When you think of a trip to Buena Vista, your mind probably goes straight to whitewater rafting on the Arkansas, hiking fourteeners, or strolling downtown for local coffee and artisan shops. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? Maybe adventure, to you, looks more like stepping back in time than strapping on river shoes.

If hiking and rafting aren’t your idea of fun, but old stories, mysterious ruins, and forgotten history are, then Buena Vista’s surrounding ghost towns might just be your perfect Colorado adventure.

History That Echoes Through the Mountains

The hills and gulches around Buena Vista, Leadville, and Salida are rich in mining history. In the late 1800s, people flooded these mountains in search of gold and silver, building entire communities overnight. When the mines dried up, the people moved on—but many of the towns stayed behind.

These ghost towns are more than just abandoned cabins. They’re living history lessons, filled with tales of boom and bust, grit and hope, and the fleeting nature of fortune. And best of all? You can explore them.

Start Close: St. Elmo – Buena Vista’s Crown Jewel Ghost Town

Just 20 miles southwest of Buena Vista, St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns. Once a bustling mining town with a population of over 2,000, it now stands as a quiet memory of the past. Wander the dirt street, peek into the old general store (open in summer), and feed the chipmunks that call this town home.

Want more? Head deeper into the mountains from St. Elmo to discover Hancock, the site of an old railroad camp, and the Alpine Tunnel, a collapsed tunnel that was once the first to cross the Continental Divide. Bring a high-clearance vehicle—or lace up your hiking boots.

Clear Creek Canyon: Vicksburg and Winfield

For a serene and stunning drive, head toward Clear Creek Canyon. Tucked between the trees, you’ll find Vicksburg and Winfield, both former mining towns that flourished in the 1800s.

Vicksburg has cabins still maintained by descendants of the original settlers. Tree-lined dirt streets and a small museum bring the history to life. Just a few miles further, Winfield offers a schoolhouse and preserved buildings that echo with the stories of over 1,000 people who once called it home.

Off the Beaten Path: Bonanza, Turret & Whitepine near Salida

If you’re venturing closer to Salida, add Bonanza to your list. Once filled with saloons and scandal, it’s now a quiet town with whispers of its wild past. Turret, located north of Salida, is a more remote spot, perfect for solitude and a deeper connection to the land.

And don’t overlook Whitepine, a little further west, tucked in a peaceful valley with remnants of cabins and mining structures that blend into the trees.

North Toward Leadville: Stumptown, Oro City & Climax

Heading north to Leadville? The Leadville Mining District is packed with remnants of the silver boom. Stumptown and Oro City are scattered with mining relics, wooden structures, and unmatched high-alpine views. A visit to Climax, a once-bustling company town, offers a glimpse into Colorado’s more recent industrial past.

Some of these roads, especially around Mosquito Pass, are only accessible in late summer and require 4WD, but the rewards are unforgettable.

A Few Tips for Your Ghost Town Adventure

• Go in Summer or Early Fall: Roads can be snowed in late into the season.

• Bring a High-Clearance or 4WD Vehicle: Many sites are remote and require dirt road travel.

• Pack Water, Snacks & Layers: There are no services out there—just you and history.

• Take Only Photos: Many sites are on private land or protected—help preserve them.

Why Ghost Towns?

Ghost towns offer a different kind of thrill—one that speaks to the soul. You won’t find ticket booths or lines. Just mountain air, creaking old boards, and a reminder that even forgotten places hold stories worth remembering.

So if you’re craving a Colorado experience that’s exciting and enriching, skip the paddle and the trailhead and follow the whispers of the past instead. Adventure, after all, comes in many forms.