You can spend the night in three authentic Colorado ghost towns: St. Elmo’s Guest House places you on a weathered Main Street among 1880s storefronts, Dunton Hot Springs offers luxury cabins reconstructed from original 1885 mining camp timbers with natural hot springs, and Twin Lakes Inn provides historic rooms dating to 1879 near the abandoned Interlaken resort ruins. Each location combines genuine frontier architecture with modern comforts like gas fireplaces and private baths. The structures below reveal how to book these extraordinary stays and what adventures await.
Key Takeaways
- St. Elmo Ghost Town Guest House offers three rooms with 1880s-style decor, gas fireplaces, and claw-foot tubs on historic Main Street.
- Dunton Hot Springs provides luxury cabins in an 1885 mining camp with natural hot springs, spa facilities, and restored log structures.
- Twin Lakes Inn features seven rooms in an 1879 building near Interlaken ghost town ruins, including full breakfast buffets for guests.
- Victor’s historic buildings offer haunted overnight stays with all-night ghost hunts using specialized paranormal equipment in authentic locations.
- Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead during peak season; pack layers and sturdy boots for exploring nearby ghost town sites.
St. Elmo Ghost Town Guest House: Sleep on Historic Main Street
Nestled among the weathered storefronts and false-front buildings of St. Elmo’s Main Street, you’ll find the Ghost Town Guest House—a three-story bed and breakfast that Chuck Cole and Sharon Glidden-Cole built by hand over ten years using reclaimed materials.
Though completed in 2007, it’s designed to blend seamlessly with the 1880s architecture surrounding it.
The Gold Queen room offers a queen bed, gas fireplace, and private bathroom with claw-foot tub—modern amenities wrapped in old-world charm that’d rival medieval architecture’s attention to detail.
Historical photos line the walls while your corner desk overlooks the preserved mining town.
With only three guest rooms available, the property books quickly during its late spring to early October season, requiring reservations well in advance via phone or mailed deposit.
The town itself earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its importance in Colorado’s mining heritage.
Currently for sale after nearly two decades of hosting guests, this handcrafted retreat lets you experience authentic ghost town living without sacrificing comfort.
Dunton Hot Springs: Luxury Resort in an Authentic Mining Camp
While St. Elmo offers budget-friendly ghost town lodging, Dunton Hot Springs delivers uncompromising luxury. You’ll find this 1885 mining camp at 8,921 feet in the San Juans, where thirteen original log cabins line the West Dolores River.
Thirteen restored 1885 cabins perch at 8,921 feet along the West Dolores River, transforming Colorado’s mining history into uncompromising luxury.
The architectural preservation here is extraordinary—owners disassembled each structure, numbered every timber, and rebuilt them like three-dimensional puzzles. Mining history surrounds you: Butch Cassidy’s graffiti marks the saloon wall, and the Smuggler and Emma mines sit half a mile downstream.
What sets Dunton apart? Geothermal hot springs and absolute authenticity without kitsch. The springs emerge at 108°F (42°C), fed by calcium-bicarbonate water with remarkably low mineral content. You’ll get rainforest showers and fireplaces in your cabin, plus occasional evenings when owner Christof Henkel bartends. The property also includes a spa, yoga studio, and general store-turned-luxury accommodations.
It’s remote—an hour from civilization—making it perfect for those seeking genuine escape in Colorado’s wildest terrain.
Twin Lakes and the Interlaken Ghost Town Experience
You’ll find Interlaken’s weathered buildings standing silent at the base of Mt. Elbert. Their salvaged frames tell stories of wealthy guests who once sipped cocktails and cruised steam-powered boats across the twin lakes.
The 4-mile round-trip hike from the dam trailhead rewards you with authentic 1880s resort architecture. Dexter’s cabin still features its distinctive New England nautical design and tower lookout. The trail follows Twin Lakes’ edge through predominantly flat, forested terrain with scenic autumn views of yellow and orange aspen foliage. The nearby town of Twin Lakes once served as a transportation hub connecting Leadville and Aspen during the region’s mining heyday.
If you’re planning an overnight stay, book a room at the historic Twin Lakes Inn in town rather than camping near the ruins, as the Forest Service prohibits camping at the ghost resort itself.
Interlaken’s Historic Resort Ruins
Unlike most Colorado ghost towns that decay in isolated mountain valleys, Interlaken’s ruins rest on the shores of Twin Lakes beneath the towering presence of Mt. Elbert.
You’ll discover remarkably preserved remnants of Colorado’s gilded age—a resort that once rivaled European destinations with its symphony pavilion, manicured lawns, and elegant guest quarters.
Water level changes from the 1896 dam construction ultimately doomed this paradise, creating stagnant conditions that drove wealthy visitors away.
Today, historic preservation efforts have stabilized weathered structures including the hotel building, Dexter’s cabin, hexagonal privies, and horse stables.
