Hahn’s Peak Colorado

The little town of Hahn’s Peak, Colorado began as a boom town during the Pike’s Peak gold rush era. In 1865, it started as a gold mining camp and was the home of the first Post office and first school house in Routt County. The Little Green Schoolhouse original building is still on the site and is now a museum, with antique furnishings and photos of the time. It’s a wonderful look back into the heritage of this community. The town of Hahn’s Peak was also at one time the county seat, but is now a residential historical district.

More Town Facts

Driving toward Steamboat Lake, you come up and over a hill and see a spectacular meadow of wildflowers in the summertime which carpet the valley floor up to Hahn’s Peak mountain. It’s striking because the timberline is at a lower altitude than the surrounding area, so the mountain is bald looking. Even though it presents a tough appearance, the hike is said to be quite easy; a fun hike which affords amazing views of the Steamboat Lake, and Hahn’s Peak area. There are old mining ruins along the way and at the summit is a fire tower which may be seen from quite a distance. The summit of Hahn’s Peak mountain stands at 10,839 ft.

After the gold rush was over, and the town’s residents left, it became a ghost town for a short time. When folks who wanted to homestead in the area found the beauty and possibilities for ranching, the town came to life once again. Some of the buildings, log cabins and houses are still operational and can be seen during a self-guided walking tour of the village. One of the notable things remaining in the historic town is the “Bear Cage” – an old fashioned wood and iron jail cell which was the temporary residence of one of America’s most famous outlaws, Butch Cassidy. It stands behind the museum for public viewing and is a historic reminder of what happens when you “tangle with the Law.”

The town’s proximity to Steamboat Lake, Hahn’s Peak Lake, Pearl Lake and the surrounding campgrounds and National Forest make it a wonderful Colorado town to visit. People will enjoy both the historic aspect and the modern conveniences of new businesses and residents. Colorado families have enjoyed coming to this little town year after year and soaking up the atmosphere from long time residents who watched this town go through many decades of growth. The Historical Society helps to keep the memories of a bygone era alive for future generations to enjoy.

Hahn’s Peak Local Attractions

• Hahn’s Peak Lake – With great activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife observation, horseback riding, mountain biking; the entire area around Hahn’s Peak and Steamboat Springs is one of the best vacation destinations in Colorado.
• Steamboat Lake – With Steamboat Lake State Park surrounding the area, you can enjoy the many activities that make this destination so ideal for vacation activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking and boating. A full-service Marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play. One of the true jewels of Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has something special for everyone. Whatever your preference, well-deserved relaxation and recreation awaits you.
• Pearl Lake – Pearls are a gift of nature and Pearl Lake State Park is just that. Just a few miles off the road, it feels like an escape into the backcountry of Colorado. Nestled in the mountains north of Steamboat Springs, this peaceful park sits in a quiet forest setting. Surrounded by mountains and trees, visitors camp along the lake and up a gentle hill.
• Routt National Forest – Take any one of the dozens of roads in the area, all which were used by miners of the past, to enjoy hiking or mountain biking. Sections of the hiking and biking trail system are known as Elkhorn Stock Driveway and Wyoming Trail, which were commonly used in bygone times for cattle and sheep drives by the local cowboys and ranchers.
• Little Green Schoolhouse Museum: 970-879-7291, open summer season, May thru September – donations accepted for Historical Society preservation projects

Local Mountain Biking Loops:

• Hahn’s Peak Lake / Nipple Peak Loop (21 miles, with shorter variations)
• Crane Park / Elkhorn Mountain Loop (14-1/2 mile, with shorter variations) -  Portions of the routes are steep and rocky requiring technical riding skills, possibly hiking your bike in places.
• Circle Bar Basin Loop (6-1/2 miles)

Hahn’s Peak Photo Gallery

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