Nestled deep in the San Juan County of Colorado lies Animas Forks, a once-thriving mining town that has since been abandoned and left to the elements. Today, the town stands as a haunting reminder of the past, with its dilapidated buildings and empty streets serving as a window into a bygone era.
Despite its eerie appearance, Animas Forks has become a popular destination for those seeking adventure and a glimpse into Colorado’s rich history. As visitors explore the town’s winding roads and forgotten corners, they are transported back in time to the days of the mining boom, when Animas Forks was the largest city in the world at its altitude.
Despite its remote location and harsh living conditions, the town was home to thousands of miners and their families, who braved the elements and worked tirelessly to extract precious metals from the earth. Today, the town’s history and stunning natural surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a glimpse into Colorado’s past.
Key Takeaways
- Animas Forks was a former mining town in San Juan County, Colorado that was established in 1877 and became the largest city in the world at its altitude during the mining boom.
- The town thrived for several years with several stores, a hotel, saloons, two assay offices, and many other buildings, but eventually, as the richer mines began to peter out, the town’s mills were forced to close down, and Animas Forks returned to a much slower pace.
- Visitors should know that a Jeep or a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance is necessary to access the town via two of the three available routes. Carrying extra food and water is also recommended, as no services are available in the town.
- The abandoned buildings in Animas Forks offer a glimpse into the daily lives of miners and their families during the late 1800s, and notable landmarks include the Duncan House, Walsh House, and Bay Window House, all of which offer stunning scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
History and Origins
The history and origins of Animas Forks, a former mining camp that was once the largest city in the world at its altitude, can be traced back to 1877 when the town was established and began extracting galena and silver-bearing gray copper ores.
The mining operations significantly impacted the local community, attracting numerous people to the area in search of work and economic opportunities. As a result, the town quickly became a bustling activity hub, with several stores, a hotel, saloons, two assay offices, and many other buildings.
However, the town was not without its challenges. Avalanches were a frequent problem for the community, and the harsh winter conditions made life difficult for those who lived there.
Despite these challenges, Animas Forks continued to thrive for several years, with the mining operations serving as the community’s primary income source. Eventually, as the richer mines began to peter out, the town’s mills were forced to close down, and Animas Forks returned to a much slower pace.
Nevertheless, the town’s rich history and captivating scenery make it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring Colorado’s ghost towns.
Visiting Information
Visitors to this historic mining camp located in the San Juan county of Colorado should know that a Jeep or a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance is necessary to access the town via two of the three available routes. The town, situated at an elevation of 11,584′, experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and cool summers, making it accessible only after the 1st of July. A four-wheel drive vehicle is a must for the off-roading adventure to Animas Forks.
For those planning to visit Animas Forks, it is recommended to carry extra food and water, as no services are available in the town. The best time to visit is during summer, when the snow has melted, and the roads are open. Visitors should be cautious while driving, as the roads can be steep and narrow, with sharp turns. It is also advisable to carry a map and a GPS device, as the town can be difficult to navigate.
Overall, a visit to Animas Forks is an adventure that requires proper planning and preparation, but the scenic beauty and the historical significance of the town make it a worthwhile experience.
Notable Landmarks
One significant feature of the historic mining camp located in the San Juan county of Colorado is the well-preserved buildings that serve as a testament to the town’s past. The abandoned buildings in Animas Forks offer a glimpse into the daily lives of miners and their families during the late 1800s.
Among the notable landmarks are the Duncan House, which was once the largest building in the town, and the Walsh House, which was built by William Duncan and later purchased by Tom Walsh. The Bay Window House, as it is more properly known, features a distinctive bay window and is a common misconception among tourists as the place where Walsh’s daughter lived.
Aside from the historical significance of these buildings, they also offer stunning scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can explore the town’s well-preserved structures while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the San Juan Mountains.
Whether it’s the harsh winters or the frequent avalanches that led to the town’s decline, Animas Forks remains a haunting reminder of the boom and bust of the mining industry in the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the population of Animas Forks at its peak and how does it compare to other cities at similar altitudes?
At its peak, Animas Forks had a population of approximately 450 individuals. While it was the largest city in the world at its altitude, there are no records of other cities at similar altitudes for comparison in terms of altitude demographics.
What is the current condition of the buildings that remain in Animas Forks?
The buildings that remain in Animas Forks are in poor condition, with some requiring preservation efforts. Despite this, they hold significant historical significance and offer a glimpse into the town’s past as a bustling mining camp.
What other minerals besides galena and silver-bearing gray copper were mined in Animas Forks?
Mining history reveals that in addition to galena and silver-bearing gray copper, other minerals extracted from Animas Forks were lead, zinc, and copper. Geology analysis indicates the presence of various sulfide minerals in the ore bodies of the area.
What measures have been taken to address the issue of avalanches in Animas Forks?
To address the issue of avalanches in Animas Forks, avalanche prevention measures and snow safety techniques have been implemented. These include snow fences, snow bridges, and controlled blasting to reduce snow buildup.
Who currently owns the Walsh house and what is its current state?
The current owner of the Walsh house in Animas Forks is unknown. The house, also known as the bay window house, remains in a poor state of repair and is one of the buildings in the ghost town that has not been restored.
