Perched at an astonishing elevation of over 12,000 feet, Carson, Colorado, stands as a testament to the rugged determination of 19th-century miners, making it one of the most inaccessible yet captivating mining camps in the state. This remarkable ghost town, Carson, Colorado, nestled near the majestic Continental Divide, offers a glimpse into a harsh but hopeful past where fortunes were sought amidst extreme conditions.
Located approximately 16 miles southwest of Lake City, Carson is not easily reached. It lies on a demanding side spur south of the renowned Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, marked by a sign indicating “Wager Gulch/Carson.” The journey itself is an adventure, requiring a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the rough road up Wager Gulch, which ultimately leads to the poignant remnants of two distinct old mining camps: Carson and its precursor, Old Carson.
The Discovery and Establishment of Carson
The story of Carson, Colorado, began with John Christopher Carson, a tenacious prospector who first discovered promising float samples along the rugged Continental Divide in 1876. While he initially pursued other opportunities in Leadville, the lure of the high country proved irresistible. Carson returned to the area in 1881, staking numerous claims on both sides of the Continental Divide, including what would become the immensely productive Bonanza King Mine. His pioneering efforts soon attracted other prospectors, igniting a fervent gold and silver rush in this remote corner of Colorado.
By 1882, the burgeoning community formally organized the Carson Mining District. A vibrant camp quickly took root, known alternately as Carson Camp, Carson City, or simply Carson. The year was marked by a flurry of activity, with over 150 claims staked and more than a dozen prosperous mines established. Among the most notable were the Bachelor, Chandler, St. Jacob, Kit Carson, George III, Maid of Carson, and St. Lawrence. While silver was the primary target that drew most miners to this high-altitude settlement, the rich ore veins also yielded significant quantities of gold, lead, copper, iron, and zinc. The St. Jacob mine alone, a true marvel of its time, produced an astonishing more than $1 million in ore throughout its operational lifespan, underscoring the immense wealth that lay beneath these unforgiving peaks. Interestingly, the camp was sometimes referred to as Bachelor Cabins, a nod to the many miners who found employment in the prominent Bachelor Mine, often living solitary lives far from family.
Life on the Divide: A Tale of Two Carsons
Living and working directly on the Continental Divide presented unique and formidable challenges. As documented by Perry Eberhart in his 1969 classic, Guide to Colorado Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, the geographical anomaly of Carson meant that water falling on one side of the town drained into the Pacific via the Lake Fork, while water on the other side flowed into the Atlantic via the Lost Trail Creek of the Rio Grande system. This extreme, snow-bound location, while providing access to rich mineral deposits, inherently limited the town’s potential for sustained growth and survival. The harsh winters were relentless, frequently isolating the community for months on end.
Recognizing the severity of the weather and seeking some respite, a portion of the settlement began to relocate by 1883. This second site of Carson emerged lower down in Wager Gulch, at a still-impressive altitude of 11,580 feet, just below the timberline. Here, the surrounding trees offered a measure of protection from the brutal winds and heavy snows that characterized the Continental Divide, providing a slightly more habitable environment for the persistent miners and their families.
Early on, the lack of a proper road into Carson was a significant impediment to development and economic success. The sheer remoteness and the challenges posed by extreme winters severely hindered the efficient transport of ore and supplies. It wasn’t until 1887 that dedicated work crews managed to construct a road, albeit one best suited for robust pack trains. During the long winter months, when the snowdrifts became impassable even for pack animals, the ingenious miners resorted to transporting precious ore out of the camp by toboggans, a testament to their unwavering determination. Despite these logistical hurdles, a post office was finally established in September 1889, facilitating mail delivery from Lake City and providing a vital connection to the outside world for the hardy residents of Carson.
Boom, Bust, and Decline of the Carson Mining District
During its prime, from the 1880s into the early 1900s, Carson, Colorado, remained a small but industrious community. Its population rarely exceeded 50 individuals, typically hovering around 20 residents. These were primarily miners, often bachelors, who endured solitude and hardship for the promise of wealth hidden within the mountains. The economic Panic of 1893, a widespread financial depression that gripped the United States, temporarily slowed the extensive development of the Carson mines. However, the resilient spirit of the prospectors, coupled with the lure of untapped riches, meant this downturn was short-lived.
