Although it still has some inhabitants – mostly seasonal, the historic town of St. Elmo is considered one of the most accessible and best preserved ghost towns in the West.

The ghost town of St. Elmo is located southwest of Buena Vista, with 43 buildings that are still standing, including a saloon, courthouse and jail, a general store, and private homes.

St. Elmo was originally named Forrest City in 1880 and was renamed shortly after. At its peak in 1881, St. Elmo had about 2,000 residents as silver and gold drew miners into the area. Train service to Chalk Creek Canyon closed in 1926, causing the town’s population to diminish. It’s said that the town’s population took the last train out and never returned. St. Elmo was essentially a ghost town by 1958.

The Stark family, which was the last family to leave St. Elmo, owned the Home Comfort Hotel, the telegraph office, and the post office, as well as a general store that provided supplies for the miners. These buildings burned down in a fire in 2002, but the town hall was rebuilt through donations and fundraisers.

There are some businesses still running in the ghost town. The St. Elmo General Store is open seasonally, May to September, and offers souvenirs, snacks, drinks, antiques, and a cabin rental. Open year round, the Ghost Town Guest House is a bed and breakfast also available for reservations. Visitors can explore the ruins and take their visit one step further by staying in the ghost town if they wish.

It’s important to note that the majority of the buildings at St. Elmo are locked to the public, but still have windows for viewing the interior, along with educational information. Respect the rules posted to signage during a visit.