COME TO LIFE Ghost Towns The Wild West history pulsing through our mountain towns makes peeking into their pasts especially fun during spooky season. For an eerie alternative to a museum exhibit, peer into a ghost town. Teller City , near Walden, is a solid place to start. Step back in time 150 years when this silver-mining town was home to more than 1,500 people, 27 saloons and a massive hotel. Now, you can hike in to spot the remaining cabin structures to imagine the lives of those who called it home. Hear the wind whistle through Animas Forks near Silverton as you walk down the abandoned main street, stepping into cabins, a remaining mill and the old jail. Or head to Ashcroft , an abandoned mining town near Aspen, where the old saloon, post office and other small buildings still stand. Hiking Hiking is one of the most beloved activities in Colorado, and is one of the easiest to get into. While thousands of gorgeous treks can be found in our foothills and high peaks, here are some options that really sing in the fall. The Golden Gate Canyon State Park Raccoon Trail near Rollinsville opens to panoramic summit views topped with white crowns and plenty of chromatic trees. Or uncover the Lost Lake Trail near Nederland, which winds you through shaking stands of aspens, all the way to a tranquil lake — the perfect place for a midday meal. For a challenging route, the Savage Lakes Trail near Basalt will satisfy anyone looking for some golden outlooks. Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Golden Ashcroft Ghost Town near Aspen Need even more ideas? Colorado.com/BestSeason 48 1-800-COLORADO FROM TOP: JONATHAN PHILLIPS; LAURENCE PARENT
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2024: Page 48
