While the many ghost towns and mining ruins that dot Colorado’s high-elevation landscape can be one of the coolest aspects of backcountry exploration, they’re often quite difficult to reach. That’s not the case with a certain ghost town that’s found along a dirt road near Buena Vista.

St. Elmo Ghost Town is located on Chalk Creek Drive (County Road 162), about 36 minutes from Buena Vista and 48 minutes from Salida. A collection of multiple buildings, it’s also worth noting that this spot is a bit more preserved compared to the decaying structures of the Wild West days that are typically encountered during Colorado exploration, allowing the spot to serve as a great lesson in history, too.

At about 9,961 feet of elevation and surrounded by mountain views, St. Elmo had its heyday in the 1880s, when the population of the town rose to about 2,000. Unfortunately, the local mining industry started to face decline by the time the 1920s hit, resulting in a rapid dissipation of residents. When the local railroad line was discontinued in 1922, the town quickly fell into decay. Eventually, the local post office was closed in 1952, following the death of the postmaster that had kept it open.

While the town is in ‘ruin,’ buildings have been well-preserved. Most buildings are closed to the public, but informational signs can be found that add to the educational aspect of the visit.

Another cool aspect of this ghost town is that there’s an operational general store that opens during peak season. The store is filled with antiques and souvenirs that are perfect for commemorating a visit.

Learn more about the general store here.