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Aspen’s ghost towns of Ashcroft and Independence offer a glimpse into the area's rich mining history, where booming mining camps once thrived before being abandoned.
Today, these well-preserved remnants of the past invite visitors to explore their weathered buildings and imagine what life was like for the miners who occupied these areas in the late 1800s.
During the early 1880s silver boom, Ashcroft was larger, more populous, and produced more silver than Aspen. However, its prosperity was short-lived. As nearby shallow ore deposits were quickly depleted, Ashcroft declined just as Aspen's fortunes were rising. By the late 1880s, the town was already in serious decline, and by the late 1930s, its last resident had passed away, leaving Ashcroft to fed into the ghost town it is today.
Visitors can explore Ashcroft with self-guided admission or join guided tours led by "resident ghosts" - Aspen Historical Society docents - who bring the town's history to life during summer open hours.
Location: 11 miles up Castle Creek Road from the roundabout on Highway 82
Hours: Self-guided during fall, winter, and spring
Docent on site June - September
Admission: $5/adult, Children 18 & under free (must be accompanied by an adult)
Free for active military personnel. Honor system admission box located on welcome sign.
Gold, not silver, sparked one of the area's first successful mining camps—Independence. Founded on July 4, 1879, after the discovery of gold, the town flourished briefly before harsh winters and dwindling resources led residents to abandon it in search of a better life in Aspen.
Today, visitors can explore the remains of Independence. Self-guided tours are easy with brochures available at the entrance.
Location: 16 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, just below the summit of Independence Pass
Hours: Self-guided
Admission: $5/adult suggested donation, Children 18 and under free (must be accompanied by an adult), Free for active military personnel. Honor system admission box located at trail entrance.
Want to dive deeper into Aspen’s history? Take a 360° tour of Independence Pass, follow a curated itinerary, or explore all the tours offered by the Aspen Historical Society.
