Entry No. 71 — the Boulder file — filed under: ghost town

Homestead Meadows

Located in the Roosevelt National Forest, Homestead Meadows is a historic district containing the ruins of eight late-19th-century ranches established under the Homestead Act of 1862. Abandoned by 1952, the site now features several weathered log cabins, barns, and remnants of an old sawmill. Visitors can explore these historic structures via a network of scenic hiking trails winding through pine and aspen forests.

The move: Hike the scenic Lion Gulch Trail to the meadows, where you can picnic near the historic Irvin Homestead and photograph the weathered log cabins and old sawmill ruins.

📍 Before you go The site is located on public land within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and is legally accessible via hiking trails like Lion Gulch or Moose Meadow.

• 📍 Estes Park
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Estes Park, CO 80517, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: uncovercolorado.com · coloradopreservation.org · fs.usda.gov

last checked: 2026-07-20