Saint Elmo today has numerous structures that have been preserved and are all privately owned. It is one of the best preserved ghost towns anywhere in Colorado and still has a few residents. The remaining structures include a general merchandise store, which still operates from May through October, a church, a school building, and many other business structures and cabins.
 
Unfortunately on April 15, 2002, a fire in Saint Elmo destroyed six of the buildings, including the old Town hall and Jail and the Stark family dwellings.

On July 6, 2002 the Saint Elmo Property owners passed a resolution to donate the Town Hall, as well as the Saint Elmo School House, to the Buena Vista Heritage Museum. The Museum plans to work closely with the Association and residents to preserve and protect Saint Elmo.

The Museum is seeking donations to rebuild the Town Hall and to restore the School House. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like to donate money or services to this great cause please contact the Buena Vista Heritage Museum at 719-395-8458. You can also write to: Buena Vista Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 1414, Buena Vista , Colorado 81211, or visit their website at:  http://www.buenavistaheritage.org.

There are many great four wheel drive trails throughout the area, rock hounders will find quartz and aquamarine, and camping and upper-mountain fishing abounds.

Directions: To get to Saint Elmo, from Buena Vista, take US 285 south to Nathrop, and then County Road 162 west for approximately 16 miles to Saint Elmo

© Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, updated January, 2008.