If you’re interested in exploring abandoned towns in the United States, head to Colorado! There are hundreds of former mining, mill, and farming towns that have since been deserted. Today, visitors can venture to the towns to wander among the abandoned buildings and learn about the history of the region. Visit some of our favorite ghost towns near Durango, CO!
Are you looking for more great attractions, like these ghost towns near Durango, CO? We’ve listed our favorite historic sites, hiking trails, museums, art galleries, and shops in this region. Arranging your trip doesn’t have to take hours! Click here to visit our free Vacation Guide to spend less time planning your Durango getaway and more time enjoying it.
Visit These Ghost Towns Near Durango, CO
Before you head out on your ghost tour adventure, you’re going to need the right equipment! Many of the local ghost towns, including the ones on this list, are in hard-to-reach areas of town. You’re going to need a Jeep or an ATV in order to travel safely. Durango Colorado Vacations has partnered with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours to make booking your rental easy! Take a look at the available tours and rentals and reserve one today!
Animas Forks
You can’t mention ghost towns in the San Juan and La Plata region without mentioning Animas Forks. This is the perfect town to visit if you’re planning on taking a day trip to Silverton, CO, for any of the other attractions in the region. Animas Forks was built in 1873 and was a very popular mining community. When the Gold Prince Mill closed, however, many residents of the town moved to more thriving communities. By the 1920s, this once busy settlement had officially become a ghost town. Today, Animas Forks is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can explore the remaining buildings, including the town’s former jail.
Graysill Mines
Graysill Mines is a more modern example of a ghost town. Rather than searching for gold or coal, this mining town attracted folks looking for uranium. The Graysill Mines were in operation from 1945 until 1963. Today, visitors can look at the few remaining buildings on site. This town is best explored during the summer, as the winter months can be treacherous with the ice and snow.
Stay in a Home from Durango Colorado Vacations
After exploring the fascinating and abandoned ghost towns near Durango, CO, return to a lively and gorgeous vacation rental from Durango Colorado Vacations! We have the most gorgeous selection of homes in town, from quaint cabins to larger estates.
If you’re traveling with your family, consider booking Tamarron Trails. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom rental is just 17 miles north of downtown Durango and 10 miles from the Purgatory Ski Resort. Enjoy the world-class views of the mountains surrounding the home as well as the many amenities found within the property. Whether you’d like to snuggle up and watch a movie or play one of the many available board games, you’ll find it all here!
Check out the rest of our properties and book today! We look forward to having you.