The easy-to-reach ghost town of Ashcroft lies at pavement's end on Castle Creek Road, a dozen miles south of town. In its glory days, Ashcroft was a rival to Aspen, but when rails arrived in the big town, Ashcroft pretty much folded. Take a walk around the site's wooden buildings and try to imagine what life would have been like here a century ago. The Pine Creek Cookhouse lies nearby, offering lunches and dinners almost year-round. During the snow season, 28 kilometers of groomed trails beckon cross-country skiers, with equipment rental available onsite. In the summer, a gravel road continues on, accessing trails to backcountry lakes and summits, including 14,265-foot Castle Peak. Depending on how far you want to drive, high clearance and 4x4 will eventually be needed. Castle Creek Road is the third exit in the Colorado Highway 82 roundabout on the east side of Aspen.
- Type:
Attractions & Landmarks, Educational, Sports and the Outdoors, Tours
Write a Review
Sign in