The site itself is not really exciting, but when you come at right time, the background of the site…read moreis very beautiful, the additional history and culture make it very interesting. I even saw people taking wedding pictures here. The nearby Castle Creek is also nice.

We had such a great time going up here. It was late June and we were in Aspen for an assessor's…read moreconference my husband went to. We took the afternoon off grabbed a picnic lunch from Clark's market in Snowmass and drove towards Aspen. Ashcroft is about 10 miles south but it takes a little longer because it's a windy road. The concierge at our hotel said there wasn't much up there, but we were so impressed with the buildings that have remained and been restored. It was so tranquil and quiet. There's a big parking lot and nicely marked trails and signs it makes a perfect afternoon outing for a family. Here's a link to the video we made. It was our first attempt using Premier Pro so it's a little disjointed and the music is a little creepy but it goes with the ghost town motif. https://youtu.be/92XyfU0uhcw

The reason you absolutely MUST go to this place is so that they can give you the lowdown on feeding…read morewild chipmunks from the palm of your hand, just across from the general store! The seeds to feed them are sold right outside the store for just a couple quarters, and as soon as you hold out your palm, chipmunks come flooding over to you! It was one of the most magical experiences of my entire life, and more people need to know how amazing this place

This is an absolute gem that hopefully will be preserved for future generations!…read moreThis ghost mining town was only preserved to today's state because two stubborn souls decided that, even after the railroad stopped service and all its inhabitants left, they'd STILL want to live here. They slowly begun acquiring buildings (sometimes just paying overdue property taxes) and they rented buildings and cabins to tourists, whom would visit the area to fish and other outdoor activities. This town is on the National Historic Registry and some of the buildings were donated to Buena Vista Heritage society. They are the ones who collect the money that you toss in the 3 red pilar/tubes in town. They are also the ones who have placed the very informative installation inside the remains of the American House Hotel. They also reconstructed the town hall and jail, and plan to keep slowly restoring and acquiring more buildings. They do need financial help as it is a VERY expensive endeavor (see wall plaque and signage enclosed) so think of this as helping to preserve history for the future. Don't just go to the General Store and buy .50 cents worth of seeds for the chipmunk. They are fat enough as is, they can stand to miss that meal you want to buy them. Instead come early morning and be greeted by foxes, marmots, deer, squirrels and much more...no need to feed. Great heartwarming experience. Just put a few dollars into the tubes and help this non-profit to preserve this wonderful heritage for future generations. Preserving a site like this is extremely costly, especially given the remoteness of it. Donate and share the love!

"Discover this 9.0-mile out-and-back trail near Carbondale, Colorado. Generally considered a…read moremoderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and off-road driving, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash." there is some parking at the bottom of the road if you do not have 4WD. There are no bathrooms, trash cans or dog poop bags available. So be sure to plan accordingly and also plan on packing out what you pack in. The road up to 314 is just incline. You take a right at the fork (314) towards crystal city. This road will have some incline but also going down hill. When we went there were a few giant pools of water but they were not too bad to get around. There was also one giant strip of mud but it was not deep. stayed near side of road and was able to walk on it. When you get to the mill, if you want to walk down closer to get better views you will need to do another 3-5 minute walk into town to go to the store and sign the waiver and pay $10 if you have a phone but $50 if you have nice camera/more professional set up. The store had some snacks and drinks. If you pay the money then you go back. The store will let them know at the mill that you paid and are good to go. I thought it was worth it to pay the $ to be able to go down and have lunch near the river, get better pictures, and play in the water. Apparently you can also swim in the water but need to stay near the banks. The water was definitely pretty cold though.

Crystal Mill is easily one of the most iconic sights to see in Colorado. So after living here for…read more14 years, I decided I was long overdue to make my way to this gorgeous piece of Colorado history! THE HISTORY: Crystal Mill actually isn't a mill at all. It was actually a compressor station which used a water turbine to drive an air compressor and was originally built with a horizontal wheel. The compressed air was then used to power other machinery or tools at the nearby Sheep Mountain Mine. When the mine closed in 1917 - so did Crystal Mill. THE JOURNEY: There are 3 ways to make your way to Crystal Mill: Jeep tour, 4x4 vehicle, or hiking along the 4x4 road. I opted to hike - more about that later. From the parking area at Beaver Lake to the Town of Crystal and back is approximately 12 miles round-trip with 1500+ feet of elevation gain. Crystal Mill is just before your reach the town. The initial incline is the worst part of the trail - quite steep, long, and dusty. About a third of the way to Crystal Mill, you will pass Lizard Lake which made a great resting point. You are following Crystal River the whole way which lends its self to some great photo ops. Though, if you're like me, you may strain your neck looking up at the canyon walls. THE DESTINATION: Once you arrive at Crystal Mill, you can pay a donation of $10 to pass under the safety rope and make your way down to the river. You can explore the river bank and the river, but you cannot cross to the other bank. Fall at Crystal Mill is gorgeous! I was lucky to arrive during peak leaf peeping. I'd imagine spring with the winter snowmelt would be gorgeous as well. There were tons of photographers trying to get the perfect shot. I rested and soaked up the views for a couple hours before making my way back. Crystal Mill was easily one of the most exhausting yet rewarding hikes I have done. The next time I choose to make my way to Crystal Mill I'll definitely be bringing along my quad so I can adventure a bit further. **Pro Tip: If you choose to hike make sure to start early, pace yourself, and hydrate! I easily went through 2.5 liters of water during my hike to Crystal Mill.

Doc Holliday Trail - Hike now, haunt later…read more If you're looking for a hike with a little cardio, a lot of history, and a surprise emotional ambush by a tree--this is your trail. The climb is just steep enough to remind you that gravity is rude, but manageable. Along the way, you get killer views (pun absolutely intended) and the unexpected gem that is Annie's Wishing Tree--a ribbon-covered pine full of hope, love, and probably more emotional depth than Doc Holliday himself. I came for Wild West drama and instead found myself getting misty-eyed halfway up the trail. At the top, you'll find Doc's "maybe this is where he's buried" memorial, because apparently even in death, the man couldn't commit to a single location. The cemetery is peaceful, shady, and filled with old-timey vibes--perfect for pondering life, death, or just how out of shape you are. Final thoughts: * 10/10 for historical spookiness * 10/10 for emotional surprise tree * 11/10 for that sweet downhill return Would absolutely hike again, possibly in cowboy boots for authenticity (but let's be honest, Crocs won this round).

