Planning a ghost town road trip to Husted, Colorado means heading just 13 miles north of Colorado Springs to a forgotten railroad community now tucked inside U.S. Air Force Academy grounds. At its peak in 1890, Husted supported around 75 residents across two distinct sections divided by Monument Creek and the Santa Fe Railroad. Today, the rugged landscape tells the story better than any sign ever could. Keep exploring to uncover everything you’ll need for an unforgettable visit.
Key Takeaways
- Husted is located 13 miles north of Colorado Springs, accessible via I-25 to the U.S. Air Force Academy North Gate.
- The ghost town is divided into East Husted near the railroad tracks and West Husted along Monument Creek.
- No signage marks the site, so bring a detailed map for navigating the unmarked townsite.
- Walk the New Santa Fe Regional Trail to explore remnants of East Husted on foot.
- Respect military boundaries, carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and visit early to avoid heat.
What Is Husted, Colorado?
Once a thriving railroad and ranching community, Husted, Colorado, is now a ghost town tucked within the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy. You’ll find it 13 miles north of Colorado Springs, where it once hummed with lumber mills, ranchers, and railroad workers during the gold-rush era.
Split into two sections — East Husted near the Santa Fe Railroad and West Husted along Monument Creek — the town supported around 75 residents at its peak in 1890. Its post office closed in 1920, sealing its fate.
Today, the urban decay that replaced that bustling activity carries real cultural significance, reminding you that even thriving communities can vanish. Husted’s story is a raw, honest snapshot of the American West’s boom-and-bust cycle.
Husted’s History as a Railroad and Lumber Town
Husted’s roots run deep in two industries that shaped the American West: railroads and lumber. When you explore this ghost town, you’re walking through a place where industrial heritage once thrived.
Calvin Husted arrived in 1859, and by 1866, a lumber mill was already operating nearby — one of the largest in the region. It ran continuously until 1878, employing numerous local workers and fueling the settlement’s growth.
The railroad infrastructure that defined Husted’s identity brought settlers, commerce, and opportunity. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad became the town’s lifeline, connecting ranchers and mill workers to broader markets.
What’s Still Standing at the Husted Ghost Town Site?
Though time has quietly swallowed most of what Husted once was, the site itself still holds real historical weight. You won’t find restored buildings or tourist markers here, but the historic remnants of this divided community remain embedded in the landscape. The terrain itself tells the story — East Husted’s position near the Santa Fe Railroad line and West Husted’s bluffs overlooking Monument Creek are still identifiable if you know what you’re looking for.
Any abandoned structures have largely disappeared, absorbed into the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds that now encompass the area. What you’re really visiting is raw, unpolished history.
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail runs nearby, giving you direct access to this forgotten corridor where ranchers and lumbermen once built their lives.
How to Get to Husted, Colorado From Colorado Springs
Getting to Husted from Colorado Springs is straightforward — head north on I-25 about 13 miles until you reach the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate. From there, you’re steps away from where local legends and forgotten history collide with modern urban development.
Head north on I-25 just 13 miles from Colorado Springs — and suddenly, forgotten history meets the present.
- Exit at the North Gate — cross the bridge spanning Monument Creek, where West Husted once sat on the bluffs below.
- Look east — the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks mark the old East Husted corridor.
- Find the New Santa Fe Regional Trail — it runs adjacent to the site, perfect for exploring on foot.
- Bring a map — no signage marks this ghost town, so navigation is entirely yours to own.
What to Know Before Visiting Husted and Nearby Ghost Towns
Before you load up the car and head north, there are a few things worth knowing about visiting Husted and the ghost towns scattered across this stretch of Colorado. Much of the original townsite sits within U.S. Air Force Academy grounds, so access requires respecting military boundaries.
Bring a map, because hidden landmarks don’t announce themselves with signage. Walk the New Santa Fe Regional Trail to discover what remains of East Husted near the old railroad corridor.
Local legends tied to the lumber mills and gold-rush ranchers add real depth to what you’re seeing. Carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and go early to beat afternoon heat.
The past doesn’t wait around, but it rewards anyone willing to look carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Husted Named After Calvin Husted, the New Jersey Settler?
The town naming origins point to yes — Husted likely honors Calvin Husted, the New Jersey settler who arrived in 1859. His historical settler anecdotes shaped this Colorado community, and you’ll appreciate that pioneering legacy on your visit.
How Large Was Husted’s Population at Its Peak in 1890?
You’ll find Husted’s peak population reached about 75 residents in 1890. Despite its rich mining history drawing settlers, population decline came swiftly, leaving this once-vibrant ranching and railroad community abandoned by 1920.
When Exactly Did the Husted Post Office Officially Open and Close?
You’ll find Husted’s post office officially opened on October 1, 1878, and closed October 15, 1920. Its mining history and town architecture thrived during those years, connecting free-spirited settlers across Colorado’s rugged, untamed landscape.
Is the Husted Ghost Town Site Open to Public Visitors Today?
Since 1920, you can’t freely roam Husted’s historic preservation site — it’s within U.S. Air Force Academy grounds. You’ll need special access to explore its local legends, as military restrictions limit public visitors today.
What Two Geographic Sections Divided the Town of Husted?
You’ll find Husted’s ghost town preservation split into two sections: East Husted, near the Santa Fe Railroad, and West Husted, perched on bluffs above Monument Creek—each echoing the town’s abandoned mining history and rugged freedom.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husted
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Colorado
- https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-ghost-towns
- https://75bestalive.org/history pages/history_beforeusafa/history_husteds.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ghost_towns_in_Colorado
- https://www.uchealth.org/today/ghost-towns-abound-in-colorado/
- https://csdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2018/03/
