Travel guide to Carson ghost town in CO

Carson is a mining ghost town at an elevation of 3.772m (12,375ft) above the sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Carson was one of the most inaccessible mining camps in Colorado.

Can you drive to Carson ghost town in CO?

Be sure to have experience in back roads if you attempt this trail. The treacherous road to the town is called County Road 36. This trail is well worth the drive; however, it is steep in places and has a limited number of places to pass other vehicles. It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road. Very little traffic on the trail.

How long is the road to Carson ghost town in Colorado?

Starting at County Road 30, the road is 7.88km (4.9 miles long). It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado. This is not for the faint of heart. The surface of the rough road is gravel and bumpy with embedded rocks. You’ll need a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle if you plan on visiting the several remaining empty buildings and relics. This road is also open to OHVs and motorcycles, hikers, and bicyclists.

Is the road to Carson ghost town in CO open?

Set high on top of the Continental Divide, the road is very narrow, steep, and with several tight switchbacks. The trail has steep drop offs that are scary for a novice. There are several ruined mines along the drive. The road is totally impassable from October to June.With such a high summit altitude the road can be closed anytime due to snowfalls. The zone is prone to heavy mist and can be dangerous in low visibility conditions. Founded in 1889, Carson reached its peak at the turn of the century when some 500 miners worked the mountain top. Gold and silver were mined. It was victim to the harsh winters of Colorado.
Pic&video: Danny Fyffe