I had no clue back when I was a rookie in my Yelp Elite status that one of these days I would write…read morea review for a graveyard/cemetery. Hopefully this becomes one of the coolest things I have ever written. I was in Glenwood Springs for a few days earlier this week (and it sure wasn't my very first visit.) I thought I was thoroughly versed in this hot springs town and yet I had no clue about this place (which I learned from my boyfriend the day before my trip.) Still I wasn't planning on visiting this site; it sort of fell into my busy two-day schedule by accident when I decided to stroll through the town after I had eaten dinner early. The daylight was still plenty left for the evening so I got lucky to be able to do this little hike up to none other than the legendary Doc Holliday. The trailhead is located in a very quiet residential neighborhood on 12th and Bennett Avenue. At/around 7:15pm or so, there was nobody around except me (and I was in my dressy platform heels!!) When I got to the entrance, I had no clue I would have to hike up a dirt road to get up to the top to see the cemetery. It was simply too late to turn back; I was determined!! The trail is quite steep. If I was in my sneakers I would run up the hill to get my cardio at the maximum but of course, I had to go slow. As I went up, I could hear my heartbeat as it elevated. What a way to burn all the calories I had consumed earlier in my hotel room!! The view to the right (uphill) was quite nice. Since it was when the sun was retiring for the day, I was able to take some stunning photos using my iPhone. Great place to overlook the town of Glenwood Springs at the dusk. When I was almost at the top, I finally saw another soul: a solo female hiker who quickly said hi to me (to which I said my friendly response.) I saw dark grey clouds forming in the sky with some roaring of light thunder; I knew at that point that my stay at the cemetery would be brief (so I wouldn't get hit by the lightning! No joke, right?!?!) "If I could just see Doc's grave, I would be happy" was my thought process so while I was taking some pictures of other beautiful tombstones belonging to some unknown people, I rushed to his grave without wasting a moment. And finally, I saw the final resting place of the legend, Doc Holliday's grave. Doc's tombstone is more of a memorial dedicated to him as his body is buried somewhere in the cemetery (is what I read on the stone plaque/plate that explains his whereabouts.) Still, I was happy to be there to pay tribute to one of the greatest legends of the American history. While I was still concerned about the forming rain clouds to the southwest sky, I rushed to see Kid Curry's grave. Harvey A. Logan known as Kid Curry was also a legend (well precisely speaking, he was an outlaw and a gunman); his association with Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid for what's known as Wild Bunch, Kid was a bit lesser known figure for what he did along the other two.) As I was wrapping up my visit at the cemetery, what I kept hearing in the near background were the male turkeys' gobbling sounds. As if to say that this was the most fitting sound effect in a place like this, it made the whole place so mysterious. I got spooked by it a little to be frank!! As I descended my way to go back down I saw another soul with a furry animal. This friendly gentleman with his 3-year old pup carried a frank conversation with me. He certainly looked shocked to see me in my heels!! Well, final thought about this place? I highly recommend for sure! I don't know how crowded it gets during the peak hours but if you want to spend a little quiet time having the whole place to yourself then like I did, visit here during the dusk. Whether you want to go here for a quick night time cardio or just to say goodbye to the sun at the conclusion of the day, you'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and the serenity that Glenwood Springs has to offer. And let's not forget; it's definitely a place to learn about the history of the Wild West!!

A handful of interesting historic buildings scattered over a scenic valley with a few good…read moreinterpretive signs telling the story of the thriving town once here. There are limited summer hours with volunteers on site, but open & easy to explore on your own anytime Independence Pass is open.

From the owner: The first mining site in the Roaring Fork Valley, today, Independence is an archaeological preserve…read morelocated just below the Continental Divide; a "don't-miss stop" on Independence Pass along the Top of the Rockies' Scenic Byway. Aspen Historical Society operates a permit with the National Forest Service to manage and interpret the ghost town. Docents are on-site during open hours and signage tell the stories of the characters, enterprises, and structures that make Independence an integral part of area history.

