Escape to Ashcroft: Explore a silver boom ghost town in spectacular winter-quiet mountains near Aspen.(Brief Article) From: Sunset | Date: February 1, 2002| Author: Walter, Claire | COPYRIGHT 2002 Sunset Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Nestled in scenic Castle Creek Valley in a mountain wilderness, the ghost town of Ashcroft--a handful of tilting buildings softened by snow--is the center of a tiny, tranquil universe. Nearby, Ashcroft Ski Touring Unlimited offers miles of groomed nordic skiing. And trails head out to Pine Creek Cookhouse, which provided an authentic Colorado dining experience long before that phrase became marketing hype.

Even at its peak in 1883, when Ashcroft had 2,000 inhabitants, 2 ...