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Independence Ghost Town
Cabins in Independence ghost town near Aspen.

Independence, CO Ghost Town – by Aspen

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Independence, CO a well preserved ghost town, situated near Aspen. It’s accessible only in the spring through fall, as it lies at around 11,000 feet in elevation.

It’s really no surprise that residents deserted, due to its harsh weather. Independence Pass begins its switchbacks just past the townsite. There are several buildings and structures: a general store, stable, houses, and Farwell Stamp Mill, which was used to process mined ore. All the buildings are connected via a dirt trail.

History

Image of independence ghost town in colorado
A ghost town nestled among the mountains. Photo: Scrubhiker

Originally settled in 1879 as Beldon tent camp, it was renamed to Independence later that year when miners struck it rich. At its peak of around 1500 people, Independence was a bustling community with over 40 businesses – 3 post offices, four grocery stores, boarding houses, 3 saloons. There was even a newspaper printed, the Independence Miner.

By 1890 most residents had left for nearby Aspen, lured by warmer climate and better jobs. Living at 10,900 proved difficult, as snow blanketed the grounds from October ’til May. An epic blizzard in 1899 cleared out all but one of the remaining tenants. By 1912 it was vacant.

Independence Ghost Town Log Cabin near Aspen Colorado
Log cabin in Independence ghost town. Photo by: Scrubhiker

Between 1881 and 1882, over $190,000 worth of gold was produced. The following year it dropped to $2,000. Throughout its brief history, Independence was also known as: Chipeta, Farwell, Hunter’s Pass, Mammoth City, Mount Hope, and Sparkill.

Getting There

Located 16 miles southeast of Aspen on Highway 82, which is part of the seasonal Independence Pass. If coming from the other direction, it’s four miles west of the summit.

Independence Ghost Town Aspen
Looking down from Highway 82.
Independence Ghost Town General Store
#3 General Store.
Independence Ghost Town Cabin
Cabin.
Independence Ghost Town Outhouse
Outhouse and cabins.
Independence Ghost Town
Life at 11,000 would have been challenging.
Independence Ghost Town Cabins
Cabins.
Independence Ghost Town Building
Independence has lots of historic buildings.
Independence Ghost Town Trail
Trail leads you around the historic area.
Independence Ghost Town Cabins
Two cabins.
Independence Ghost Town Mining
Mining operation down the road.

Details

Nearby Town: CO-82, Aspen, CO

County: Pitkin County

Roads: 2WD

Season: Summer – Independence Pass (Highway 82) is generally open from Memorial Day through October

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