INDEPENDENCE GHOST TOWN

Just 25 kilometers from Apsen, just before arriving at Independence Pass, a small sign on the road indicates the start of the walk. A free visit to the former mining town of Independence Gold Lode whose historic buildings are scattered in the green nature. In 1880, 300 people lived in the camp that developed through gold extraction to host a year-long mill mill, sawmill, four grocery stores, four pensions and three saloons. In 1882, the City of Independence had almost 1,500 people. But in 1899, the worst storm in Colorado's history isolated the city from the rest of the state, forcing miners to dismantle their homes to make skis and reach Aspen. You will see the General Store and several buildings, some very well preserved, others in ruins.