I wasn't familiar with the hot springs which jut up all though the mountains in this area and for that I am sad!! Turns out at the bottom of the mountain just a short hike you can find a pretty nice spring to soak the time away, but since I didn't know about it at the time I took in the other parts of the natural beauty around me (guess that just means I will have to return).

I was there late in the year and technically a lot of the camps along the road to St Elmo were "closed" however there were some rogue camps using the sites which welcomed me to come and join the mix. One was a photographer who actually had some great insight to the area and made me feel right at home. Apparently closed doesn't mean you can't use the pads, you just can't use facilities and park inside so they come to places like this in droves to snow camp, and while I wasn't wanting to snow camp I now know that there is a group of brave nature photographers out there who do just that all winter in the Colorado Mountains.

Because it was post season there were NO amenities so basically it was a free site to just have an even space for a tent. During the regular season sites are $22 and peak season ends September 28th. Following the end of peak season the closures are based on discretion of rangers.

Campfires are banned in much of the area unless in an approved campsite, this is on of those sites so they have adequate preparation with camp rings. They do recommend sourcing wood locally as this is a part of the National Forest and they do not want foreign tree diseases to take over.

The site is cozy with placement so during the more busy season I could see it feeling like a community. There is room for smaller RVs at this camp and there are toilets available as well.

During my stay it was a stay like no other and it encouraged me to come back perhaps during the warmer weather.

TIPS:

• Bring your supplies there are no stores at this facility.
• Be careful on roads which begin to narrow the closer you get to the ghost town of St Elmo. Snowfall and ice appears throughout the year due to elevation and roads quickly can become slick.
• Try ATV trails which will take you to an additional ghost town on the Tin Cup pass not accessible without a 4 wheel drive.