Feel like going on an adventure this weekend? There are plenty of unique places to choose from here in New Mexico but if you’re looking for a place that will feel like you just stepped back into a different era, then you’ll want to check out this little town in the southern portion of the state.
Chloride, New Mexico is a tiny ghost town located just beyond Gila National Forest and an hour’s drive from Truth or Consequences. If you don’t travel this area often, you might not even know the town exists!
Google Maps
The area was first settled in 1879 and, within a few short years, experienced a population boom as mining operations opened up along the nearby creeks. It received its post office in 1881 and experienced some boom and bust periods until it closed in 1956 when the town was finally abandoned.
Image courtesy Sierra County Recreation and Tourism
These days, the town has a tiny population of 11 who live within the town or nearby, so it’s essentially a former ghost town.
Tim Kuzdrowski/Flickr
These buildings have been lovingly restored - something we wish would happen in more ghost towns around the state - and a walk through the area will take you back more than a century as you explore how others lived during New Mexico’s frontier days.
Tim Kuzdrowski/Flickr
One of our favorite spots is the Pioneer Store Museum, which dates to 1880. The museum today looks similar to how it did when it was first erected thanks to restoration efforts.
Tim Kuzdrowski/Flickr
Even the interior of the store looks amazing! The inventory includes items that would have actually been sold during the time period…
Image courtesy Sierra County Recreation and Tourism
…and displays that show off plenty of historical artifacts.
Image courtesy Sierra County Recreation and Tourism
If you wander from the center of town, you’ll also come across Chloride and Mineral Creeks. The area is filled with cottonwood and pine trees, looking absolutely lush.
Patrick Alexander/Flickr
Chloride is located 172 miles south of Albuquerque via Interstate 25 and directions can be found at this link. You can find details about visiting the former ghost town by checking out the Sierra County Recreation and Tourism website.
Google Maps
Image courtesy Sierra County Recreation and Tourism
Tim Kuzdrowski/Flickr
Patrick Alexander/Flickr
Want to see more cool little ghost towns around the state? Read These 12 Well-Preserved Ghost Towns In New Mexico Are Frozen In Time for some great suggestions!
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