Alta: A Glimpse into Colorado's Mining Past

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Explore a well-preserved Colorado ghost town near Telluride, offering a glimpse into the state's mining history and stunning mountain scenery.

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Alta, Colorado (Ghost town)

Alta, Colorado, is a well-preserved ghost town nestled high in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride. Once a bustling mining center from the late 1870s to the mid-20th century, Alta offers visitors a unique glimpse into Colorado's rich mining history with its remaining cabins, boarding houses, and mining structures.

A brief summary to Alta, Colorado (Ghost town)

Telluride, Colorado, 81435, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Alta, Colorado (Ghost town).

Visit in the fall to enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage against the backdrop of the historic buildings.
Wear sturdy hiking boots to explore the rugged terrain surrounding the ghost town.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds.
Check local weather conditions before your visit, as they can change rapidly in the mountains.

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Getting There

Driving

From Telluride, drive south on Colorado Avenue (CO-145) for approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Alta Lakes Road (Forest Road 632), an unpaved road. Continue on Alta Lakes Road for about 4 miles to reach Alta. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially during wet conditions. Parking is available near the ghost town. Note that Alta Lakes Road is typically open from late May/early June through October, depending on snow conditions.
Shuttle and Hiking

From Telluride, take the free Galloping Goose shuttle to Mountain Village. From there, hike approximately 4 miles along a trail to Alta. The trail is moderately challenging and requires sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water. The Galloping Goose operates from 7 am to midnight, running every 20 minutes. There is no cost for the shuttle.
Chartered Transportation

Arrange a private shuttle with a local transportation service like Telluride Express for direct transport to the Alta Lakes Trailhead. This option offers door-to-door service and can accommodate groups. Contact Telluride Express for rates and availability. This is especially useful in winter when Alta is only accessible by snowmobile.

Discover more about Alta, Colorado (Ghost town)

Alta, Colorado, a captivating ghost town located a few miles outside of Telluride, stands as a testament to the state's rich mining heritage. Situated at an elevation of 11,800 feet, Alta was once a thriving mining community, particularly active from 1877 to 1948. The town served as the central hub for the Alta-Gold King mining area, drawing hundreds of residents during its peak.Founded in the late 1870s, Alta quickly became known for its production of gold, silver, copper, and lead. The Gold King Mine, discovered in 1878, was a primary driver of the town's economy. Notably, Alta was the first mining town to utilize Tesla's AC transmission system, marking a significant advancement in powering mining operations. The town included offices, a general store, a school, a boardinghouse, a recreation hall, and several cabins.Despite its success, Alta faced challenges, including fires in 1929 and the late 1930s that damaged the mill and mine tunnels. The final blow came in 1948 when a fire destroyed the mill, leading to the town's decline as residents moved away. Today, Alta is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features about 20 original structures, including cabins and a boarding house, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.Visitors to Alta can explore the remnants of this historic mining town, set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The area is accessible via Alta Lakes Road, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially during inclement weather. In winter, the town is only accessible by snowmobile.