Overview of Turret, CO

Tucked away in the mountains approximately 13 miles north of Salida, Turret, Colorado, is a fascinating "living ghost town." Founded in 1897 during a flurry of gold and copper speculation, the town eventually found its true fortune in "Salida Blue"—a rare, high-quality granite used in monuments across the country. Today, Turret is a serene, unincorporated community that feels like a well-kept secret, reachable only by the winding gravel path of the Ute Trail.

Turret appeals to the buyer who seeks total unplugged seclusion and a connection to Colorado's mining soul. It is the destination for the off-grid pioneer, the summer escape seeker, and the historian who wants to own a piece of a preserved frontier. The real estate market is highly specialized and infrequent; inventory consists of rustic historic cabins, newer solar-powered retreats, and raw land parcels surrounded by the **San Isabel National Forest**. It is a community for those who view "no electricity" as an opportunity for true peace.

The Off-Grid & Granite Lifestyle

In Turret, the lifestyle is defined by self-reliance and the beauty of the high-country landscape. There are no municipal utilities here; most residents utilize advanced solar (photovoltaic) systems, propane, and private wells or cisterns. Life is dictated by the sun and the seasons. The town is remarkably well-preserved, with the **Turret Post Office** (closed in 1939) still standing as a historic landmark, along with several original log structures from the 1890s.

Outdoor recreation is the primary occupation of the residents. Turret serves as a backdoor to the **Brown’s Canyon National Monument**, providing immediate access to rugged hiking trails, 4WD roads, and secret paths leading down to the Arkansas River. Whether it is exploring the old granite quarries that once fueled the town's economy or watching the elk graze in the meadows of Cat Gulch, the lifestyle here is about deep immersion in nature and the quiet preservation of the past.

Landscape, Climate, and Community

Sitting at an elevation of 8,537 feet, Turret is characterized by its dramatic granite outcroppings, pinyon pines, and sweeping views of the **Collegiate Peaks** to the west. The climate is high-alpine and arid; winters are snowy and require a 4WD vehicle for access, while summers are pleasantly cool and dry. Because the town is surrounded by public land, the sense of space is immense, and the night skies are among the darkest in the Salida region.

The community is small, private, and fiercely protective of the town’s tranquility. While there are a few hardy year-round residents, Turret is largely a seasonal community. There is a strong "take nothing but pictures" ethos here, as much of the town remains on private property owned by individuals dedicated to keeping Turret from being "over-restored." It is a place where neighbors value their solitude but share a common bond over the unique challenges and rewards of mountain living.

Why Buy a Property in Turret?

Buying real estate in Turret is an investment in silence and history. It offers the rare chance to own property within a historic mining camp that hasn't been commercialized or paved over. If you are looking for a property where you can escape the digital world, explore National Forest from your doorstep, and live among the echoes of the gold rush, Turret is your high-country sanctuary.