Do you believe in ghosts? You may find out, after a visit to one of Colorado's many ghost towns. In fact, many believe the spirits of 19th century miners can still be felt and heard in Ashcroft. If you listen closely, you just may here the faint tinkling of Ashcroft's saloon pianos resonating down its dusty streets
Formed in 1880 by the lure and promise of silver, the town was originally named Castle Forks City, renamed Chloride, then renamed Ashcroft. The town's founding fathers developed a Miner's Protective Association and within two weeks, they had built a courthouse and laid out the town plan that included a saloon, jail, hotel, store, post office and cabins. By 1883, 2,500 people had come to the headwaters of Castle Creek seeking their fortune. The hopeful residents built log and clapboard buildings and, for a short time, the town boasted a larger population than the neighboring town of Aspen.
News of Ashcroft's wealth and prosperity spread quickly. Claim names including Captain Kid, the Vulture, the Columbia and the Rattler reflect the independent and optimistic spirit of the miners. As time passed, reality sunk in—most of these mines produced little more than the yellow-orange tailing piles that are still evident on the surrounding hillsides today. By 1883, miners became disillusioned by the poor quality of silver ore and followed the next tale of fast money to Aspen. By 1885, Ashcroft's population had declined to around 100 residents. By 1887, the town was nearly abandoned when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad completed a rail line through Aspen, bypassing Ashcroft.
Of course, what would a ghost town be without some ghosts? Rumor has it that a town native named John Leahy is one of Ashcroft's resident spirits. Known as the Poet Laureate of Ashcroft, Leahy was the mayor, Justice of the Peace, and the town scholar—considered to be the region's expert on mining claims. Legend holds that Leahy, an avid gambler, won the right to deliver the mail in a roulette game. During a freezing blizzard, Leahy strapped on his snowshoes and started his journey into the mountains—only to be buried in a fatal avalanche. Leahy was said to be clinging to a rock, singing an old Irish tune in his fine tenor voice. His song outlasted the storm and he sang until all he heard was his own voice. Some locals claim that Leahy's ghost still lives in the Castle Creek valley. Come visit and see if you agree.
The ghost town of Ashcroft is on the National Registry of Historic Sites, and is maintained as an educational resource by the Aspen Historic Society. Ashcroft received the first permit ever granted to a historical society to preserve and interpret a ghost town. It is one of the most well-preserved ghost towns in the country and is easily accessible, located just 12 miles south of Aspen. Walking tours are given year-round, with snowshoe tours in the winter. Both guided and self-guided tours are available; a nominal admission fee is charged. There are nature trails near the town and fishing in Castle Creek River.
Directions: From Denver take I-70 west to the Glenwood Springs Highway 82 exit east; At Maroon Creek Road (the first light before Aspen) turn right make an immediate left on Castle Creek Road. Ashcroft is approximately 10 miles south on Castle Creek Road.
Resources:
Walking tours: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, 970-925-5756 or www.aspennature.org
Aspen Chamber Resort Association, 800-26-ASPEN or www.aspenchamber.org
Nature Walks and Fishing: U.S. Forest Service, 303-275-5350 or www.fs.fed.us