Alpine Loop
Animas Forks Townsite, CO

Animas Forks Townsite was originally named La Plata City. This mining town was established in 1877 and was abandoned in the 1930s. The many mines in the area drew miners to the area. Initially they would set up camp and sleep in tents. These settlements grew into more permanent buildings. Animas Forks had a general store, a hotel, a saloon, post office, and 30 cabins. At its height, the population reached about 450 people in 1883. The harsh winters in the mountains made life difficult. In 1884, for example, 25 feet of snow fell in 23 days. Today visitors can see many of the remaining buildings.