At a Glance
- Nearest Ghost Town: Animas Forks, 17 mi
- Access: 4WD Road
- Era: 1870s–1920s Silver Boom
- Guided Tours: Available
Best Ghost Towns Near Ouray
Animas Forks, perched at 11,200 feet above sea level, is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado — a cluster of weathered Victorian homes and the ruins of the Animas Forks mill still standing against a dramatic mountain backdrop. It's reached via a high-clearance 4x4 road along the upper Animas River.
Capitol City, once envisioned as Colorado's state capital by its ambitious founder, sits along Henson Creek road west of Lake City. The governor's mansion site and stone ruins hint at dreams that never materialized.
Guided Ghost Town Jeep Tours
Several Ouray outfitters combine ghost town visits with the Alpine Loop jeep tour, stopping at historical interpretive signs and pointing out hidden mine entrances along the way. A knowledgeable guide transforms a scenic drive into a fascinating history lesson.
San Juan County Historical Society also publishes self-guided driving tour maps available at the Ouray Visitor Center on Main Street.
History and Adventure from The Lumberyard
Ouray itself was a silver boomtown in the 1880s, and The Lumberyard Condos stands in a historic district surrounded by original Victorian-era architecture. The town is essentially a living ghost town with running water.
Explore the mines by day and sleep in comfort at night. Book at ouraycondos.com for the best direct rate.