Ashcroft Ghost Town Hike

There isn’t all that much that can be said that is negative about the Ashcroft Ghost Town Hike, except for the fact that it is really more of a walk. The short overall distance and lack of any real challenging terrain as you make your way through the historic site means that it is more of an outing than any actual kind of exercise. There is an admission fee of $5 to explore the historical site, and you will definitely want to arrive early to secure parking.

Although it doesn’t offer much in the way of exercise, walking this route will provide you with the opportunity to broaden your mind while learning about the interesting history of mining settlements in Colorado. The fascinating abandoned buildings and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape make this a fun adventure for people of all ages and skill levels.

Setting out from the parking area, you will follow the trail to the south and pass by a small stretch of forest, before arriving at the site of the Ashcroft Ghost Town. Here, you will be able to investigate the various abandoned wooden buildings that would have served as the courthouse, saloon, and other amenities for the people of this short-lived mining settlement that boomed and busted in the 1880s.

After making your way through the site and taking in the lovely views of the surrounding mountains and forests, you will head back along the trail to return to your vehicle having completed the Ashcroft Ghost Town Trail.

Trail Highlights

Ashcroft Ghost Town

Formed in 1880 by two prospectors named Charles B. Culver and F.W. Coxhead, Ashcroft was a booming silver mine camp in the Castle Creek Valley. After a courthouse and city streets were laid out, the town grew quickly in size to roughly 2000 people, before being abandoned just as quickly after the silver deposits were found to be small/shallow. By 1885, the town only had about 100 summer residents.