Colorado Ghost Town Books/Maps
Yampa Colorado Townsite - Ghost town
Yampa Colorado should be an excellent jumping off point for a trip to see the aspens in the fall. Numerous roads leading into and out of town offering a chance to see the fall colors. The native Americans hunted and gathered food here for centuries before homesteaders reached the area in 1881. Thanks to the Utes and their "Shining Mountains" we still have footsteps to follow.
At one time Yampa boasted 9 saloons, 2 banks, 2 churches and 2 real-estate offices promoting the town. In the early 1900's a new rail line transported goods, cattle, lettuce, spinach, and lumber to market. Today agriculture still is the economic engine.
Apparently the area was originally named Egeria Park for the mythological water nymph Egeria who lived in a place of extreme beauty. The lodge is Egeria Lodge 167. When settlers arrived they named their town Yampa after the native plant. Apparently the population has remained fairly stable in recent years at about 400. Many buildings have been renovated and are in excellent condition. The town is neat and obviously the residents take pride in their town. One of the homes sort of reminded me of the house on the hill in the movie Psycho.
Photos courtesy of Mike Sinnwell June 2009
Rocky Mountain Profiles Colorado Ghost Towns and Colorado Photos – Niwot Colorado