One Of America's Highest Mining Camps Is Now A Scenic Ghost Town Hidden In Colorado's Mountains

The now abandoned village of Animas Forks in Colorado was established in 1873 when prospectors began to build cabins 11,200 feet into the mountains, as the region was thriving due to its mining industry and proximity to the town of Silverton. However, due to the town's altitude and extreme weather, the population of Animas Forks dropped every fall, a trend that would leave the town almost uninhabited by the 1920s, and Animas Forks became another in a long line of American ghost towns. It is believed that Animas Forks once fell victim to a 23-day blizzard that buried the town under 25 feet of snow; this place has seen its fair share of calamities.

On a more positive note, Animas Forks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. Today, the buildings have been maintained and renovated, and there is a nearby parking lot for those wanting to explore the eerie bygone village, a true testament to the American West. Because the roads leading to Animas Forks are unpaved, it's recommended to undertake the journey there in a car with a high clearance and four-wheel drive.

Animas Forks was once a bustling home to many, and it had a hotel, several saloons, a drug store, a post office, and even a jail, many of which still stand and can be visited today. For those interested in local stories, there is an archive of photographs, maps, letters, and diaries from the ex-residents of Animas Forks that locals have built to preserve the history of the town. This is open to the public every Thursday and is one of the many examples of conservation efforts from the neighboring citizens of Silverton and the surrounding area.

While there is no proof that the abandoned town is haunted, some visitors do claim to have experienced paranormal activity in Animas Forks. You'll have to see for yourself! Maybe your visit will include a conversation with the ghost of a 19th-century miner or the editor-in-chief of the town's long-defunct paper, the Animas Forks Pioneer. You'll just have to wait and see.

Though Animas Forks is considered a ghost town, it sits in a region that draws over 250,000 visitors a year. Animas Forks — alongside the nearby towns of Silverton, Lake City, and Ouray — is a part of the scenic Alpine Loop. If you're on a road trip and have a couple of days to spare in Colorado, the Alpine Loop is 65 miles of unpaved scenic roads that are ideal for a slow-moving journey. While the ride may be bumpy, you won't regret the views you'll get of the Rocky Mountains and the region's rich flora and fauna. It's important to check the weather before heading out on your journey, as the unpaved roads could be severely impacted, so make sure to prepare accordingly.

When you drive the Alpine Loop, there are many must-see destinations. Just past Animas Forks is Engineer Pass, where you'll get the best views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. You will also pass the Animas River, which — due to mining pollution — has cloudy, blue-tinted water, and is set against ore-colored rocks, and looks like something straight out of an old Western.