4 Old Ruins to Explore in Pitkin County

Checkout places to visit in Pitkin County

Pitkin County

Pitkin County is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just southwest of Aspen. The county is home to several ski resorts, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Tourism is a major industry in Pitkin County, and the area is popular for both winter and summer recreation. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, while in the summer they can hike, fish, and camp. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the

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Old Ruins to Explore in Pitkin County

Ashcroft Ghost Town

Ashcroft was once a booming town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, but today it is a ghost town. Founded in 1880, Ashcroft was a silver-mining town located in what is now Pitkin County, Colorado. At its peak, the town had a population of over 2,000 people. However, the silver mines began to play out in the early 1900s, and as the population dwindled, so did the businesses and services in town. The last residents left Ashcroft in the 1950s, and today only a few buildings remain standing.

Independence Ghost Town

This is a former mining town located in Pitkin County. Founded in 1879, the town was a thriving community for many years, with a population of over 1,000 people. However, the mines began to play out in the early 20th century, and by the 1950s the town was largely abandoned. Today, It is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Visitors can explore the town's old mining equipment, visit its museums, and hike or camp in the surrounding mountains.

Redstone Coke Oven Historic District

This is the remains of a coal mining and coking operation that was active from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The coke ovens at the site were used to convert coal into coke, a form of fuel that was used for smelting and other industrial processes. It is significant for its association with the industrial development of the region and for its architectural and engineering features. The ovens at the site are well-preserved examples of this type of industrial structure.

Wheeler/Stallard Museum

The Wheeler–Stallard Museum in Aspen, Colorado is a museum dedicated to the history of the American West. The museum was founded in 1977 by brothers John and Malcolm Wheeler, and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks relating to the subject. The museum is located in the former Wheeler Opera House, which was built in 1889. The building itself is a landmark, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Map of Old Ruins to explore in Pitkin County