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Directions:  From Aspen head south on Castle Creek Road for 12 miles.  When the road ends, you'll be at King Cabin and the Ashcroft Ghost Town.

Ashcroft is a historic mining town situated in the astonishingly magnificent Castle Creek Valley, 12 miles south of Aspen.  The abandoned town sits at the base of Ashcroft Mountain and classic Elk Mountain Range peaks such as Castle, Cathedral, and Conundrum Peaks.  Castle and Conundrum are both 14ers.  Now the town of Ashcroft consists of an abandoned Ghost Town, many miles of cross county ski, snowshoe, and hiking trails, and a tasty restaurant that you have to hike in to.

If you can only spend a short time here, I strongly suggest walking through the Ghost Town, you can see it all in about 15 minutes.  The trail is self explanatory and leads you down the "main street" with interpretive signs as you go.  Off to the southwest you'll get nice views of the high peaks.  If you have more time definitely check out the trail system and hike out to the restaurant if it is open.