Exploring the Rich History St. Elmo and Iron City Colorado
Colorado’s ghost towns whisper stories of a bygone era, of booms, busts, fortunes made, and lost. History St. Elmo and Iron City, Colorado, stand as testaments to these echoes of the past. These weren’t just fleeting settlements; they were vibrant communities forged in the mining rush, each with its own narrative.
Table of Contents
St. Elmo: More Than a Ghost Town
St. Elmo isn’t your typical ghost town, although that’s a common misconception. Nestled high in the Sawatch Range at 10,000 feet, it was founded in 1880 as Forest City. It was later renamed St. Elmo after a popular novel.
Significant gold and silver discoveries, including high-grade silver, fueled its growth. Its fortunes shifted in the 1890s, not due to dwindling minerals but devastating fires.
The Boom and Bust
During St. Elmo’s prime, its population rose to nearly 2,000 residents. It earned a reputation as one of the richest silver mines in the Chalk Creek Mining District. Businesses flourished, providing everything the influx needed.
As the Denver Tribune noted, bustling sawmills, smelters, and merchants gave this high-altitude outpost nearly every amenity, including two banks. But fortune is fickle. A fire in 1890 leveled much of the town, leading to many departures. A slight recovery during World War II (with lead and zinc) occurred.
However, over the years time and another fire claimed more of the remaining structures within the Salida Ranger District.
St. Elmo Today
St. Elmo’s survival is its story—a well-preserved example of mining life. Forty original structures still exist, including the Town Hall, now a museum. The town provides resources like old photos and postcards depicting mining life. A very cool general store with antiques and a few hundred hummingbirds in the summer months.
Visitors can appreciate how prospectors and laborers toiled to recover riches at this high-altitude outpost in Chaffee County. They also learn how these miners spent their wages in town.
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Iron City: A Smelter Town’s Brief Existence
Iron City, located in the Chalk Creek Mining District southwest of Buena Vista, tells a different story of Colorado’s mining boom. It lies about 30 miles from St. Elmo, in the Sawatch Range.
Despite its proximity to other boomtowns, Iron City didn’t primarily produce metals. Instead, it played an integral role in supporting the entire mining community. Much of the town was built around the Iron City smelter.
From Boom to Bust in Two Years
Established as a smelter town, Iron City processed ores from areas like the nearby Mary Murphy mine. Its location at the confluence of Chalk Creek and the Arkansas River facilitated transport. According to the National Register of Historic Places, its operating life was short-lived, about two years. Heavy flooding ravaged the community, requiring constant rebuilding, which residents couldn’t sustain.
The Iron City Cabin and Cemetery
Not everything vanished with Iron City’s decline. The cemetery and the Iron City Cabin remain as important features of History St. Elmo and Iron City Colorado. The burial grounds have grave markers made of local ores.
These now-rusted markers offer a place for reflection on the difficult conditions faced during the town’s operational life. The Iron City Cabin also survived. Citizens petitioned to save this unique two-story log cabin from demolition, advocating for its preservation as a landmark. The wood-framed second floor, built around 1890 in Queen Anne style atop an older miner’s cabin, is historically unique.
This unusual combination offers a glimpse into the era’s design ideals and the availability of materials during the boom. Local miner Henry Brown is said to have built the original cabin, a notable part of Buena Vista Heritage.
Just up the road on Chalk Creek is a Colorado National Forest Campground. Great base camp for emanant hiking, fly fishing or general exploring.
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- Iron City Cemetery
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- Entrance to Iron City Cemetery
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- List of those who rest in Iron City Cemetery
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- Life in 1880's was rough and life was short for many.
Near By Trails to Hike, Rivers to Fly Fish
While living in the area for over 7 years I spent at least 2 weeks of every year exploring the area. Another ghost town to the south a few miles Hancock, Colorado. Continental Divide Trail and Colorado Trail pass through here and the Alpine Tunnels.
