In search of Dunton, CO

July 31, 2018

In search of  the old ghost town of Dunton, CO we drove on Colorado 145 until FR 535, about 20 miles from Rico, CO.  At the beginning of FR 535 the road is paved and then turns into gravel for the remainder of loop trip.

A little history about Dunton.  According to research, Dunton was a remote mining camp established 1885 that never had a rail connection closer than 9 miles away. Development of the nearby mines was slow until Eastern investors bought the Emma Mine in 1897, and proceeded with rapid development of the mine. The mines and town peaked around 1905 but by 1910 both were in decline. Around 1908 the town was deserted.  

As we drove toward Dunton - what do our eyes behold - a working TELEPHONE BOOTH in the middle of what we could call the middle of nowhere.

The road follows the Dolores Creek (not river) which offers some amazing foliage and scenery.

When we arrived at Dunton, CO we found out that it is now a popular resort area.  The abandoned town was sold to Joe and Dominica Roscio who turned it into a dude ranch and kept many of the buildings original.  Then the town was eventually bought by the current owner in the 1990's and the entire town was renovated to what is now the gated luxury resort of Dunton Hot Springs.

There are also some famous figures who've had cameos in Dunton's history. According to a CNN article "Guests have the opportunity to sit and have a drink at a bar where Butch Cassidy once did as well -- he hid out in Dunton on his way to his hide-out after robbing his first bank over the mountain in Telluride".

So, once we peeked over the fences and snapped a couple of photos we found a creek-side picnic area not far from the town and enjoyed the cooler air and relaxing trickle of the water.

After lunch we continued back on the road.  The forest drive turned into more open meadows around Navajo Lake Trailhead and then switchbacks back to Colorado 145.

Even though we did not get to tour the town, the history was enticing and the journey was beautiful.

Another day of exploring.  Thanks for coming along.