Animas Forks is a ghost town tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Once a lively mining town, it’s now a quiet spot filled with old wooden buildings and mountain views. Sitting over 11,000 feet high, it’s only open to visitors in the summer. seeking history, off-road adventure, and a serene mountain escape. Animas Forks ghost town is a hidden piece of Colorado’s past worth seeing.
A Look Back in Time
Animas Forks began in 1873 when hopeful miners built the first cabins. By 1876, it was a lively mining town with homes, a hotel, a saloon, a post office, and even its own newspaper. Nearly 450 people lived there at its peak. But living at 11,200 feet wasn’t easy, especially during long, snowy winters. A huge blizzard in 1884 buried the town in twenty-five feet of snow, forcing people to dig tunnels just to get around.
As the gold and silver boom faded, so did Animas Forks. The town saw one last spark in 1904 with the building of the Gold Prince Mill, but it didn’t last. Mining slowed down, and by 1910, most operations had stopped. The post office closed in 1915, and many of the buildings were torn apart. By the 1920s, Animas Forks was a true ghost town.
How to Visit Animas Forks Ghost Town
Animas Forks sits high in the San Juan Mountains, about twelve miles from Silverton, Colorado. It’s part of the scenic Alpine Loop, a 65-mile network of dirt roads connecting Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City. Because of rough roads, you’ll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle—especially for the rocky path from Silverton. The views along the way are stunning, especially in summer.
To get there from Silverton, take County Road 2 for about 12.3 miles. From Ouray, follow US 550 south, then turn onto a series of backroads. Signs will help guide the way. When you arrive, free maps and brochures are available in the parking area, thanks to the Bureau of Land Management. The buildings are open to explore, but be careful—they’re old and delicate.
What You'll See When Visiting Animas Forks
Today, Animas Forks is a well-preserved ghost town and a popular summer destination. Around nine buildings still stand, including cabins, a jail, and remains of the old mill. Thanks to restoration work in the late 1990s and early 2010s, these buildings are safer to walk around and look into. Roofs, walls, and floors have been reinforced, and new signs help tell the town’s story.
The site is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which completed a land swap to own the area fully. Visitors can walk through the town freely, soaking in the quiet beauty and mountain views. Animas Forks also sits along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, making it a great stop on an off-road adventure. It’s a peaceful place that gives a real glimpse into Colorado’s mining past.
Tips for Visiting Animas Forks
• Bring a High-Clearance 4x4 Vehicle
The road to Animas Forks is rough and rocky, especially from Silverton. A regular car won’t make it—you need a vehicle with good clearance and four-wheel drive. This is especially important if you plan to continue past the town on the Alpine Loop. Always check road conditions before heading out.
• Visit in the Summer Only
Animas Forks is only accessible in the summer months. Snow blocks the roads for much of the year, and it can even stick around into early June. July through September is the best window for clear roads and safer travel. Always start your trip early in the day to avoid afternoon storms.
• Pack Food, Water, and Layers
There are no stores or services at Animas Forks, so bring everything you need with you. The high elevation can make the weather change quickly—sunny one minute, cold and windy the next. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and extra layers to stay comfortable. Altitude sickness is also a risk for some people.
• Pick Up a Map at the Parking Area
Free maps and brochures are available at the small parking lot by the site. These will help guide your visit and give background info on the buildings. Reading as you go makes the experience more fun and educational. The town doesn’t have signs everywhere, so the map helps a lot.
• Be Respectful of Fragile Buildings
Many of the buildings in Animas Forks are over 100 years old. While you’re allowed to walk through them, it’s important to be gentle. Don’t lean on walls or climb on anything, and watch your step—some floors are uneven. Help protect the site so future visitors can enjoy it too.
Why Animas Forks, Colorado, is Worth the Trip
Animas Forks is more than just an old mining town—it's a piece of Colorado history tucked high in the San Juan Mountains. With its scenic views, rugged trails, and well-preserved buildings, this ghost town offers a unique look into the past. Whether you’re a history lover or just enjoy off-road adventures, visiting Animas Forks is a memorable experience. Just be sure to plan and travel safely!