Or drive straight through town, while admiring a cool ghost town and head up over Tin Cup Pass. On down to Taylor Reservoir, Texas Creek Trailhead or the Town of Almont. At Almont you have the choice of fly fishing the Gunnison or Taylor River, heck do both it’s worth it.
There are two awesome town close by, Salida and Buena Vista. And Leadville up the road to the headwaters of the Arkansas River for incredible time to Fly Fish Arkansas River.
At the Junction for Hancock turn left toward Hancock to the Grizzly Lake Trail Head. Great Brook Trout Fly Fishing. And the Ghost House.
Another interesting hike is Chrysolite Mountain
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Exploring History St. Elmo and Iron City Colorado
| Feature | St. Elmo | Iron City |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Gold and Silver Mining, Tourism | Smelting, Supporting Mining Operations |
| Peak Population | ~2,000 | ~1,000 |
| Current Status | Well-preserved ghost town with some residents and tourist attractions | Abandoned town with remaining city cabin and cemetery |
| Key Attractions | St. Elmo Town Hall (museum), General Store | Iron City Cabin, Iron City Cemetery |
When visiting, consider the timing. Winter brings heavy snowfall, sometimes causing unexpected closures. Both are near popular areas. So, research USFS access and related use concerns in advance. Help preserve these historical sites by following proper precautions during your visit.
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- Ghost House just up from the Grizzly Lake Trailhead. The roof is shingled with flattened tin cans.
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- Details about the Ghost House
Great Backcountry Fly Rod
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Flies to use at Grizzly Lake: Black & Olive Woolly Buggers, Thee Baetis and Beadhead Pheasant Tails are very productive.
Or how about Fly Fishing and Hiking Iceland?
Woolly Buggers
Thee Baetis
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Fly Fishing & Hike Iceland
Grizzly Lake Trail: A Scenic Hike near St. Elmo and Iron City, Colorado
Located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, the Grizzly Lake Trail is a scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and a serene alpine lake. The trailhead is situated near the historic mining town of St. Elmo and the charming town of Buena Vista, Colorado.
Trail Information
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Grizzly Lake Trailhead, located just outside of St. Elmo and Iron City on the way to the Ghost Town of Hancock and the Colorado Trail.
- Recommended Time: 3-5 hours
The Hike
The Grizzly Lake Trail begins at the Grizzly Lake Trailhead, where you’ll find a small parking lot and a sign marking the trail. The initial ascent is moderate, winding through a forest of aspen and spruce trees. As you climb, the trees thin out, and the trail opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
First Mile: Forest and Streams
The first mile of the hike takes you through a dense forest, where you’ll cross several streams and encounter scenic waterfalls. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds.
Second Mile: Meadows and Views
As you emerge from the forest, you’ll enter a series of picturesque meadows, dotted with wildflowers in the summer months. The trail begins to climb more steeply, with switchbacks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Evidence of old mines dot both sides of the drainage as you hike in. Lot of history in this area.
Third Mile: Grizzly Lake
After 2.5 miles of hiking, you’ll reach the shores of Grizzly Lake, a serene and tranquil destination. Take a moment to rest and enjoy the views, or explore the lake’s shoreline and surrounding meadows.
Return Journey
The return journey follows the same trail, with the added bonus of descending through the scenic meadows and forest.
Tips and Reminders
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike can be strenuous.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, with good traction for the rocky terrain.
- Pack layers, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
- Respect the environment, and leave no trace of your visit.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including thunderstorms and snow.
Getting There
The Grizzly Lake Trailhead is located 11 miles west of Buena Vista, CO. From Buena Vista, take Highway 24 west towards St. Elmo. Turn left onto County Road 290 (Grizzly Lake Road) and follow the signs to the Grizzly Lake Trailhead.
St. Elmo and Buena Vista
After your hike, be sure to explore the charming towns of St. Elmo and Buena Vista. St. Elmo, a historic mining town, offers a glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining heritage. Buena Vista, with its quaint shops and restaurants, is the perfect place to relax and refuel after your hike.