Access requires commitment: you’ll hike two miles or boat across the lake.
But that’s exactly what makes this adventure worthwhile—no crowds, no fees, just authentic exploration of Colorado’s mining-era opulence slowly returning to wilderness.
The site sits on land once home to the Tabeguache Ute tribe, whose presence is still evidenced by bark markings on nearby ponderosa pines.
James V. Dexter purchased the property in 1883, transforming the original Lakeside Resort into what would become known as Colorado’s most beautiful resort.
Twin Lakes Inn Accommodations
The Twin Lakes Inn stands as a living bridge between Colorado’s wild past and your ghost town adventure, offering authentic 1879 accommodations just minutes from Interlaken’s ruins.
You’ll sleep in one of seven uniquely styled rooms where original floorboards creak beneath your feet—a reminder this former stage stop and saloon hasn’t forgotten its rowdy roots.
Historical preservation meets modern comfort here. Each room features private baths, while some include refrigerators and coffee makers for trail-ready mornings.
The full breakfast buffet (7-10 AM) fuels your Interlaken explorations, and staff help plan your backcountry routes. The inn’s original timbers infuse every corner with authentic frontier character, connecting you directly to the miners and pioneers who built this mountain outpost.
Guest experiences go beyond standard lodging. You’re staying where stagecoaches once stopped, where miners drank and dealt cards.
The inn’s rooms reflect 1800s proportions, built for an era when travelers were generally smaller in stature than today’s guests.
Book directly for best rates, check in between 3-7 PM, and respect the 10 PM quiet hours—you’ll need rest for tomorrow’s ghost town trek.
What to Expect When Staying in a Colorado Ghost Town
When you step into a Colorado ghost town accommodation, history surrounds you in ways modern hotels can’t replicate. You’ll sleep where miners once rested, walk floorboards that witnessed 1800s drama, and experience authenticity that no theme park can manufacture.
Here’s what awaits:
Authentic ghost town stays deliver four unforgettable experiences: preserved architecture, historical documentaries, paranormal adventures, and wilderness trails at your doorstep.
- Reclaimed materials and preserved architecture transport you to mining camp days
- Local legends come alive through 30-minute documentary screenings about each town’s rise and fall
- Paranormal investigations offer all-night ghost hunts with equipment in genuinely haunted spaces
- Outdoor freedom meets historic immersion with trails leading directly from your door into wilderness
You’ll find perfect 5.0 ratings aren’t about luxury—they’re about experiencing raw Western heritage. Pack layers for unpredictable mountain weather, bring a car for remote access, and embrace the adventure of sleeping where history happened.
Amenities and Accommodations at Ghost Town Lodgings
Stepping through weathered doorways into your ghost town lodging, you’ll discover creature comforts thoughtfully woven into century-old buildings. Room comforts include queen-size beds, antique claw-foot tubs paired with modern showers, and gas log stoves you control yourself.
You’ll find hair dryers, toiletries, and Wi-Fi where miners once laid their heads.
Local amenities exceed typical bed-and-breakfasts—afternoon refreshments, full supper, and breakfast come standard. Freshly brewed coffee greets you each morning, while upstairs kitchenettes stay stocked with home-baked cookies and beverages.
Need provisions for tomorrow’s exploration? Request picnic lunches.
At premium locations like Dunton Hot Springs, hand-hewn log cabins feature exquisite furnishings and high-speed internet. Natural hot springs await outside your door—the perfect remedy after hiking abandoned mines and photographing mountain vistas.
Planning Your Ghost Town Overnight Adventure
Your ghost town adventure requires advance planning—these atmospheric destinations book quickly, especially during summer and fall months. You’ll discover that historic preservation efforts have transformed these forgotten settlements into intimate escapes where you’re free to explore at your own pace.
Consider these essential preparation steps:
- Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead for peak season, particularly at Victor Hotel’s ghost hunt experiences and Dunton Hot Springs’ exclusive cabins.
- Research local ghost stories before arrival to enhance your paranormal exploration at haunted locations like Victor’s fourth-floor morgue.
- Pack layers and sturdy boots for mountain weather changes and hiking trails near Twin Lakes and St. Elmo.
- Arrange 4WD transportation when accessing remote destinations like Dunton, located an hour from civilization.
You’re investing in authentic history, not sanitized theme parks.
Other Historic Mining Towns With Nearby Lodging Options
You’ll find Colorado’s ghost town experience extends beyond the most famous sites, with several historic mining areas offering convenient access to comfortable lodging. Twin Lakes stands out as a former resort area where you can stay right in town at the well-appointed Inn & Saloon or nearby cottages.
Waking up to views that earned it the nickname “Colorado’s most beautiful ghost town.” From mountain gateways like Ouray or the quiet ranching town of Westcliffe, you’re positioned to explore multiple abandoned mining camps in a single trip while returning each evening to hot showers and hearty meals.
