Welcome to the Ashcroft Ghost Town, a place where echoes of a once-thriving silver mining camp still linger in the mountain air. Established in the spring of 1880, Ashcroft was originally known as Castle Forks City. It was born during the feverish rush to exploit the mineral wealth of Colorado’s Castle Creek Valley, a venture led by two determined prospectors, Charles B. Culver and W.F. Coxhead. Their discovery of silver drew a wave of fortune seekers, and by 1883, Ashcroft was a bustling community with over 2,000 residents, 20 saloons, two newspapers, a school, and a courthouse.
However, the town’s prosperity was as fleeting as the silver veins it relied upon. By the late 1880s, the shallow ore deposits were exhausted, and many residents moved to nearby Aspen, which promised richer opportunities. The arrival of railroads in Aspen further sealed Ashcroft’s fate, as the town was bypassed entirely.
In the 1930s, Ashcroft caught the eye of Ted Ryan and Billy Fiske, who envisioned transforming the area into a ski resort. They built the Highland-Bavarian Lodge, but their dreams were dashed by World War II. Despite these setbacks, the town played a pivotal role in training the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army in 1942, adding a new chapter to its historical significance.
The last resident of Ashcroft passed away in 1939, and the town officially became a ghost town. But its story didn’t end there. In the 1940s, World War II veteran Stuart Mace and his family settled here, launching a dog sled operation that helped preserve Ashcroft’s legacy. With the help of Ramona Markalunas and the Aspen Historical Society, restoration efforts began, and in 1975, Ashcroft was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Ashcroft Ghost Town stands as a poignant reminder of Colorado’s silver boom and bust era. Visitors can explore the remaining structures, including a saloon, post office, and hotel, and imagine life in this once-vibrant settlement nestled in the stunning Castle Creek Valley.
