Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 5 Most Abandoned Places In Colorado

No matter the season, a memorable road trip in Colorado is always a good idea. The following itinerary will take you - and anyone daring enough to join - on a trip to some of the best abandoned places in Colorado. The landmarks we've outlined have been abandoned for decades and left to the elements to slowly wither away. Yet what remains is eerily beautiful in its own right, especially considering that many of the following abandoned places in Colorado are significant to our state's history. For the interactive Colorado ghost town map we put together for this adventure, you can visit Google Maps.

1. Crystal Mill (Marble)

The picturesque Crystal Mill, which once served as a wooden powerhouse, is located just seven miles southeast of Marble. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, it's one of the most breathtaking abandoned places in Colorado. The mill was constructed in 1892 and remains in excellent condition today. It's important to note that the road that leads to the mill requires an off-road vehicle. It's also possible to hike to the mill if you set aside several hours.

2. The Town of Ashcroft

Like several (now) ghost towns of its time, Ashcroft was once a busy mining town that went into decline shortly after the area's silver deposits ran dry. All that remains today are a few empty houses and buildings along the town's former Main Street. Fortunately, preservation efforts have allowed restoration of the abandoned buildings so that visitors can learn about the history. These noteworthy buildings include the Blue Mirror Saloon, a post office, and a picturesque hotel.

3. The Town of St. Elmo

Quite possibly one of the most recognizable and well-preserved ghost towns in Colorado is St. Elmo; another once-booming, now deserted mining town that welcomes thousands of curious tourists each year. Approximately 20 miles south of Buena Vista, the town was established in 1880. The people who lived here were motivated by mining for gold and silver, although the town was abandoned in 1890 because of a fire. This tragic ending is what makes St. Elmo one of the most beautiful yet also one of the creepiest places in Colorado.

4. The Town of Tincup

Not far from St. Elmo, you'll find another picturesque and former mining town known as Tincup (sometimes referred to as Tin Cup). It's important to note that the town isn't entirely abandoned, although a majority of its buildings are. The only remaining business in operation is the Tincup General Store, photographed above.

5. Como Roundhouse (Como)

What is a roundhouse, you ask? A roundhouse is a designated building that fixes different kinds of machines (in this case, trains). This distinct Como, Colorado structure is the only narrow-gauge roundhouse that still remains in the state.

Who will you be taking on your epic road trip to these ghost towns in Colorado? What are some of your favorite abandoned Colorado destinations to visit? If you can't get enough of amazing abandoned CO, don't forget to check out our other road trip itineraries, including this epic three-day restaurant road trip in Colorado that will make your mouth explode!

If you plan to take this abandoned Colorado road trip or any others in the state, make sure you are prepared. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list and our list of the best road trip snacks!