Twin Lakes Historic Area
Nestled against Colorado’s highest peaks at 9,200 feet, Twin Lakes Historic Area offers something most ghost towns can’t—you can actually sleep where miners once struck it rich. The 1879-era structures aren’t just preserved; they’re lived in, with the Twin Lakes Inn & Saloon still welcoming travelers as it did when stagecoaches rattled through.
Experience authentic mining history through:
- Sleeping in rooms where fortune-seekers once plotted their claims
- Walking through ghost town architecture that’s survived 145 winters
- Waking to the same mountain views that drew prospectors westward
- Accessing trailheads directly from your historic cabin door
Mount Elbert Lodge sits at Black Cloud Trail‘s start, while Stay Twin Lakes Cabins blend rustic charm with modern WiFi—because even freedom-seekers need connectivity.
Westcliffe Ghost Town Access
While Twin Lakes places you inside the ghost town experience, Westcliffe flips the script—it’s your comfortable base camp for striking out to multiple mining sites each day.
Perched at 7,888 feet in the Wet Mountain Valley, you’ll find everything from Dark Sky Suites ($75-95/night) to luxury cottages with sweeping Sangre de Cristo mountain views.
I’ve watched guests return from dusty ghost town explorations to heated suites with full kitchens—that’s the beauty here.
You’re positioned along Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway with unobstructed access to the region’s mining history, then retreat to properties like Triple Creek Cabin’s 35 wooded acres or the Westcliffe Inn Guest House.
The International Dark Skies designation means you’ll trade campfire smoke for star-filled nights from your private deck, credit cards accepted.
Ouray Mountain Town Gateway
Ouray operates differently than your typical ghost town base—instead of roughing it near abandoned ruins, you’re settling into “Switzerland of America” luxury with ghost towns scattered like satellites in the surrounding peaks.
The Beaumont Hotel‘s been hosting wanderers since 1887, while Box Canyon Lodge pairs mountain scenery with private hot springs after dusty exploration days.
Your ghost town circuit runs deep:
- Ironton (7 miles) – Original buildings still standing along the San Juan Skyway
- Capitol City (21 miles) – Two haunting structures via Engineer Pass Road
- Animas Forks (31 miles) – Thirty abandoned cabins at 11,200 feet
- Red Mountain District – Mining roads threading through multiple sites
Timber Ridge Lodge positions you riverside with tour desk access for Jeep rentals.
After exploring deserted saloons, you’ll return to local cuisine and hot springs—civilization never felt so earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ghost Town Accommodations Safe for Children and Families?
Ghost town accommodations are family-safe with proper precautions. You’ll find historical preservation maintains structural integrity, though local ghost stories add atmospheric charm. Stick to designated trails, respect fire codes, and you’ll create unforgettable adventures your kids will treasure.
Can I Explore Ghost Town Buildings at Night Unsupervised?
Like wandering a museum after closing, you can’t freely roam original ghost town buildings unsupervised at night. These accommodations prioritize safety precautions over nighttime exploration, keeping you within designated lodging areas rather than abandoned structures.
Do Ghost Town Lodgings Have Cell Phone Service?
Cell phone coverage is sketchy to nonexistent at most ghost town lodgings, so you’ll be disconnecting from technology whether you planned it or not. Download offline maps beforehand, and embrace the digital detox adventure awaiting you.
Are Pets Allowed at Colorado Ghost Town Accommodations?
Like the loyal companions who accompanied prospectors westward, your pets can join Colorado ghost town adventures. Pet policies vary—Dunton Hot Springs welcomes small dogs in specific cabins, while nearby lodgings offer pet amenities. Always confirm restrictions before booking your rustic escape.
What Should I Pack for a Ghost Town Overnight Stay?
Pack layered clothing, warm sleeping gear, and headlamps for exploring unlit structures. Your packing essentials include altitude medication and offline maps, while safety tips demand bear spray and emergency beacons—you’ll need self-reliance in these remote, off-grid mountain retreats.
References
- https://touristish.com/ghost-town-guest-house/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g33562-d1885046-Reviews-Ghost_Town_Guest_House-Nathrop_Chaffee_County_Colorado.html
- https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/the-remarkable-history-of-dunton-hot-springs
- https://www.ghosttownguesthouse.com
- https://www.duntondestinations.com/hot-springs/
- https://thestellarinn.com/our-blog/f/exploring-westcliffes-ghost-towns-a-journey-into-the-old-west
- https://www.explore.com/1994549/interlaken-resort-colorado-formerly-most-beautiful-ghost-town/
- https://twinpeakslodging.com/colorado-ghost-towns-are-a-glimpse-of-the-past/
- https://www.ghosttownguesthouse.com/historic-st-elmo
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/co-stelmo/
