What is it about ghost towns in Colorado that are so intriguing? Is it the life that was lived in that dilapidated home? Or the likely happy times that occurred in the old church hall? If those walls could talk, can you imagine the tales of triumph and despair that they would share? Sadly, we will never know all the history behind these 5 ghost towns in Colorado (all which happen to be former mining areas), but here are a few of their stories:

1.) Animas Forks

Known as being one of the best-kept ghost towns in the state (a Colorado State Historical Fund grant has helped maintain the area), Animas Forks was a once-thriving mining town that quickly dissolved after the closing of the Gold Prince Mill. Today, the National Register of Historic Places listing is a tourist favorite.

2.) St. Elmo

Like Animas Forks, St. Elmo was a well-populated mining town with a telegraph office, general store, town hall, hotels, saloons, dance halls, newspaper office, and a schoolhouse. Unlike Animas Forks, St. Elmo is said to be haunted by the ghost of a "very attractive woman in a white dress." Could that pretty ghost be that of Annabell "Dirty Annie" Stark, a descendent of one of the town's founders who was known for roaming the empty streets with a rifle, protecting what was hers?

3.) Climax

The former unincorporated mining village was once the highest human settlement in the United States and holds the record for once having the country's second-highest Post Office and railroad station. After being closed for nearly 17 years, the Climax mine recently reopened and resumed the shipping of molybdenum. (The town itself came to be for its huge deposit of molybdenum ore).

4.) Gothic

The appropriately-named ghost town in Colorado, once popular for mining, is now home to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. When it comes to abandoned places in Colorado, the town of Gothic is certainly one of the most picturesque.

5.) Independence

The once prosperous mining town -- and first European settlement in the valley -- was at one time home to over 1,500 residents and dozens of businesses. However, due to its less-than-desirable weather conditions, residents began migrating to milder climates, eventually leading to the demise of the once-booming and "independent" town.

Have you ever visited any of the above ghost towns in Colorado? How did it feel to be there? We'd love to hear about your experiences! Join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below.