Wagon Wheel Gap

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

The Wagon Wheel Gap Hot Springs Resort, near Creede, Colorado, is the historic name of what is now a dude ranch, the 4UR Ranch. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Of 26 buildings on the property, 14 were deemed to be contributing to the historic character of the listed area, and there were 4 contributing structures and a contributing object. It was originally developed in the 1870s, with soaking pools and relatively simple lodging.

The on-the-ground condition of Wagon Wheel Gap 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.

Here's the honest truth: access to Wagon Wheel Gap 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.

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.