Gilman

EPA Superfund site - entire town evacuated

State: Colorado County: Eagle County Founded: 1886 Abandoned: 1984 Peak Population: 1,000

Gilman was a zinc and lead mining town perched on a cliff above the Eagle River—until the EPA discovered contamination so severe they evacuated everyone in 1984. The entire town became a Superfund site. Buildings still stand on the cliff, visible but strictly off-limits.

Quick Facts

  • Entire town evacuated for toxic contamination
  • EPA Superfund site since 1984
  • Perched on cliff—dramatic location
  • Visible but strictly off-limits

Location

Address: Eagle County, Colorado (above Battle Mountain)

Coordinates: 39.5228, -106.3786