Ashcroft Ghost Town

Ashcroft is the ghost town of the Aspen area, a former silver-mining settlement tucked into the upper Castle Creek Valley about eleven miles southwest of town. In the 1880s it was a rival to Aspen, with thousands of residents, saloons, a newspaper and dreams of becoming a major city. The silver crash and a hard winter ended those hopes, and by the early twentieth century the town was nearly empty. Several original buildings, including a hotel, a store and a few cabins, still stand, preserved in a state of arrested decay by the local historical society. The setting is part of the appeal. The valley is high and open, ringed by 13,000-foot peaks, with the Castle Creek running alongside and aspens that blaze in autumn. A short, self-guided walk between the buildings, with signs that explain each one, takes under an hour, and the site is open for exploring in the warmer months. In winter the same valley becomes a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with a nordic center operating nearby. The combination of history, quiet and scenery makes this one of the best outings in the valley.

The buildings are fragile, so treat them with care: do not climb on the structures, do not remove anything and stay on the paths. Dogs may be restricted on the site, so check the rules. Photography is rewarding, particularly in the morning or evening light, and the valley is a good place to look for wildlife, including deer, marmots and birds. The area also has hiking trails to lakes and basins that make the outing longer if you wish.

Combine Ashcroft with a stop at the Pine Creek Cookhouse if it is open, a picnic by the creek or a hike in the valley, and you have a relaxed half day away from the crowds. History fans can pair the visit with a guided walking tour in Aspen to understand the full silver-mining story, which explains how a rough camp became a ski resort. Autumn, when the aspens turn, and summer, when wildflowers cover the meadows, are the most beautiful times to go, and the drive is short enough to do on a day when the weather is uncertain elsewhere.

Photographers and sketchers find the site especially rewarding, since the weathered timber, the open sky and the mountain backdrop make strong compositions, and the lack of crowds means you can take your time. Bring a sweater even in summer, a hat for the sun and bug spray in warm months.

The road is paved but narrow in places, so drive carefully and watch for cyclists, who love the climb. Cell service is limited in the valley, so tell someone your plan if you are heading on to longer trails, and keep an eye on afternoon clouds, which can bring a sudden storm.