The Colorado Ghost Town That S Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

‘Tis the season for getting outside to walk, hike, bike, and drive, as temperatures are finally becoming cooler and more comfortable and the leaves are continuing to change. While you cannot go wrong with leaf-peeping nearly anywhere in Colorado, some places are better than others, including this Colorado ghost town that becomes even more beautiful in the fall:

Welcome to Ashcroft!

Google/Shauna Stokes

Located 10 miles south of Aspen, Ashcroft is a former mining town that - like so many other mining towns - collapsed when the nearby mines ran dry, leaving behind nearly perfect ruins that are as haunting as they are beautiful.

John Holm/Wikimedia Commons

Formerly known as Castle Forks City and then Chloride, Ashcroft - at its prime - was once home to nearly 3,500 residents, as well as 20 saloons, 2 newspapers, sawmills, a school, 6 hotels, and more.

Google/Geoff Livingston

Unlike most ghost towns, Ashcroft received a unique second chance at life during the 1930s, with plans for an Olympic training center turned mountaineering training for World War II during the summer of 1942.

Google/Lucky Pet at Home Kaye Queen

Today, Ashcroft is a quiet retreat home to scenic walking trails and well-preserved houses and buildings that cannot be missed.

Google/Dan Halsey

While Ashcroft is a must-see year-round, the ghost town manages to become even more stunning in the fall, as the landscape around it becomes ablaze in rich reds, yellows, oranges, and browns.

Google/Bob Evans

Admission to Ashcroft is $5 for adults 18+.

Google/1wolny1

Guided tours of Ashcroft are available Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through October 2nd, with self-guided, honor system tours available the rest of the year.

Google/Tina Fuller-Jones

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more fall fun around the Centennial State, check out The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In Colorado.