Saint Elmo, Colorado Ghost Town | Chaffee County ghost town near Buena Vista

Saint Elmo is one of the most accessible and best preserved ghost towns in the West. It’s located just southwest of Buena Vista in Chalk Creek Canyon. 43 buildings remain scattered around: a saloon, courthouse/jail, mercantile, and private homes.

There are a few current residents living in town, as well as a couple businesses operating, including:

Saint Elmo General Store – Open May to Sept in town; souvenirs, antiques, ATV rentals, cabin rental.
Ghost Town Guest House – Year round, supper, bed and breakfast located in town.

History

Originally called Forrest City in 1880, Saint Elmo was renamed and incorporated shortly after. Gold and silver drew miners in. In its heyday of around 2,000 residents in 1881, the town was full of saloons, dance halls and other staples of a mostly male population.

With the closing of train service to Chalk Creek Canyon in 1926, the town slowly dwindled. By 1958 it was a virtual ghost town.

Getting There

Take Highway 24 south from Buena Vista. Look for County Road 162 on the right, just after you past Nathrop. Follow Co Rd 162 19 miles to St Elmo. You’ll pass Mt Princeton Hot Springs on the way, as well as Agnes Vaille Falls, a short waterfall hike.

There are a few ruins around St Elmo you could explore with extra time, including Hancock and Mary Murphey Mine. It’s best to have a 4×4 or rent a Jeep, then you can go over Tincup Pass and explore Pitkin, Tincup and Ohio City. All easily done in a day. There is no camping on Co Rd 162.

Main street in St Elmo.