Turret Ghost Town
Ghost town? It’s worth a peek …
What we thought we would find on our quick road trip outside Salida, CO and what we did find was quite unexpected. Turrret Ghost Town is a “very” small thriving community. Lots of folks living in the older homes along with some newer homes scattered among the remains of bygone days.
Turret Ghost Town, Salida, Colorado
You can only drive in and drive out, it’s a dead end, but worth the road trip just for the drive up.
Remnants of cabins, old buildings, lots of wildflowers and astonishing views of 3 mountain ranges. The Sangre de Cristos to the south, the Mosquito Range to the north and the Sawatch Range to the northwest.
As you wind higher and higher up the mountain, the views become the highlight, leaving you awestruck.
San Isabel National Forest, Colorado is Packed Full of Outdoor Adventure
The road trip up is all dirt with a few slight switchbacks, easily accessible in the summer, but a 4WD would be recommended in the winter.
When reaching the Ghost Town of Turret, you come to a stop. Each road leading out from here appeared to be a dead end according to the town map. We found a few old structures among new construction looking down each road.
Find Hidden Gems in Colorado, Take a Road Trip to Turret Ghost Town
Maybe a dozen or so old buildings throughout but nothing you could wander through.
A road trip meant to simply take pictures, leave no footprints, and imagine what it would have been like for the miners and their hopes and dreams.
One of Many Remaining Buildings in Turret Ghost Town, Salida, CO
I was told by locals that Turret was a thriving gold camp in late 1890’s with a population of about 400. A lively town with a pool hall, saloons, boarding houses, a bakery and general store.
Now a popular location for hardy individuals to reside. Such a beautiful setting, among the pines, aspens and rock outcroppings. Old mixed in with new.
Remnants Amoung Alpine Splendor on Road Trip to Turret Ghost Town, Colorado
Located approximately 13 miles out of Salida, CO, a short little road trip and worth a peek …
We encountered people camping, mountain bikers, several horseback riders, and other outdoor enthusiasts on our way up.
EASY TO FIND: head northwest on CO 291 out of Salida, in a short distance take a right turn onto CR 175, (also marked Spiral Drive). Stay on the gravel road until you reach a “Y”, veer left onto CR 185. We found signs to Turret from here that lead us straight to the town.
For information on other outdoor activities in and around Salida, Colorado, visit, http://salida.com/
TIDBITS
Chaffee County
San Isabel National Forest
Town elevation: 8,537 ft.
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