Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Ironton

Ghost town in Ouray County, Colorado · San Juan Mountains district

Founded
1883
Peak Population
~1,000
Elevation
9,800 ft
Primary Industry
silver
County
Ouray
Coordinates
37.9378, -107.6653
View on Interactive Map Directions (Google Maps)

History

300 buildings were erected in just three weeks in 1883. Ironton had its own railroad connection via the Silverton Railroad. The town survived longer than most thanks to the Saratoga Mine, but was finally abandoned by 1920.

Visiting Ironton

What remains: Few structures remain, interpretive signs along highway

Access: Along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) between Ouray and Silverton. Easily accessible.

Photos

I spent the night of July 11, 2012, in the ghost town of Ironton, CO. I fell asleep in the back of my truck wondering about what it was like to live
I spent the night of July 11, 2012, in the ghost town of Ironton, CO. I fell asleep in the back of my truck w — John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA (CC BY 2.0)
The leaves along US550 near Red Mountain Pass were at their peak a couple of days ago.
The leaves along US550 near Red Mountain Pass were at their peak a couple of days ago. — John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Aspens from an abandoned 2 story house in the ghost town of Ironton, Colorado.
Aspens from an abandoned 2 story house in the ghost town of Ironton, Colorado. — Sandy Horvath-Dori from Grand Junction, CO, USA (CC BY 2.0)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ironton?

Ironton is located in Ouray County, Colorado, in the San Juan Mountains area at an elevation of 9,800 ft, coordinates 37.9378, -107.6653.

Can you visit Ironton today?

Along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) between Ouray and Silverton. Easily accessible.

What remains at Ironton?

Few structures remain, interpretive signs along highway

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