A resurgence of hope and activity swept through the district with the discovery of rich gold deposits in 1896. This fresh influx of precious metal invigorated mining operations, leading to renewed investment and a dramatic increase in manpower. The Carson Mining District experienced its true zenith during the early 1900s, a brief but intense period when an estimated 400 to 500 miners descended upon the mountaintop, transforming the quiet camp into a bustling hub of activity. However, this peak proved to be fleeting. The exact reasons for its rapid decline are complex, but a significant factor was likely a loss of working capital and investor confidence. Colonel C. F. Meek, who had been Carson’s biggest operator and a driving force in its prosperity, sold out his interests in 1902. The departure of such a pivotal figure signaled the beginning of the end. That very same year, a Gunnison newspaper presciently reported that Carson was practically deserted, its once-vibrant streets falling silent. The post office, a symbol of its connection to civilization, officially closed its doors the following year, in 1903. By 1910, the population had dwindled to a mere 20 people, a stark contrast to its brief golden era, leaving Carson to slowly transition into the ghost town it is today.
Carson Today: Preserved Echoes of the Past
Today, the ghost town of Carson stands as a remarkably preserved relic, offering a tangible connection to Colorado’s storied mining past. Thanks to the extremely cold, dry climate and the fortunate fact that its location is not prone to destructive snow slides, a number of historic buildings remain surprisingly intact. Visitors can explore these structures and imagine the lives of the hardy individuals who once called this remote outpost home. A short distance further up the challenging road, on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide, lie the even more ancient vestiges of Old Carson. Here, the passage of time has been less forgiving, with only scattered fallen logs marking the footprints of former buildings. However, the journey to Old Carson is richly rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Weminuche Wilderness Area and the distinctive silhouette of the Rio Grande Pyramid, offering a spectacular natural backdrop to the historical ruins.
It is important for prospective visitors to understand that both Carson and Old Carson are situated on private property. The current owners graciously permit public access, provided that all visitors act responsibly, respect the historical integrity of the sites, and leave no trace of their presence. The journey to these fascinating mining camps remains as challenging as ever. The road is widely recognized as one of the highest mountain roads in Colorado, characterized by its narrow passages, steep ascents, and several tight, nerve-wracking switchbacks. Its rough surface, composed of gravel and bumpy sections embedded with rocks, often includes stream crossings that can reach up to 12 inches deep. For these reasons, this adventure is unequivocally not recommended for novice 4-wheel drivers. However, for experienced off-road enthusiasts, hikers, bicyclists, and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users, the route promises an unforgettable exploration into a captivating chapter of American history. To access this unique historical destination, travelers should proceed south from Lake City on CO-149 S/Gunnison Avenue for approximately 2.5 miles, then turn right onto County Road 30. Continue for about nine miles west until reaching County Road 36, then turn south and travel five miles to arrive at the historic sites of Carson.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Time at Carson
The ghost town of Carson, Colorado, embodies the enduring spirit of the American frontier, a testament to the dreams and struggles of those who chased fortune in the most unforgiving landscapes. From its humble beginnings as John Christopher Carson’s discovery to its brief heyday as a bustling mining district, and finally to its quiet repose as a preserved ghost town, Carson’s story is one of relentless ambition, technological innovation, and ultimate resilience against nature’s might. Its remote location, once a formidable obstacle, now serves as a guardian, preserving its historical integrity for those adventurous enough to seek it out. Visiting Carson is more than just a trip to a historical site; it is an immersive journey back in time, offering profound insights into the challenges and triumphs of Colorado’s rich mining heritage. It reminds us that even in the most desolate and elevated places, human endeavor can leave an indelible mark, inviting us to reflect on the legacies of those who carved a life from the very heart of the mountains.
