st. elmo

I did the research on this place, and it was deemed to be the best ghost town in Colorado in terms of being preserved. We were in Springs, so it was a hefty 100 mile trip one-way. I still think it was worth it. We originally went just for the historical value, but there were very tame animals there too. Dozens of chipmunks come out and will climb on you and take food from your hands. Take some natural food if you want to feed them. They didn't eat the Cheetos we had very well. I really didn't think they were this tame, although I had read you could hand feed them. Large Jays will also come out of nowhere to eat. I was amazed how tame the animals are. They also have hummingbird feeders set up and I got some amazing videos of them. There's a mountain creek near by (the only one I really saw on the trip). The buildings are in pretty good shape, but the ones from the 1880's were basically just front facades. The actual useable buildings were from the 1920s and 1930s. There was a lot of antiques inside, and although not mining and 1880s items, still pretty cool. We were there in May, and there were still big snow drifts. I wanted to hike into the mountains a bit, but it was impossible. I would suggest going in the middle of summer if possible. There are no amenities, including a bathroom. The closest place for this is about 10 miles away in Buena Vista. We agreed that this stop was the highlight of our trip.

We had perfect weather, lots of snow and lots of sun. We were almost alone, so the ghost town was really ghost like! We walked around and enjoyed the beautiful nature! The road to go up was a little icy, but we just had to be careful.

This is a pretty interesting place to see. You don't need more than 30 minutes to walk around and see it all. Accessible even in the winter.

St. Elmo is a beautiful historical place! TinCup pass and the town of TinCup are also close by. Fun places to go on ATVs, jeeps. Lots of trails, lakes. Great area in all seasons to play at!

Wanted a day of adventure as we drove from the Springs to Gunnison in our 2WD, Suburban. Easy, gravel/paved road along a gorgeous stream/small river on way into town.As we drove into St Elmo we noticed people feeding the chipmunks. My four children immediately setup a chorus of "We want to do that!" So we did. Cute and fun!Then we started off for Tin Cup ghost town via the dirt Tin Cup pass road. Umm... its a "road less traveled". I have navigated roads like this before when I lived in the Sierras, but always with a 4WD. It was slow going but gorgeous! It was one of the highlights of our 5-week, western states road trip this summer. The children talked about it for ages! Anytime we hit a dirt road now, they ask, "Dad, is this a road less traveled?" We almost made the treeline when we hit a snow bank. (This was mid-June) I'm experienced enough in the back country to not try to cross that in a 2WD vehicle. So I performed a 20-pt turn in the narrow road-way and we bounced all the way back to the main road, grabbed gas and fuel then hit the top of Cottonwood pass and the Continental Divide just as the sun set! Amazing!If I could go back, I would plan a day or two to camp along the Tin Cup road. The scenery is simply astounding and peaceful. There are a number of Forest Service campgrounds. There are no services at these, so be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Ghost town just for viewing. You're not able to walk into any of the buildings here in this town which was disappointing for my curious 10 year old. The most fun we've ever had here (been 3 times) is when the kids fed the chipmunks from their laps - summer time. Pretty drive up to St. Elmo and a connection point for a few ATV/Jeep trails - Tin Cup Pass... not too much else to mention. Restroom access requires a short hike, small country store at end of the road.

Over run by ATVS. If you want peace and quiet dont bother. The local store rents ATVS all day long and it is a haven for them. I never go there anymore as it is too noisy and crowded.

St. Elmo is an 1880s ghost town. Not too much to do there other than see the history of the area. If you like history is a great place to see the roots of the area.

This was a cute place to get out and stretch your legs and look around. Off the beaten track a bit but worth the drive

The road out there is good enough for a 2 wheel drive car. We went in the beginning of October and the colors were vibrant. You will drive between Mt Princeton and Mt. Antero both 14ers, quite the views. St Elmo is a small town that is mostly privately owned. We went after the "businesses" were closed. But it is still worth visiting. They open the church in the summer too. Some of the buildings are in disrepair which is too bad. Some of them still had the old wallpaper on the walls. Some are filled with junk. It is fun to look in the buildings and imagining what it must have been like back in its "hay day". Don't forget some nuts or sunflower seeds for the chipmunks. One tip though....try to not park in front of the buildings. If people are trying to take pictures, having a car in front of it ruins the pic.

It was an interesting place to stroll along the roads and explore the old ghost town and new residences. A beautiful drive from Buena Vista or Salida. Lots of places to explore.

"No Dorothy, you are not in Aspen anymore!" You are now stepping back in time, back where you can relive the old days of Colorado's past. Yes it may take a little while on a dirt road to get there but so what, you are a big girl now and that Jag can be washed. St. Elmo is a very relaxing place where the noise of the city has not arrived yet (and that's a good thing). Relax, feed the chipmunks and even jump on an ATV if you please. This out of the way, off the beaten path place is truly a gem if you enjoy the simpler things in life.

St Elmo is found at the west end of a beautiful autumn drive on winding mountain road (Chaffee County Road 162) several miles west of Mt Princeton Hot Springs. Several abandoned buildings on both sides of creek are still in place making a pleasant atmosphere for walking. Nice general store (during summer months) and B&B on the east edge of town; no other services. "Petting" and feeding bleachers for chipmunks. ATV access point east of town along with a one-hole Forest Service facility.

A quaint little ghost town that is surprisingly well preserved. Access to some great mountain bike trails and ATV areas. A very scenic drive up the mountain to get there and a fun few hours to walk around. Stop by the trout hatchery on the way up to feed some baby rainbow trout!

This place was so interesting. Couldn't get the kids away from the chipmunks very long, but did get to walk around a bit. The kids loved it soooooo much, they returned a second time with their parents later in the week. Go here!!! You will not be disappointed. (Bring sunflower seeds or buy small bags there) There is also a little store for snacks and souvenirs and antiques. Later read more about the interesting history.