One of my favorite things to do when we come to Colorado is head 12 miles up Castle Creek Valley where there are about 600 acres of skiing and snowshoeing trails surrounding the ghost town of Ashcroft. It's just beautiful.
And, best of all, about a half hour ski or snowshoe, or 20 minute horse drawn sleigh ride, up sits the Pine Creek Cookhouse where they serve the most delicious hot chocolate, lunch and dinner.Did I mention the hot chocolate?
This year we went with my parents and nephew Declan. They rode up on the sleigh to for lunch, and we snowshoed up to join them.
After lunch they headed home and we went off on the trails,
ending up back in the ghost town before heading home.
There are only a few buildings left in the old silver mining town that once had a population of 2,500, 6 hotels, 17 saloons, a bowling alley, and even a suburb!
When the decision was made to take the Rio Grande railroad in nearby Aspen in 1887 many of the residents, and the buildings, moved down valley abandoning the town.
A few of the buildings have been restored, mostly to keep them from falling down altogether, but I think the park ranger lives in one.
My favorite building left in the town is one that hasn't been restored much at all.
For some reason, it just cracks me up how the logs on the roof stick out the side of the facade and I love it.
13 comments:
it's like they were too tired to cut those last pieces of wood!
Oh, the horse drawn sleigh! The one thing I wanted to do when we went to CT last year and didn't get to do. So beautiful....
That looks so lovely. I crave living in a cabin like that at times! (i.e. a million miles away from london bustle!)
Beautiful snow photos...we may be actually getting another snowfall here, twice in one winter, unheard of in Alabama! Brr! Enjoy your winter vacation. Summer will soon follow, I'm just sure of it.
Looks beautiful, if slightly eerie! The snow is gorgeous.
oooooo...hot chocolate AND a ghost town! what a wonderful adventure!!!
I'm always looking for unique getaways in my own backyard. This looks so wonderful. My husband and I are going to have to check it out.
WOW---how beautiful! I've never been to Colorado, but have always wanted to visit (especially now that I've seen you photos!). I can't believe you've been a bridesmaid eight times!? This is my first go around---by the eighth I think I'd be utterly exhausted! Thanks for stopping by the Neo-trad and keep up the beautiful photos so I can keep living vicariously though you : )
XXX Kate
These images are to die for and that building is just something else! Colorado has always been in my top list of places I need to go.
that looks AMAZING! so peaceful and quiet
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW, I love the photos!!!!!!!!
i stayed in a cabin in a ghost town in colorado once. it looked a lot like that photo nestled into huge mountains, but i think it was called st elmo. it snowed three days straight while we were there! i'd love to visit colorado again someday.
so pretty! Cabins are so welcoming. I'll have to check out the town next time I'm in CO.
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