Needleton, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Needleton
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The flag stop at Needleton, August 2009
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 Needleton
Location in Colorado
Needleton
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | San Juan |
| Elevation | 8,277 ft (2,523 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 187781 |
Needleton is a fascinating ghost town located in San Juan County, Colorado, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, often because the main reason they lived there disappeared. Needleton sits high up in the mountains, at an elevation of about 8,277 feet (2,523 meters) above sea level.
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A Look at Needleton's Past
Needleton wasn't always a quiet place. It used to be an important stop on the old Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad line. This railroad was vital for moving people and goods through the rugged Colorado mountains.
Early Days and the Post Office
The community of Needleton even had its own post office. It first opened its doors in May 1882. This meant people living and working in Needleton could send and receive mail, connecting them to the outside world. However, the post office eventually closed in January 1919.
The Great Flood of 1927
Life in the mountains can be tough, and natural events can change things quickly. In 1927, a big flood swept through the area. This powerful flood unfortunately washed away the Needleton station. This event marked a significant turning point for the small settlement.
Needleton Today
Even though it's a ghost town, Needleton isn't completely forgotten. It still plays a role for adventurers and history buffs.
A Special Train Stop
Today, Needleton is a flag stop on the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. A flag stop is a special kind of train station where the train only stops if someone wants to get on or off. You have to signal the train to stop, like waving a flag!
Just north of this flag stop, you can see one of the last two remaining wooden water tanks on the entire Durango and Silverton line. These tanks were once essential for steam trains to refill their water supply.
Gateway to Mountain Adventures
Needleton is also a very popular starting point for hikers. It's known as a "trailhead," which means it's where many trails begin. From Needleton, people can hike into the beautiful and challenging Needle Mountains.
The most popular hike from Needleton leads to a stunning area called the Chicago Basin. This basin is famous for its incredible scenery and opportunities for backcountry exploration.
