Central City Masonic Cemetery
Weathered 1800s headstones among aspen and pine on the hills above Colorado's gold-rush town of Central City.
About Central City Masonic Cemetery
The Masonic Cemetery is one of a cluster of historic burial grounds on the high flats above Central City in Gilpin County, reached by following Eureka Street west out of town. Several lodge and community cemeteries sit near one another here, at roughly 8,900 feet, surrounded by meadows, aspen and lodgepole pine.
Ironwork fences, tilted marble stones and hand-carved markers tell the story of a mining district where life was hard and often short. Many graves date to the late 1800s, and the setting, with mountain views to the west, is quietly beautiful in every season.
Central City is about 35 miles west of Denver via I-70 and the Central City Parkway, making the cemeteries an easy, atmospheric add-on to a day exploring Colorado's gold-rush history.
One of the more genuinely unsettling cemeteries in the state, tucked between Central City and Black Hawk. It looks ordinary enough at first glance, but the place carries a long list of local legends that have made it a fixture on Colorado's spookier-destinations lists — overcast, flat light actually suits this kind of subject better than harsh sun, which tends to flatten the mood entirely.
History
Central City was founded by miners in 1859 after gold was discovered in nearby Gregory Gulch, and it quickly became one of Colorado's richest mining towns. Fraternal organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and others established their own cemeteries on the flats west of town to care for members and their families.
Recorded deaths in the Masonic Cemetery go back to the early 1860s. Gilpin County histories note that mining accidents and miners' lung disease claimed many lives, and the rocky ground was so hard that dynamite was sometimes used to open graves. Infant and child burials are heartbreakingly common across these cemeteries.
Photographing Central City Masonic Cemetery
Best light: Late afternoon and golden hour bring warm, raking light that reveals carved lettering and texture on old stones, and the overlook above the cemeteries faces west for sunset. Late September aspen gold and winter snow both add mood; overcast or foggy days suit the quiet atmosphere.
Shots to look for
- Wrought-iron fences and leaning headstones with aspen trunks behind, shot with a 35-50mm
- Close details of weathered inscriptions, lichens and carved symbols with side light
- Rows of markers fading into fog or falling snow for a moody wide frame
- Golden aspen canopy over the old graves in fall
- Sunset from the overlook just above the cemeteries looking west over the valley
Photo tips
- Treat the site with respect: don't lean on, move or rub headstones, and stay on paths
- The last stretch of road is dirt and can be slick or icy in winter
- There are no restrooms; plan ahead
- Leave before dark; there's no lighting and the area is remote
- Combine with Central City's historic district and Black Hawk for a full day
Know before you go
- This is a historic burial ground; visit respectfully and avoid trampling graves
- Parking is a small dirt lot beyond where the pavement on Eureka Street ends
- Altitude is close to 9,000 feet; weather can turn quickly
- No services at the cemeteries
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Central City Masonic Cemetery?
It's part of a cluster of historic cemeteries on the flats west of Central City. Follow Lawrence Street, which becomes Eureka Street, out of town until the pavement ends; the parking area is just beyond.
Can you visit the Central City cemeteries?
Yes, they are open to respectful visitors. There are no facilities, and you should leave before dark.
How old is the Masonic Cemetery?
Recorded burials go back to the 1860s, shortly after Central City was founded during the 1859 gold rush.
Combine it with
Central City · Black Hawk · Mestaa'Ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout · Golden Gate Canyon State Park
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: archipediavm.upress.virginia.edu · 5280.com · cogenweb.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.