• 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
Pagosa Junction Ghost Town Colorado
Pagosa Junction ghost town, near Pagosa Springs, CO. Photo by: Scrubhiker

Pagosa Junction, CO Ghost Town – by Pagosa Springs

FacebookTwitter

Few experiences encompass the fascination and mystery surrounding the old wild west as a visit to a ghost town. Pagosa Junction, near Pagosa Springs, was a railroad town that was populated between 1881 and the early 1980’s.

The Denver and Rio Grande railroads serviced Pagosa Springs through Pagosa Junction at the heyday of railroads crisscrossing the American west.

History

Pagosa Junction Colorado Train Station
Train Station, Pagosa Junction. Photo by: Scrubhiker

With slow expansion that quickly tapered off, the population was noted at 200 when the post office opened in 1899, rose to a peak of 447 in the 1930 census, then began to fall when the railroad connection to Pagosa Springs closed in the 1930’s.

After the railroad closed, the rest of the town began to shutter its doors. The post office closed on November 30, 1954. In September 1962, the school closed having only 17 students. By 1979 a newspaper article reported Pagosa Junction as having “3 or 4 residents”.

However, what awaits visitors is far from empty, as the remains of the town are full of history that will surely capture the imagination.

Pagosa Junction Colorado Old Pump House
Old Pump House, Pagosa Junction. Photo by: Scrubhiker

A fallen water tank, abandoned railroad car, railroad bridge, pump house with intact pump system, and several deteriorating buildings remain paused in time. One can only imagine what life must have been like in a small town on the Colorado-New Mexico border in the age of the gold rush, railroad expansion, and the continued formation of the United States.

Present day Pagosa Junction is part of Indian land, so be sure to travel in ways that are respectful of the people, culture, land, and property while in the area. Ensure you’re up-to-date on the most current regulations of visiting the area.

Pagosa Junction St John the Baptist Church
Location of historic meeting of Ute and Navajo tribes, Pagosa Junction. Photo by: Scrubhiker

And of course, use caution while exploring the historic area as you enjoy your plunge into the rich history of this ghost town.

Pagosa Junction Colorado Water Tank
Water Tank, Pagosa Junction. Photo by: Scrubhiker
Pagosa Junction St John the Baptist Church
St John the Baptist Church, Pagosa Junction. Photo by: Scrubhiker

Details

Address: Trujillo Rd, Archuleta County, CO, 81147

Nearby Towns:

  • Arboles (19mi east)
  • Pagosa Springs (27mi northeast)

Season: Year round

Roads: 2WD

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