Ghost House Historic Site

Area Status: Closed

The Ghost House is located near the historic mining and railroading town of St. Elmo. Built by Mr. Ghost, an early mining and real estate developer in the 1880's. The house is of wood construction using local timber and sided with metal. The most interesting feature of the house is the use of flattened food cans for shingles on the roof. An interpretive sign at the site details the history of this unique house.

At a Glance

Permit Info:	Special use permits are required for all types of commercial activity including outfitting and guiding. For more information, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591.
Usage:	Light-Medium
Best Season:	Summer and Fall
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	Camping and campfires are not permitted at the Ghost House site.
Closest Towns:	St. Elmo or Buena Vista, Colorado
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Operated By:	Salida Ranger District

General Information

Accessibility:

This site is not universally accessible.

Directions:

From the junction of County Roads 162 and Forest Road 295, (just before reaching the town of St. Elmo), turn left onto FR 295 and travel on this road for about .5 miles. You will pass a new, large cabin on the right and then watch for a pull-off parking area on the left. This is also the access road for the Iron Chest Mine. From the parking area, the Iron Chest mine road travels uphill and to the south. A small green gate is located adjacent to the road. Walk behind the green gate and follow the path for about .25 miles to the Ghost House.

General Notes:

Please don't try to enter the Ghost House. It is locked due to the risk of Hanta virus that is present in mouse and rodent droppings in the house. You can look through the window and see remants of old wall paper and peak into what a home might have been like in the 1880's.

Parking:

Parking is limited to 2-3 vehicles at the Iron Chest road access. Additional parking for 2 vehicles is available across the road.