Colorado is mainly popular for its mountains and mountain towns. And that is because of the kind of view and experience the state gives to its visitors. But many of those towns started as rough mining settlements during the gold and silver rush of the 1800s. Today the places that are beautiful attractions for tourists were once filled with miners. As of today, many of those towns are restored and are lively but many of them are left untouched and it feels as if those towns are still stuck in time. Those towns still have old brick buildings, narrow streets, abandoned mines and vintage train routes. If you want to come to Colorado not just for the hiking trails and ski slopes but to explore these old mining towns in Colorado then this article is all you will need to read before you book the tickets.
Best Mining Towns in Colorado
1. Leadville
Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the entirety of North America. The town has a very rich mining past. During the late 1800s the town became famous for being one of the richest silver mining towns in Colorado. Leadville is quite a popular tourist attraction today but that doesn’t change the fact that the place still feels authentic. Many of the Victorian-style buildings built in that era still remain intact. The mountains in the back give it a more beautiful and aesthetic vibe.
Best Experiences to experience here
- You can go exploring historic downtown streets
- You can ride the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
- You can visit old mining museums
- You can also take scenic mountain photography
- Or you can simply explore nearby hiking trails
Places nearby you should visit
- Turquoise Lake for kayaking and lake views
- Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest mountain
- Scenic Independence Pass drive nearby
2. Silverton
Sliverton town was built during the silver mining boom. The town is located in the San Juan Mountains, one of the many mountains in Colorado. It is also one of the small mining towns in Colorado. Here the streets are lined with colorful old buildings and vintage hotels. The town looks cinematic to say the least. The place still holds its historic charm. It is best known for its skiing ranges as in the winters the mountains get covered by snow and make the town view a whole lot more dramatic.
What Visitors Love to do here
- You can go for riding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Go to Colorado.com to learn more about the train)
- You can also go exploring old mining sites
- Walking through preserved downtown streets
- You can take a jeep tour into the mountains
- Winter photography is a must
Nearby Places Worth Visiting
- San Juan Mountains for scenic drives and hiking
- Visit Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America.”
- Alpine Loop scenic byway nearby
3. Cripple Creek
Gold was discovered in Colorado in the 1890s and Cripple Creek became one of Colorado’s main gold mining towns. The town is located at the back side of Pikes Peak. Nowadays you can find a lot of restored buildings here, mainly museums and casinos. Cripple Creek town feels like a very active place but still it holds its history preserved. You will find the vibe here is very lively and happening. Old storefronts and historic hotels continue to line the streets. Which gives visitors a glimpse into Colorado’s gold rush era. It doesn’t matter if you are an outdoors, mountain-adventure-loving person or a hardcore gambler. The place will suit you.
Highlights of the Area
- You should visit the Cripple Creek Heritage Center
- You can go explore the underground mine tours
- You can also ride the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Or you can also learn about Colorado’s gold rush history
Nearby Places Worth For You To Visit
- Garden of the Gods
- Pikes Peak for scenic mountain views
- Victor Historic District nearby
4. Georgetown
Georgetown feels different than all the other mining towns near Denver Colorado. It is located in the Rocky Mountains. The town feels beautiful and historic without losing its mountain-town energy. The town is popular for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Whether you want to learn about Colorado’s gold rush history or simply enjoy your time with nature. Georgetown provides both. Georgetown is also one of the most easily accessible mining towns in Colorado
Popular Activities you can do here
- You can ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Go and explore Victorian-era buildings
- You can also visit local history museums
- You can go shopping in small downtown boutiques
- Or you can simply enjoy mountain photography
Nearby Places You Should Be Visiting
- Guanella Pass for scenic drives
- Georgetown Lake for kayaking and walks
- Hiking trails around Clear Creek County
5. Telluride
Telluride is one of the most beautiful mining towns in Colorado and it is world-renowned for being a ski destination. The town is covered by mountains from every direction. So much so that if you stand anywhere in the city and look upwards you would see beautiful mountains all around you. Even though the town is world-famous it still holds on to its mining history. During the late 1800s the town grew very fast because of the gold and silver discoveries made in the nearby mountains. The town is a mix of colorful old buildings and stunning mountains. Giving the town a very unique vibe and atmosphere.
Don’t Miss Out On
- You can explore historic downtown Telluride
- You can ride the free scenic gondola
- You can go and visit local history museums
- You can go for mountain photography
- Or you can go and explore nearby hiking trails
Nearby Places You Can Try Paying a Visit
- You can visit the Bridal Veil Falls
- Black Bear Pass for adventurous drives
- San Juan Mountain viewpoints nearby
Why These Mining Towns Still Matter Today?
These mining towns still matter because they are not just some place to attract tourists but a place that holds a lot of history. They tell a story about how the state grew during the gold and silver rush. And how much contribution these towns made in shaping the culture and identity of Colorado. Today all of these towns have changed, some are quiet and remote while others have become more lively and evolved into mountain destinations. The thing that stayed the same is that all of them still hold some of their history with them.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing these Colorado Mining Towns is a much different way to experience the state and its beauty. These towns give you more than just beautiful mountain views, they tell a story. A story of ambition, hardship and survival from Colorado’s earliest days. Now if you have made up your mind to go on a Colorado mining towns road trip and are wondering how to get going with your group then we can make it easier for you. All you need to do is book the Colorado charter bus service by BUSXOXO. And let us take care of the ‘getting there’ part while you focus on the enjoying part.