Discover the Historic Charm of St. Elmo
Experience Colorado's rich mining history in the charming ghost town of St. Elmo, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and historic architecture.
St. Elmo is a captivating ghost town nestled in the Rockies, offering tourists a glimpse into Colorado's rich mining history. Explore its well-preserved buildings, scenic trails, and awe-inspiring mountain views.
A brief summary to St. Elmo, co
- Nathrop, Colorado, 81236, US
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to capture stunning photographs with the best lighting.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the surrounding trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic backdrop of the mountains.
- Check local weather conditions before your visit, as the area can experience sudden changes.
- Respect the historical structures, as many are fragile and part of Colorado's heritage.
Getting There
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Car
From any location in the Elk Mountains, head towards the town of Nathrop, CO. Use Highway 285 South and follow signs for Nathrop. Once you reach Nathrop, take County Road 162 towards St. Elmo. The road will lead you through beautiful mountainous scenery. Continue on County Road 162 for about 12 miles until you reach the St. Elmo parking area. Note that the road may become rough and unpaved as you get closer to St. Elmo, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Please be aware that parking may have associated costs, which can vary by season.
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Public Transportation
Take a bus from major towns in the Elk Mountains, such as Salida or Buena Vista, to Nathrop. The bus service may not run daily, so check the local schedule in advance. Once in Nathrop, you will need to arrange a taxi or rideshare to take you to St. Elmo, as public transport does not go directly there. Expect taxi fares to be around $20-$30 depending on the distance and time of day. Be sure to confirm the availability of rideshare services in the area.
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Hiking
For the adventurous, if you are already in the Elk Mountains and near the base of the trails leading to St. Elmo, you can hike to the site. Ensure you have a detailed map of the hiking trails and sufficient supplies for the journey. Depending on your starting point, the hike could take several hours. Be aware of weather conditions and ensure you're prepared for changing mountain weather. There are no fees for hiking, but park entry fees may apply in certain areas.
Discover more about St. Elmo, co
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Elmo, co
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Alpine Tunnel West Portal
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Alpine Tunnel Historic District
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Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours - The #1 Rated Walking Tour Company in Colorado!
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Historic Jailhouse
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Fossil Ridge Wilderness
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Ohio Town Historic Jail
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Smokestack
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Bomb Art Landmark
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Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center
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Salida Public Works
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American Classic Motor Inn
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Loyal Duke's Dog Park
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Salida Office
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Salida Inn & Monarch Suites
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cottonwood Lake
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Cottonwood Lake Picnic Area
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Cottonwood Pass
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Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
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Monarch Mountain
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Gunnison National Forest
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Dvorak Kayak and Rafting Expeditions
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Experience Colorado's legendary Arkansas River with guided rafting, kayaking, and fishing expeditions for all skill levels since 1979.
Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting & Adventure Co.
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Performance Tours Rafting
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Monumental Expeditions Rafting
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American Adventure Expeditions - Whitewater Rafting
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The Adventure Company
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Wilderness Aware Rafting
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Browns Canyon National Monument
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Collegiate Peaks Overlook
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Essential places to dine
Hunger Junction
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Robin's in Salida
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Sonic Drive-In
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PEPE’S KITCHEN
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Yunza Peruvian cuisine
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Dos AA's FoodTrailer
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Golf Cabin Bar & Grill
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Casa Calaca
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The Crossroads
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Mo Burrito
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High Side! Bar & Grill
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Salida Distillery
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Sprockets
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Sweetie's Sandwich Shop
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Domino's Pizza
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Walmart Supercenter
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Jentle & Zion's Treasure
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The Hodgepodge
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Salida Cutlery and Smoke Shop
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The Beekeeper's Honey Boutique
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Adventure Outpost by Howl
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True Vintage Finds & Homegoods
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Copper Kettle Apothecary
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Su Casa! Furniture & Sleep Shop
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Fierce and Foxxy Clothing
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Julie's Cubbie Clothing Consignment
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MOONY GOODS
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The Mixing Bowl
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Opal Boutique
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Four Winds Gallery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Velveteen
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The Office Bar
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Affinity Salon
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Alamo Saloon
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Crested Bucha
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Wapiti Ridge Saloon
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Paradise Cafe
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Anthracite Spirits Company Tasting Lounge
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Birdies Golf Bar
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The Secret Stash
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Talk of the Town
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Elk Avenue Prime
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The Dogwood
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The Wooden Nickel
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The Eldo Brewery
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Horse Farm
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Last Resort
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Gunnison Roping Club, Inc.
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Matchstick Productions Lounge
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Leadville Rod & Gun Club
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ASPENX Mountain Club
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Shadow Mountain Lounge
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Silver City Aspen
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GALA Aspen
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Escobar Aspen
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Caribou Club
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Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
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The Sterling Aspen
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J-Bar
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Hefner Lounge
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