Empire, Colorado is steeped in history. It’s a small mountain community of less than 500 residents in Clear Creek County which was a former Silver Boom mining town in the late 1800′s. The towns location high in the Colorado front range mountains makes it beautiful in every season, from the wildflowers in spring and summer to the colors of fall and the deep, crisp snow of winter. The town must have been expecting great things in the early days, taking the name of Empire from a nickname “Heart of the Rocky Mountain Empire” with the great state of New York in mind. Here you will find a quaint, charming atmosphere that is hospitable to tourists and visitors, some one of a kind eateries, shops and a historic hotel that claims to be haunted. Wildlife abounds in the mountains surrounding Empire, and sightings of elk, deer, bear, sheep, hawks, and an occasional cougar aren’t uncommon.

More Empire Colorado Town Facts

The Peck House was built in 1860 by James Peck and his three sons. In the next two years, the mother, Mary Grace Parsons Peck joined her family and transported her belongings by oxcart to the new family home. When the “money men” for the local mines came to town from the east coast, Mrs. Peck was a hospitable innkeeper and Peck House was established. This hotel is the oldest working hotel still existing in the state of Colorado. You can visit and see some of the original antique furniture and decorations from 1862. By 1873, the Inn was expanded and accommodations were made for additional boarders and diners. After the death of James Peck in 1880, the Peck House became the social center of Clear Creek County, and new rooms for activities such as billiards, poker and a bar were incorporated for the gentlemen and a ladies parlor and library were also newly available for the guests. Over the years, many famous people including Ulysses S. Grant, General Sherman and P.T. Barnum enjoyed the hospitality of Empire, Colorado and the Peck House. Hotel guests are still welcome and brunch is served on Sunday.

Empire is also the home for the Henderson Mine, which is a largely underground molybdenum mine about 9 miles west of the town. Henderson is North America’s largest producer of primary molybdenum, but is also the location of a lot of recreational opportunities in the Arapahoe National Forest land which surrounds it. People enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in this area and the forest can be easily accessed via public parking on the Jones Pass Road. Empire is close to Berthoud Pass, and there are camping and picnic areas close by in the Arapahoe National Forest. Union Pass is nearby for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.

Many visitors enjoy the mountain town atmosphere of the town of Empire, and stay at the Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast which is next to Victorian styled homes and close to everything in Empire. A somewhat familiar name “Hard Rock Cafe” takes people by surprise when they drive down the main street. “This is the original, dating from 1934, and named for the hard rock miners that were its early customers. It predates and is not affiliated with the chain of restaurants that also call themselves the Hard Rock Cafe.” Since its completion in 1898, Empire Town Hall is located on the second floor of a two-story building in the middle of Park Avenue. It has served as the local seat of government and as the social and cultural center for the town. No matter where you go in this small community, you’ll find something interesting to see and do. Be sure and take some time during your next mountain vacation to visit Empire, Colorado.

Local Empire Attractions

• Berthoud Pass and Continental Divide – This is a scenic drive over the pass which takes you into Grand County and crosses over the Continental Divide, the highest peaks which make the division between water flowing east to the Atlantic ocean or west to the Pacific coast. Beautiful sightseeing opportunities, areas for picnics and camping as well as the gateway to the Rockies await you.
• Peck House – Bed and Breakfast, Historic Hotel, outstanding restaurant and more. Come see what people have enjoyed since 1860, in a meadow of wildflowers and nestled against the Rocky Mountains in Empire, Colorado.
• Mile High Jeep Club – the 43rd annual “All-4-Fun” – Stay the Trail rally in Empire was held in 2009. Almost 700 people from all over the nation gathered for a great time exploring the 4 wheel drive trails. If you want to get in on the action, check out the club!

Empire Colorado Photo Gallery

Getting to Empire

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