• 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
Homestead Meadows Ghost Town
Cabin in Homestead Meadows near Lyons. Photo: Michael Sinnwell

Homestead Meadows, CO Ghost Town – by Estes Park

70
SHARES
FacebookTwitter

Unlike other ghost towns, Homestead Meadows, CO one was not founded for mining. It was an area was used for farming and lumber. Several old buildings remain.

A hike is required to reach the town sites. The trail is well marked throughout the trek. Each different homestead is listed, with many trails managed by the Forest Service.

History

Homestead Meadows was a result of the Homestead Act of 1862 where a person could settle on 160 acres and after five years of improving the land, they would gain the title.

Both men and women staked claims. The first resident settled at Homestead Meadows in 1889. Men of Homestead Meadows often worked in nearby Lyons. They made the walk along the creek into town, and stayed for the work week while the women tended the land.

The town never even had a post office or school. It was just a collection of ranches. The last of the residents left in 1952.

Getting There

The trail-head is at Lion Gulch 8 miles east of Estes Park on U.S. 36 in the Roosevelt National Forest. Hike 2.5 miles up the gulch to arrive at Homestead Meadows. There are several trails leading to six different homesteads.

Details

Nearby Town: Estes Park, CO

County: Larimer County

Roads: 2WD

Season: Summer

Website: fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/recarea/?recid=36781&actid=50

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