St. Elmo Ghost Town
Step back in time at St. Elmo, Colorado's most preserved ghost town, famous for its historic buildings and fearless chipmunks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more chipmunk attention
St. Elmo Ghost Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more chipmunk attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at St. Elmo, Colorado's most preserved ghost town, famous for its historic buildings and fearless chipmunks.
"It is truly one of the best preserved ghost towns. The views are gorgeous, it's worth the drive!"
Bring Cash for Seeds
Quarters are needed for chipmunk seeds at the General Store. They're cash only!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on dirt roads and uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic General Store
Main Street
Step back in time at the General Store, selling souvenirs and seeds for the local chipmunks.
+1Chipmunk Crossing
Outside General Store
Feed the famously bold chipmunks who inhabit this area. They're known for their charming demands for snacks!
+1
Abandoned Buildings
Throughout the town
Explore well-preserved 1800s mining town structures, offering a glimpse into Colorado's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Chipmunk Encounter
+1Road Conditions & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Seeds
Quarters are needed for chipmunk seeds at the General Store. They're cash only!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on dirt roads and uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Out Trash
No public trash cans here! Be a good visitor and take all your waste with you. :recycle:
Respect the History
These buildings are historic. Please do not enter them unless permitted. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Seeds
Quarters are needed for chipmunk seeds at the General Store. They're cash only!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on dirt roads and uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Out Trash
No public trash cans here! Be a good visitor and take all your waste with you. :recycle:
Respect the History
These buildings are historic. Please do not enter them unless permitted. :scroll:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed and clean up after them. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Elmo Ghost Town for its well-preserved historic buildings and picturesque mountain setting, offering a genuine step back in time. The unique charm of the friendly chipmunks who readily accept snacks is a major highlight for many, especially families. While some wish more buildings were accessible inside, the overall experience is highly recommended for its historical significance and natural beauty.
"Visiting St. Elmo Ghost Town is like stepping back in time. Nestled in a beautiful mountain setting, this preserved historic town is one of the best in Colorado. The old wooden buildings, rustic storefronts, and mining-era charm give you a real sense of what life was like in the late 1800s."
Beth Hendee
"My family and I enjoyed this whole area. The owner of the General Store and his wife were very nice to visit with. We didn't have the time to explore the area as much as we would have wanted, but all of the buildings are interesting to see and explore."
Josh C
"Cute Ghost Town. The drive up was beautiful, and the gift shop had a ton of unique finds. I was underwhelmed, we went on a whim, but a lot of the windows had curtains/paper on them, so you couldn't r we ally see in. The scenery was gorgeous, just wish more of the inside was visible."
JoLene Bernal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Elmo is located about 30 minutes southwest of Buena Vista, Colorado. The final stretch involves approximately 5 miles of dirt road. While generally manageable for 2WD vehicles, it can be bumpy, so drive with caution.
Yes, a 2WD sedan can typically handle the road to St. Elmo, even to nearby sites like the Hancock town site. Just be mindful of potential dips and uneven sections.
No, the road leading to St. Elmo is a dirt road. It's usually well-maintained but can be bumpy.
Buena Vista, Colorado, is the closest major town to St. Elmo Ghost Town.
While the drive is straightforward, ensure you have reliable navigation as cell service can be spotty in the mountains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St. Elmo Ghost Town is generally free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees.
St. Elmo is an outdoor historic site and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The General Store has its own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to explore the ghost town itself. You can wander through the streets and admire the buildings freely.
Yes, the General Store offers souvenirs, including items to feed the chipmunks.
Visitors are asked to respect the historic nature of the buildings and not enter them unless explicitly permitted. Pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography & Exploration
Capture the rustic charm of the abandoned buildings, the scenic mountain backdrop, and of course, the chipmunks! The main street offers many picturesque scenes.
Many buildings have curtains or paper on the windows, limiting visibility inside. It's best to admire them from the outside and respect their historic integrity.
There are local legends and stories about spirits in St. Elmo, with one known spirit being Annabelle Stark.
The main activities include feeding the chipmunks, exploring the historic storefronts, and enjoying the mountain scenery.
Yes, kids often love feeding the chipmunks and exploring the old buildings, making it an engaging historical experience.
🎫 🐿️ Wildlife Encounters
Absolutely! St. Elmo is famous for its abundant and very friendly chipmunks that approach visitors for snacks.
Yes, you can buy sunflower seeds for $.50 a bag at the General Store to feed the chipmunks. Bring quarters!
While chipmunks are the stars, keep an eye out for other small mountain wildlife in the surrounding natural areas.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in St. Elmo, but remember to keep them leashed and clean up after them.
The chipmunks are accustomed to people. Simply offer them a seed gently. They are generally not aggressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The well-preserved buildings spark imagination, allowing kids to picture life in the Old West. Tips for families: Bring plenty of quarters for chipmunk seeds, wear comfortable shoes for exploring, and be prepared to pack out all trash as there are no public bins.
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Roaders
For those with high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles, exploring beyond St. Elmo can lead to more remote historical sites and stunning mountain vistas.
📸 Photographers
The main street provides a classic ghost town aesthetic, perfect for capturing the essence of the Old West. Don't forget to capture the unique charm of the chipmunks! They make for delightful and often humorous subjects.
+1 Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the mood and textures of the historic structures. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rich History of St. Elmo
The town's prosperity was tied to the mining industry. However, as the mines began to deplete and the railroad bypassed St. Elmo, its population dwindled. By the mid-20th century, the town was largely abandoned, leaving behind a collection of weathered buildings that stand as a testament to its past. The preservation efforts have made it one of Colorado's most intact ghost towns.
Today, St. Elmo is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists. Visitors can walk down the main street, imagining the lives of those who once lived and worked there. The history of St. Elmo Colorado is palpable in its preserved structures, offering a unique glimpse into the American West.
The Famous Chipmunks of St. Elmo
+1Visitors can purchase bags of sunflower seeds for a small fee at the General Store, which is the designated spot for feeding these furry residents. It's a highlight for many, especially families with children, who find joy in interacting with the chipmunks.
+1 The experience of having chipmunks readily approach you is a memorable part of any visit to St. Elmo. While the chipmunks are a major draw, it's important to remember they are wild animals. Feed them responsibly with the seeds provided and avoid offering them human food. Their presence adds a whimsical and lively element to the otherwise quiet and historic atmosphere of the ghost town.
Navigating the Roads to St. Elmo
It's advisable to drive slowly and cautiously, especially if you're not accustomed to unpaved roads. Checking recent road conditions before your trip can be helpful, though the road is generally well-maintained.
For those interested in exploring further, the road can continue to other trailheads like Hancock Lake. However, for St. Elmo itself, standard passenger vehicles are usually sufficient, provided they are driven with care.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit