Sign Up  /  Login

Ghost #1: Turret LbNA #8475 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:JeLyBean
Plant date:May 31, 2004
Location:
City:Salida
County:Chaffee
State:Colorado
Boxes:1
Found by: family campers
Last found:Jul 5, 2008
Status:OFFFFr
Last edited:May 31, 2004
* * * NOTE: In July 08, the area where this letterbox was placed became private property, and the box was subsequently reported missing in Nov 08. The old town of Turret is still an interesting area for a drive. * * *

Ghost #1: Turret. In 1897, gold claims were filed for Cat Gulch near Turret Mountain, and a town was born. Within four years, the population of Turret had swelled to 500, and the town boasted a post office, hotel and general store. Just as quickly, the town died. By 1916, the mines had played out, and by 1941, there was only a single resident remaining. As late as 2000, the town was completely uninhabited, with about 20 of the original buildings still standing. Only five years later, much of the town has disappeared. New development in the area has destroyed many of the old buildings in favor of newer hunting cabins, and much of the town is now private property. Because of this, the letterbox is not located in the town proper. See this ghost before it vanishes completely.

Terrain: Moderate to difficult, all uphill to the box with some gravelly slopes. Easier the further you drive.
Clues: Easy

Directions: Reach the ghost town of Turret by taking 175 northeast out of Salida at the sign for Spiral Drive. Follow 175 over the bridge for about 7 miles until the intersection of 185. There, turn left and drive for two miles. At 184A, turn left for another two miles until you see the cabins of Turret. Once you've explored the place, return to the sign post at the intersection of 185 and 184A, and follow 185 north for another mile. Turn right and follow the dirt road up toward the old mine buildings. Drive up the mountain as far past the mine hopper as you like, hike the rest of the way to the top. Look for gold at the base of the big leaning tree.

Notes:
- No inkpad or pencil in the box, make sure you bring your own.
- Strongly recommend four-wheel drive for this.
- Be very cautious around dilapidated ghost town buildings and old mines. Respect private property.
- Please do not ask me for additional hints without offering a bribe of unpublished clues, hitchhikers, etc.
- Please email me with notes about the box: jelybean.books@comcast.net.