Conclusion of Grizzly Lake Hike
The Grizzly Lake Trail is a scenic hike that offers breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range and a serene alpine lake. With its moderate difficulty and stunning scenery, this hike is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
I have fished Grizzly Lake several times and I have always had the place to my self.
Hike Chrysolite Mountain
Near St. Elmo and Buena Vista, Colorado, sits Chrysolite Mountain. It’s a great hike, but it’s not for beginners. This hike is tough. But the views are worth it. You’ll see amazing mountain scenery and maybe even some wildlife. This hike is best done in the summer or fall. Winter snow can make the trail dangerous. One of my trips was at the end of winter or just after a spring snow. Whoa, a wild trip.
The trailhead is easy to find. It’s just off County Road 162. There’s a small parking lot, so get there early on busy days. The trail starts out pretty easy. It winds through a forest of aspen and pine trees. After about a mile, though, the trail starts to climb steeply.
The next two miles are hard. You’ll gain over 2,000 feet in elevation. The trail gets rocky and narrow. There are a few spots where you need to scramble over rocks. But don’t worry, it’s not too bad. Just take your time and be careful. The views along the way are incredible. You’ll see the Sawatch Range and the Collegiate Peaks. On a clear day, you can even see Pikes Peak.
After three miles, you’ll reach the summit of Chrysolite Mountain. The views from the top are amazing. You can see for miles in every direction. Take a break, have a snack, and enjoy the scenery. The hike down is a little easier, but it’s still pretty steep. Be careful on the loose rocks.
Here are a few tips for hiking Chrysolite Mountain:
- Bring lots of water. There’s no water on the trail.
- Wear good hiking boots. The trail is rocky.
- Pack layers of clothing. The weather in the mountains can change quickly.
- Bring a map and compass. The trail isn’t always well-marked.
- Start your hike early. It’s a long hike, and you don’t want to be caught on the trail after dark.
Chrysolite Mountain is near the ghost towns of St. Elmo and Iron City. Be sure to check those out too. St. Elmo is a well-preserved ghost town. You can wander through the old buildings and imagine what life was like back in the mining days. Iron City is harder to find. But it’s worth the trip if you’re into ghost towns. You can see the old mine and some of the original buildings. It’s a great place to explore Colorado’s mining history. After your hike, check out Buena Vista. It’s a cool little town with some good restaurants and shops. This area is great for those who love adventure travel, fly fishing, hiking, and camping.
FAQs about History St. Elmo and Iron City Colorado
Why was St. Elmo, Colorado abandoned?
St. Elmo was not completely abandoned. However, its population significantly declined due to fires, the decline of silver mining, and the 1922 railroad closure.
What is the history of St. Elmo?
Founded in 1880 as a mining town, St. Elmo boomed during the silver rush. After fires and mining’s decline, its population dwindled. It later became a tourist attraction and is listed on the National Register.
What is a fun fact about St. Elmo Colorado?
While called a ghost town, a handful of residents still call St. Elmo home. Its main industry is now tourism rather than silver mining, bringing a modern twist to the creek mining area.
Do people still live in St. Elmo, Colorado?
Yes, a small number of residents live in St. Elmo year-round. The town’s economy now thrives on income generated by tourism during the summer.
Conclusion History St. Elmo and Iron City
History St. Elmo and Iron City, Colorado offer a look into Colorado’s mining past. St. Elmo, a preserved ghost town, still attracts visitors. It provides recreational opportunities such as the Grizzly Lake Trail. Iron City, with its remaining cabin and cemetery, showcases the support role smelter towns played during the boom.
Both towns, connected by their proximity to Buena Vista and their role in the Chalk Creek Mining District, offer insight into Colorado’s high-altitude mining history. They represent the boom and bust cycles of the era. Visitors can witness the challenges and triumphs of those who sought fortunes in these remote mountainous regions. These preserved sites are a testament to Colorado’s rich history. Explore other Colorado Ghost Towns.
