Animas Forks
State: Colorado
County: San Juan County
Founded: 1873
Peak Population: 450
Animas Forks is one of America's highest ghost towns at 11,185 feet. A 23-day blizzard in 1884 buried it under 25 feet of snow—residents dug tunnels between buildings. The massive Gold Prince Mill (1904) was one of Colorado's largest. Now accessible via the scenic Alpine Loop.
Quick Facts
- At 11,185 feet, one of America's highest ghost towns
- 23-day blizzard buried town under 25 feet of snow in 1884
- Residents dug tunnels between buildings to survive the blizzard
- The iconic Duncan House has a distinctive bay window
Location
Address: Alpine Loop, San Juan County, Colorado
Coordinates: 37.9314, -107.5703