Explore the Old West

Exploring the Old West in Colorado can be an exciting journey, as the state is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty that harkens back to the days of cowboys, pioneers, and gold rush prospectors.

Authentic Old West Towns

In the 1800s, Colorado quickly became the hub of activity after gold was discovered. Those looking to make it rich quickly came to Colorado seeking their fortune, which brought in a slew of hard-working, rowdy, and unruly men. These new residents helped build some of the state’s current towns and brought with them stories of the Wild West. Tales about mining for gold and silver, rowdy saloons, and gun-slinging showdowns. 

Colorado Forts

Colorado's frontier forts emerged during a time of great transformation, as the United States sought to expand its borders and influence beyond the Mississippi River. These forts were established for a myriad of reasons, ranging from military defense and trade protection to facilitating communication and providing safe havens for travelers. While Colorado is famously known for the gold rush that drew prospectors from all corners, the forts played an often-overlooked role in securing the region for settlement.

Colorado Mines

Colorado, often referred to as the "Centennial State," boasts a rich history intertwined with the development of its mining industry. The discovery of valuable minerals and ores in the region during the mid-19th century led to a mining boom that significantly influenced Colorado's growth, culture, and economy. Although the heyday of Colorado's mining industry has passed, its legacy endures. Many historic mining towns have been preserved and transformed into popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the remnants of old mines, gain insights into the lives of miners, and appreciate the state's history. Additionally, the mining legacy has contributed to the unique cultural tapestry of Colorado, evident in its festivals, museums, and local traditions.

Ghost Towns

There are more than 1500 ghost towns in Colorado, abandoned over the years for many different reasons. Most dried up when the mining industry did—the mills, shops, and other businesses had no one to sell to when the miners packed up shop. Others were built to be resort towns and abandoned when the tourists never showed up, and some, which were stagecoach stops, no longer needed to exist once the railroad came into existence. A few are even underwater.

Not all of the ghost towns in Colorado still bear visible remains. Many are marked only by a few remaining gravestones or overgrown cemeteries, and some are only noted on old maps. But those that still exist can be visited by foot, off-road vehicle, or even by car. 

Narrow-Gauge Railroads

Colorado's narrow-gauge railroads are a captivating testament to the state's rich history and rugged terrain. These unique railways, characterized by their narrower track widths, played a vital role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, facilitating transportation of people, goods, and resources through the challenging Rocky Mountain landscapes. With their meticulously engineered routes, dramatic trestles, and breathtaking vistas, these railroads became icons of adventure and ingenuity. They provided access to remote mining towns, carried timber from dense forests, and supported tourism, forever leaving their mark on Colorado's cultural fabric and serving as a reminder of the pioneering spirit that shaped the American West.

Wild West Graves

Buffalo Bill and Doc Holliday are enduring symbols of the American West, representing the wild spirit and complexity of the frontier era. Through their lives and the stories that have been passed down through generations, they continue to inspire fascination and curiosity about a time when the West was untamed and full of possibilities. Their graves serve as poignant reminders of the legacies they left behind, inviting us to reflect on the enduring allure of the American frontier.