from Ketchum. Drive north 13 miles on Highway 75 to Boulder Creek Road. Turn right on Boulder Creek Road and drive ¼ of a mile to the fork; take a right. You’ll find yourself at Boulder Creek. Passenger cars will need to park here in a grassy area near the creek. Hiking from here is strongly recommended.
What’s your favorite ghost town to visit in Idaho?
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