From the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1858 through the Silver Panic of 1893 and Wyoming's frontier era, the Rocky Mountain states birthed hundreds of boomtowns. Most are now silent ruins at altitude. This map documents verified ghost towns and near-ghost towns across both states.
The most productive silver-mining district in Colorado. Cumulative production: 240 million troy oz silver, 3 million troy oz gold. Population hit 40,000+ by 1880. The discovery that heavy black sand impeding gold recovery was actually silver-bearing cerussite triggered the greatest silver rush in American history.
The last great Colorado gold rush and the second largest gold-producing district in the US. Bob Womack found gold in Poverty Gulch in 1890. The Vindicator Mine alone produced 1,244,000 troy oz gold. Devastating fires hit Cripple Creek in 1896 and Victor in 1899, but both rebuilt. Gambling legalized in 1991.
Extremely rugged high-altitude terrain hosting some of Colorado's most spectacular ghost towns. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad's San Juan Extension reached Silverton in 1882. Home to the Alpine Loop, a legendary 4WD route connecting ghost towns at 11,000+ ft.
Site of John Gregory's May 6, 1859 gold discovery that triggered a massive rush. Between 1859 and 1893, Gilpin County produced more gold than any other area in the American West. Central City Opera House built 1878. Gambling legalized 1991 transformed Black Hawk with large casinos.
By 1891, Aspen surpassed Leadville as the largest silver-producing district in the US, producing one-sixth of America's silver. In 1894, the largest silver nugget ever mined (2,340 lbs) was found at the Smuggler Mine. Lost 35% of population after silver crash. Reinvented as a world-class ski resort.
One of the most well-preserved mining districts in Colorado. The Georgetown Loop Railroad (narrow gauge, built 1884) connected the two towns and now operates steam-powered tourist excursions. Silver Plume is a "living ghost town" with ~200 residents and mostly vacant 19th-century buildings.
"The Last Silver Boom Town." Rich minerals discovered in Willow Creek Canyon in 1889. Within two years, annual silver production topped 4.8 million troy oz. Population hit 10,000. The Bachelor Loop (17-mile scenic drive) passes mine ruins clinging to steep slopes.
1 million troy oz (58 tons) of gold total, three-quarters from placer deposits. Nine dredge boats operated 1898-1942, pulling ~$20,000/week in gold. Dredging unearthed 150,000 oz gold from 1910-1923 but caused severe environmental damage, digging 70 ft into the earth.
Home to South Park City Museum in Fairplay with 34 historic buildings and 60,000+ artifacts salvaged from local ghost towns. Alma claims the title of highest incorporated town in the US at 10,355 ft. Como was a key railroad hub for the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad.