Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Colorado

Alder

A ghost town of unknown status in Saguache County, Colorado.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Alder ghost town, Colorado
Plate I — Alder, ColoradoPhoto: Craig Talbert (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

The map remembers Alder long after the crowds moved on. Alder Creek is a stream entirely within Saguache County, Colorado. Alder Creek was named for the alder trees lining its course.

Saguache County holds 7 documented ghost towns, including Bonanza, Duncan, Liberty — Alder keeps them company on the map.

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The story of Alder

Colorado's high-country ghost towns sit at altitudes that would give a flatlander nosebleeds — silver camps killed by an 1893 vote in Washington.

Alder Creek is a stream entirely within Saguache County, Colorado. Alder Creek was named for the alder trees lining its course.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Alder is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Alder is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Alder is roughly 38.3717, -106.0319 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Alder FAQs

01Where is Alder located?
Alder is in Saguache County, Colorado, mapped near 38.3717, -106.0319.
02What county is Alder in?
Alder sits in Saguache County, Colorado. See our full guide to ghost towns in Saguache County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Alder?
Alder Creek is a stream entirely within Saguache County, Colorado. Alder Creek was named for the alder trees lining its course.
04What remains at Alder today?
The on-the-ground condition of Alder is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit Alder?
Here's the honest truth: access to Alder is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Alder is roughly 38.3717, -106.0319 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Alder Creek (Saguache County, Colorado)”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Saguache County

All 7 ghost towns in Saguache County →