Ashcroft Ghost Town | Aspen

Information

Landmark: Ashcroft Ghost Town
City: Aspen
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Ashcroft Ghost Town, Aspen, USA Colorado, North America

Ashcroft Ghost Town is a former mining settlement located in the White River National Forest, approximately 14 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado.

Visual Characteristics

The site comprises approximately 20 standing structures, primarily constructed from log and timber. Buildings exhibit a weathered, natural wood finish. Structures vary in size, with the largest being the hotel and saloon buildings. The town is situated in a high mountain valley, surrounded by coniferous forest.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is via Castle Creek Road (Forest Service Road 106) from Aspen. The paved road extends to the vicinity of the town. Castle Creek Road is typically open from late May/early June through October, depending on snow conditions. During winter months, access is restricted to over-snow vehicles. Parking is available at designated pull-offs near the townsite. No public transport services operate directly to Ashcroft.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Ashcroft was established in 1883 as a silver mining camp. It experienced a brief boom period before its decline in the 1890s. The townsite is located within a subalpine ecological zone, characterized by Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forests.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exploration of the historic buildings is permitted. Interpretive signage provides historical context. Hiking trails originate from the Ashcroft area, including access to the Conundrum Hot Springs trail. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities during winter months when the road is closed to vehicles.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Ashcroft Ski Touring Center, located adjacent to the ghost town. Limited shade is provided by the existing structures and surrounding trees. Cell phone signal is generally unreliable within the townsite and surrounding valley.

Best Time to Visit

For clear views of the structures and surrounding landscape, late morning to early afternoon offers optimal natural light. The months of July, August, and September provide the most favorable weather conditions for visiting, with minimal snow and generally dry conditions. Access is dependent on road opening dates in late spring/early summer.

Facts & Legends

Ashcroft was named after its founder, Henry Ashcroft. At its peak, the town had an estimated population of around 500 people, but its prosperity was short-lived due to fluctuating silver prices and the exhaustion of easily accessible ore. A local anecdote suggests that the town's rapid decline was partly due to a severe winter that isolated residents for an extended period.