Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Pitkin

Ghost town in Gunnison County, Colorado · Gunnison district

Founded
1879
Peak Population
~2,500
Elevation
9,242 ft
Primary Industry
silver
County
Gunnison
Coordinates
38.6089, -106.5178
View on Interactive Map Directions (Google Maps)

History

Named after Frederick Pitkin, Colorado's second governor. A silver mining boomtown that grew to 2,500. Had a railroad connection via the Alpine Tunnel route. Declined after 1893 but never fully abandoned. Today about 60 residents maintain the town.

Visiting Pitkin

What remains: Semi-ghost. ~60 residents. Historic buildings remain.

Access: County Road 76 from Parlin. Paved/gravel, passenger car OK.

Photos

A view of the town of Pitkin, Colorado. Quartz Creek flows under the small bridge at the center of the picture. The creek flows from right to left.
A view of the town of Pitkin, Colorado. Quartz Creek flows under the small bridge at the center of the picture — Jeffrey Beall (CC BY 3.0)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pitkin?

Pitkin is located in Gunnison County, Colorado, in the Gunnison area at an elevation of 9,242 ft, coordinates 38.6089, -106.5178.

Can you visit Pitkin today?

County Road 76 from Parlin. Paved/gravel, passenger car OK.

What remains at Pitkin?

Semi-ghost. ~60 residents. Historic buildings remain.

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