Ghost Towns of the Rockies

Summitville

Ghost town in Rio Grande County, Colorado · San Luis Valley district

Founded
1870
Peak Population
~1,500
Elevation
11,300 ft
Primary Industry
gold
County
Rio Grande
Coordinates
37.4372, -106.5975
View on Interactive Map Directions (Google Maps)

History

A gold mining camp at 11,300 ft. In the 1980s, a heap-leach cyanide gold mining operation created one of Colorado's worst environmental disasters when cyanide-laced water contaminated the Alamosa River. Declared a Superfund site in 1994. Cleanup cost over $150 million.

Visiting Summitville

What remains: EPA Superfund site. Access restricted. Major environmental disaster site.

Access: County Road 14 from Del Norte. Road may be gated/closed. DO NOT ENTER.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Summitville?

Summitville is located in Rio Grande County, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley area at an elevation of 11,300 ft, coordinates 37.4372, -106.5975.

Can you visit Summitville today?

County Road 14 from Del Norte. Road may be gated/closed. DO NOT ENTER.

What remains at Summitville?

EPA Superfund site. Access restricted. Major environmental disaster site.

Nearby Ghost Towns