Alta Ghost Town in Colorado
History of Alta Colorado
The story of Alta, like many boomtowns, eventually led to decline. The primary catalyst for its abandonment was a significant fire in 1948 that destroyed the prominent mill.
While the town had been active in gold mining from the 1870s until the 1930s or 1940s, it experienced a brief resurgence during World War II.
However, the destruction of the mill, a crucial component for processing the mined ore, dealt a fatal blow to Alta’s economic viability. With the central industry crippled, residents gradually moved away, leaving behind their homes and other structures to the elements.
The mill fire in 1948 marked a decisive turning point, effectively severing the economic lifeline of the community. The temporary revival during the Second World War likely reflected an increased demand for the metals extracted from the Gold King Mine, highlighting the mine’s strategic importance during that period.
It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How to get to Alta?
While Alta Lakes Road is a narrow and steep dirt road, it is generally maintained and passable for most vehicles to reach the ghost town itself.
However, it is important to note that accessing the Alta Lakes Recreation Area beyond the ghost town typically requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Seasonal access is a crucial consideration, as Alta Lakes Road is closed to vehicles during the winter months and is only accessible by snowmobile. The road usually opens around early April and closes towards the end of October, but snow and ice can linger, especially in the early and late parts of this window.
Visitors should also be aware that cell phone service in the area is often unreliable or non-existent. For those wishing to visit during the winter, snowmobile tours to Alta are available.
The differing vehicle requirements for the ghost town versus the lakes indicate that visitors with standard vehicles can still experience the historical site, while those seeking the recreational opportunities at the lakes need more specialized transportation.
Here is a quick link to the directions from Telluride.
Take Colorado 145 around 8 miles south to the dirt road Forest Road 632, turn east. Overall you are looking at a 37 minute drive over 12.5 miles. This is only available when the road is open during the summer months.
Preserving Alta
Efforts to preserve the historical integrity of Alta have faced both progress and challenges. In 2000, Alta Lakes, including the ghost town, was listed as one of Colorado’s Most Endangered Places by Colorado Preservation, Inc.
Initial plans by the owners, Leucadia Financial Corporation, to demolish the existing structures and develop a resort village were rejected by the county. However, the owners have since received approval for a plan to develop the 540-acre site into private residences, with a proposed 28 homes.
Despite these development plans, the owners have been working with the City of Telluride and San Miguel County to safeguard the historical significance of the site. These efforts have included stabilizing the boardinghouse and rehabilitating one of the cottages.
A previous attempt by the U.S. Forest Service to purchase the land and buildings in 1999 was unsuccessful due to funding issues.
Organizations like the Ghost Town Club of Colorado are also dedicated to the preservation of ghost towns and historic sites throughout the state.
Photos of Alta Ghost Town
Though it’s a ghost town now, it’s still frequently visited due to its proximity to Telluride, so I wouldn’t expect the place to be yours. There is no fee to visit and there are some bathrooms at the campground up the road. Be respectful of the site and all the structures as they are already deteriorating due to the elements and visitors.
If the road is closed in the winter, check out our guide on the best places to go snowmobiling. One is right nearby!