Ghost Towns Open this Weekend for Summer

Did you know that Ashcroft was once more populated than Aspen and home to more than 2,000 people? There were two newspapers, a smelter, a school and 20 saloons. But, after the area’s shallow silver deposits proved to be disappointing, the miners left for greener pastures and endeavors (Aspen).

 

The relics of 10 buildings still stand in the ghost town, and you can take daily tours from one of our trained guides any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. At $3, it’s some of the least expensive entertainment in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Driving over the Pass? Stop by the Independence Ghost Town to hear stories about a town that produced more than $190,000 in gold in just a year. Daily tours 10 a.m .to 6 p.m., and the town is just 16 miles east of Aspen.

Both ghost towns open Saturday, June 14 for the summer and will be open daily through Labor Day.