• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transportation
  • Brands
  • Search
Image of the road to Geneva City, Colorado
Road to the ghost town of Geneva City, Colorado. Photo: Larry Lamsa

Geneva City, CO Ghost Town – by Montezuma

FacebookTwitter

Located around 12,000 feet above sea level in Colorado, near Guanella Pass, is a small ghost town only accessible by a rugged road called Geneva City.

The town sits at the headwaters of Geneva Creek within the Geneva Basin area of the Pike National Forest. The climb to Geneva City offers travelers distant mountain views, gushing streams, seasonal wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

History

After the civil war, Geneva City slowly developed during the mid-1800s, as prospectors were attracted by the area’s gold, silver, and iron mining opportunities.

Ample resources allowed a smelter and sawmill to operate nearby and local mines operated steadily until the 1960s. Even at its height, Geneva City was a seasonal encampment that was unoccupied during the harsh winter months.

Despite being built over 100 years ago, many of the well-constructed log cabins of Geneva City still stand today. Visitors can see the remnants of many homes and mining facilities in addition to a boarding house and saloon.

Getting There

Geneva City is accessed via the Duck Creek Picnic Area of the Pike National Forest. The area’s dense iron content attracts harsh electrical storms (check the weather!) and access is typically limited to a few months in the summer and early fall.

Image of the Guanella Pass near Geneva City, Colorado
Road to Geneva City, Guanella Pass. Photo: Alan LaRue

The ascent up FSR 119 is very rugged with sections of tight turns as well as steep and narrow roads. It is also possible to reach the Geneva City townsite on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. If you’re looking to spend the night, there are many trailheads and camping opportunities close by.

From Grant

  1. Drive 7 miles north on Geneva Road to reach the Duck Creek Picnic Area
  2. Take a left into the parking lot and continue straight on FSR 119

From Georgetown

  1. Take Guanella Pass Rd from Georgetown to the summit of the pass
  2. From Guanella Pass, continue south for 6 miles
  3. Take a right into the Duck Creek Picnic Area / FSR 119

Details

Nearby Towns:

  • Georgetown
  • Grant
  • Montezuma

County: Clear Creek County

Roads: 4WD, rough road

Season: July to September

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Denver
  • Top things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado
  • Famous Companies Based in Colorado
  • 7 Public Swimming Pools by Denver
  • 7 Public Pools by Colorado Springs

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Spring Activities

  • Camping
  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Scenic Drives
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • State Parks
  • Waterfalls

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2022 · Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise