Hahns Peak, Colorado
A wilderness of rivers and forests lush with game attracted Ute Indians to summer in the region. Then, mountain men, explorers, and trappers arrived. Trappers called the local mountain “Old Baldy,” perhaps because of its distinctive low timberline. Later, it was named Hahns Peak, after the first gold prospector, Joseph Hahn.
Gold lured miners to pan creeks and start the first—permanent settlement, mining district, and post office in northwest Colorado. The town still boasts original homes and cabins established during its “boom” years, but by the late 1800s the mining boom was over. Stalwart miners and the homesteaders who followed, turned to ranching—which became the primary way of life.
Over time, outdoor recreation grew along with ranching. Today, residents enjoy the area’s landscape in all its seasons and embody the independent spirit of earlier adventurers.
Did you know that the historic village of Hahns Peak began as a gold mining camp around 1865, boomed in 1876, was once the county seat and housed the first post office in Routt County?
Nestled below Hahns Peak (an extinct volcano), across from Steamboat Lake State Park, the village includes fifteen historic buildings and a museum. Our schoolhouse is on the National Historic Registry and the Wither Cabin—the oldest building in the village—is authentically furnished.
Visit the museum to view the many artifacts that trace the development of a thriving gold mining camp to a ghost town. Then, take the self-guided tour of our community!
Did you know that Hahns Peak is an elevated yearround recreation area?
Routt National Forest and two State Parks include campgrounds which offer numerous activities. Sail or water ski at Steamboat Lake or enjoy fly, bait, or ice fishing! There
are miles of groomed cross country and snowmobile trails in the winter and hiking, horseback riding and ATV trails after the snow melts. Fall offers great hunting! And, for bird watchers there are golden eagles, Sandhill Cranes, blue heron, osprey, and pelicans—just to name a few.
CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
Hahns Peak Schoolhouse and Museum: Dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of Hahns Peak Village. Take the self-guided walking tour through the Village’s early historic buildings. Please do not approach old log cabins; they are private homes.
Wooden Ski Rendezvous: Held in late February, the annual event includes cross country ski races and skiing at Hahns Peak as well as the Boil em’ Up Race where racers are required to boil a cup of snow.
FORESTS & WILDERNESS JOURNEYS
- Hahns Peak Gold Journey
- Elkhead Journey
- North Park Journey