I have driven many beautiful scenic drives in my lifetime. This one definitely ranks up there as…read moreone of the best. The Million Dollar Highway is both scenic and adventurous. It is a stretch of highway that spans 25 miles on US Highway 550 between the towns of Ouray and Silverton. The highway takes you through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. What makes it adventurous is that the roads are steep and full of tight curves and have no guardrails. We planned a fun trip through Colorado that started with the Town of Telluride. I typically ski there, so I was excited to spend time there doing other activities. After a hike, we headed to Ouray to relax and enjoy some time exploring the town. After a soaking in a hot spring in Ridgway, we began our drive on the Million Dollar Highway. We made the drive all the way to Silverton and eventually ended up in Durango. I enjoyed my slow relaxing time on this drive while taking photographs along the way. This two-lane mountainous highway was constructed in 1883 to connect Ouray to the mines around Ironton and eventually Silverton. The purpose of the road was to transport silver and gold from the mines. The route was entirely paved with asphalt in the 1950s. There are many legends as to why it is called Million Dollar Highway. One is that it cost over a million dollars per mile to build back in the day. Another one is that the gravel used to pave the road contains millions of dollars in unextracted gold and silver ore from the local mines. The Million Dollar Highway starts (or ends) in Ouray, Colorado. There are several points of interest along the way. We stopped and took photos at the Switzerland of America Lookout Point Sign in Ouray. Then we stopped at the Bear Creek Falls Lookout Point. You get a great view the falls and the San Juan mountains from here. We then began our drive through the Uncompahgre Gorge to the summit of Red Mountain Pass (elevation 11,018 ft). I took my time driving through here as it is the most challenging part of the drive. The high elevation without any guardrails was a little scary. But the scenic views are just stunning and make it worth it. Red Mountain Pass is named for the the series of mountains along the highway that have iron-oxide-laden rock on their slopes. These mountains are really pretty to look at because of its red color. There are a couple of tunnels on the Million Dollar Highway including the Riverside Slide structure that protects cars from avalanches. Crystal Lake is a man-made lake that has pretty wildflowers and hiking trails. The Alpine Loop Byway is a challenging 63-mile dirt loop that connects Silverton, Lake City and Ouray and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle or a dirt bike to travel on. The highway does pass through a series of switchback curves that can be a little frightening. Also on the drive are a number of abandoned mining buildings that you can check out. We finished the road trip in Silverton and went on our way to Durango. I enjoyed this trip and my time driving on the Million Dollar Highway. If you take your time and pay attention, the drive can be very relaxing and enjoyable. There are several pullouts along the highway for photographs. Sadly, the highway does have a number of accidents and deaths each year because of the narrow lanes and sheer cliff drops (and also weather). But it is totally worth it to drive on the Million Dollar Highway for its amazing scenery. We did this drive in the Fall and enjoyed the colorful leaves and snow-capped mountains.

Exquisite. This is one of the most scenic drives I've ever taken…read more I've lived in Denver for four years now. From the moment I moved, SW Colorado has been top of mind. Well, time gets away from you. And though I've explored more of this beautiful states than many locals have, I finally crossed off the famed Million Dollar Highway off the ole bucket list. Good golly miss molly, this drive is something else. Something magical, something spectacular, something majestic. Something that can actually leave you speechless. For me, that's the Million Dollar Highway. The winding roads through the San Juans, each passing turn as jaw-dropping as the previous. Whether commuting South from Ouray to Silverton, or North from Silverton to Ouray, this stretch of America is simply surreal. You're missing out if you don't stop at Red Mountain Pass, the highest point of the drive. The lookout point gazing over the Red Mountains was something I didn't expect to blow me away. I love driving. And there's a lot of this country I haven't seen. But this, the Million Dollar Highway, is iconic. It must, I repeat, MUST be experienced not once, but many times. Dare I say, a million times? We need to honor those who built this road. They risked their lives in harsh conditions. And we're left with unadulterated beauty. So much beauty. America, the beautiful. To me, that's the Million Dollar Highway.

Each stop on our full day was momentous. The clouds touch the mountains and it's breathtaking…read more Pictures do not give justice to the view. Wear weather appropriate clothes and shoes. We were not able to make it to the top of the steps but still happy we got to explore this place for a bit!

Recently visited Loveland Pass on our way back from Breckenridge. We drove to the top instead of…read morehiking. On the way up, we saw some light snow flurries, and by the time we reached the top, it was actively snowing. The scenery is absolutely stunning definitely a must-see if you're in the area. Just a heads-up: it can get icy and slippery, so be careful while walking around. Overall, it's a beautiful spot and perfect for enjoying the snowy mountain views! Plus it's free!

The mouse is really cool! I found it really neat that you can read about the local history too. I…read morealso like that you are close to shopping and dinning which makes the quick stop to enjoy the mouse statue.

This is a fun bit of history located right where people can see it all the time. Love this mouse!read more

This breathtaking geological feature is a "saddle" bewtween Telluride and Ridgway Colroado. A…read morerelatively gentle grade across the shoulder of some the mightiest mountains in the continental USA. From this vantage point, you'll see Dallas peak, Last Dollar mountain and majestic views of often snow capped briliance. Fall is the best time, with virbrant colors sweeping accross the endless vistas.