Ghost Trail
Located just four miles below the Independence Pass Summit, this ghost town not only offers a hands-on look at history, but also spectacular mountain scenery. Formed in the summer of 1879, this former mining town hauled out almost 200-hundred thousand dollars worth of gold in a two-year span. By 1890, however, the rush was over and so was the town's future. Today five structures in standing and collapsed conditions serve as weathered reminders to the area's mining past. Admission is free and the surrounding mountain views are spectacular. Follow Highway 82 out of Aspen for 13.5 miles. The ghost town, which is visible from the road, will be on your right. The highway closes during winter.
www.heritageaspen.org/indep.html
Independence Ghost Town, located on Colorado Highway 82 about 20 miles from Aspen, Colorado: At an elevation of 10,830 feet MSL hiking in this area can find you gasping for air. Photograph taken August 21, 2010
Ghost Trail
Located just four miles below the Independence Pass Summit, this ghost town not only offers a hands-on look at history, but also spectacular mountain scenery. Formed in the summer of 1879, this former mining town hauled out almost 200-hundred thousand dollars worth of gold in a two-year span. By 1890, however, the rush was over and so was the town's future. Today five structures in standing and collapsed conditions serve as weathered reminders to the area's mining past. Admission is free and the surrounding mountain views are spectacular. Follow Highway 82 out of Aspen for 13.5 miles. The ghost town, which is visible from the road, will be on your right. The highway closes during winter.
www.heritageaspen.org/indep.html
Independence Ghost Town, located on Colorado Highway 82 about 20 miles from Aspen, Colorado: At an elevation of 10,830 feet MSL hiking in this area can find you gasping for air. Photograph taken August 21, 2010