Colorado Ghost Town Books/Maps
Eldora Colorado Ghost Town
You can get here on a paved road. No 4x4 needed. Mostly summer homes in the area today but several buildings from the past have managed to remain standing. Some of the original buildings have been restored for use as summer homes. The town was started in 1889 by a fellow named Jack Gilfillan when he built the first cabin.
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UPDATE 2/28/06 -A special THANKS to a resident of Eldora for calling me and setting me straight on several items.
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SLOW DOWN - That was the most important thing she stated. We both have a strong desire for all the people that go thru Eldora on the way to Hessie or some of the hiking trails to watch out for the children. Roads are narrow and kids like to wander the town.
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Eldora is NOT a ghost town. - I tend to disagree but that is only because my definition of a ghost town is different then hers. Here is mine - "On my site I refer to Ghost Towns rather liberally. Basically it can be any town involved in mining or agricultural activity that went thru various cycles of boom and bust and/or towns that are important to the history of Colorado and the old west. I apologize if I have offended you." We agreed that she was correct. As she stated the town actually had a influx of new residents in the late 1980s and early 1990s.She should know as she has lived there over 20 years.
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She stated that I was incorrect that most of the homes are not summer homes. I have to take her word for that as she lives there and I don't. She also stated that maybe only 30% of the cabins are summer homes.
All things considered it is still a nice place to visit, but remember to slow down. THANKS
A viewer writes - Thursday, March 19, 2009 - My grandfather, Jay Church, operated freight wagons and stagecoaches through Eldora, Nederland, Boulder, Central City and all places in between. His wife, Minnie (Hiatt) worked at the Black Hawk Hotel in the late 1800's where they met. They set up housekeeping in Apex, a short distance from Central City and then owned and operated a livery stable/dance hall in Eldora until the mines played out. The livestock was kept in the bottom and the dancing was in the loft which actually was accessible from main street. The foundation is still there at least as of 2002. Ed Hutchinson hutched@yahoo.com
A viewer writes - Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - Rocky-as many of the rest of your visitors to your site, I stumbled across it as I was Googling Eldora and ghost towns. My great-grandfather bought a miner's cabin in Eldora in 1900. My family used it as a summer place- I'm not sure why, because they lived in Boulder. However, my parents gave me the cabin as a gift this past Christmas. I love you site! There is nothing I like more than to explore the mountains in the summer and I have always been fascinated with ghost towns. Your site will be helpful in my wanderlust. Another fun area is Lake Eldora- just up the mountain. There are three beautiful lakes, an old burned out Lodge and abandoned cabins. Across from Peterson Lake at the top of the road before you enter the ski area, is the Terror Mine and a mining camp with a dozen one-room mining cabins in an aspen grove.
Rocky Mountain Profiles Colorado Ghost Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado