Welcome to Bayfield
A small-town experience in the Heart of Pine River Valley
Established in 1898, Bayfield is located in La Plata County in southwestern Colorado. The town is situated approximately 20 miles east of Durango, with the San Juan Mountain range to the east and the La Plata Mountains to the west. The town is nestled in the Pine River Valley, next to the Los Piños River. This provides residents with close access to nature and an abundance of recreational offerings. Bayfield is surrounded by mountains, desert, and lakeside landscapes, providing locals with plenty to explore. Agriculture has long been Bayfield’s main economy and the community serves as a hub for local farms.
The town sits at an elevation of 6,900 feet, which contributes to its well-defined seasons. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies between 13 and 83 degrees and low humidity year-round. Between the great weather and the close proximity to the outdoors, it’s no surprise that Bayfield has become a highly sought-after place to live, work, and play.
What to Love
- Learning about the town’s history at the Pine River Valley Heritage Society
- Laid-back lifestyle
- Spending time connecting with nature at Vallecito Lake
Local Lifestyle
With a population of just over 2,600 residents, Bayfield offers the epitome of the picturesque, small-town lifestyle. As a rural community, this town is a perfect option for those who are ready to trade the busyness of city life for the laid-back ambiance of close-knit living. The town is home to residents from all walks of life, ranging from retirees looking for a quiet place to settle down to families looking for a family-oriented community to raise their children.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The town features a small historic district, shining a light on the town’s long history. For a casual dining experience, grab a bite to eat at Eepa’s Pizzeria, a neighborhood staple that’s famous for their wood-fired brick oven food and indoor/outdoor seating. Eepa’s Pizzeria prioritizes the use of top-quality ingredients, utilizing local farms for products, and making their famous hand-made crust in-house daily. Another Bayfield staple is Mill Street Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant. This down-to-earth restaurant offers a fine dining experience and is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
For a drink after dinner, head to Bottom Shelf Brewery. Located in the heart of downtown Bayfield, this drinking hole offers handcrafted beers in a variety of styles and flavors. Hand-selected hops and barley go into each style of beer made, guaranteeing the highest quality.
Bayfield might be a small town, but life here is far from boring. The true highlight of Bayfield is the outdoor and recreational offerings that allow locals to experience and explore nature. Vallecito Lake is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. This beautiful, secluded lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in Colorado, located 8,000 feet above sea level. One of the area’s best-kept secrets, visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, kayaking, and hiking. Many southern Colorado residents who enjoy fishing like to take their poles to Los Pinos River.
Those who are wanting to learn more about the area’s history can do so at the Pine River Valley Heritage Society. The free-admission museum allows you to step back in time and experience what life in the Pine River Valley was like in the early days. Explore the rural schoolroom, check out the blacksmith display, and be sure to stop by the old-fashioned soda fountain.
Bayfield is served by the Bayfield School District and is proud to offer its students access to exemplary educational options:
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Bayfield Intermediate School, 3-5
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Bayfield Middle School, 6-8
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Bayfield High School, 9-12
