Bayfield Today
The Town of Bayfield is nestled amidst mountains and national forests on the Pine River in eastern La Plata County of southwest Colorado. Bayfield has a rich western history dating back to the late 1800s and was primarily a ranching community. The town was laid out over 80 acres in 1898 as a trading and social center for farmers and ranchers. The town grew over the years and was incorporated August 18, 1906. After more than 100 years, Bayfield still values a traditional neighborhood culture with a strong sense of community. Today, Bayfield continues to be a growing, thriving community with a population of approximately 2,700 residents.
Bayfield is situated in the eastern part of La Plata County in southwestern Colorado. It is located approximately 20 miles east of Durango and 50 miles west of Pagosa Springs on U.S. Highway 160. The San Juan Mountain range is located to the east and the La Plata Mountains loom to the west. Closer to Town is the HD Mountain range, where many Bayfield residents like to escape for hikes and outdoor recreation. The Town is nestled in the Pine River Valley next to the Los Piños River. There are ample U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and State of Colorado lands surrounding Town, providing mountain, desert, and lakeside landscapes to explore. Bayfield's elevation is 6,900 feet, which contributes to its well-defined seasons.
The climate boasts wide ranging temperatures and low humidity year round. Lots of sunshine makes winter days seem mild and comfortable. Most snowfall is from January through March. The climate is ideal for solar-heated buildings, and gardeners are able to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Distance to Major Cities (in miles):
- Albuquerque, NM 230 mi
- Denver, CO 320 mi
- Santa Fe, NM 255 mi
- Salt Lake City, UT 410 mi
- Grand Junction, CO 190 mi
- Phoenix, AZ 500 mi
- Amarillo, TX 510 mi