Bayfield is known as the "Heart of the Pine River Valley." Agriculture has long been the town's leading economy, serving as a hub for local farms and ranches. This lovely town features a quaint historic district with a handful of restaurants and shops. Enveloped by lush greenery, nature lovers adore life in Bayfield, given the ability to hike, camp, and fish at their leisure. As a result, the town has grown to 2,640 residents. Living in Bayfield offers residents a sparse suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. 

 

What to Love

 

Local Lifestyle

 

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. As a result, 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 its 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, and locals rave about the great atmosphere and the thoughtfully made dishes with fresh ingredients. 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 various styles and flavors. The hand-selected hops and barley that go into each style of beer guarantee 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. During the winter months, you can enjoy the Vallecito Nordic Ski track with trails groomed for classic and skate skiing along the beautiful shores of the lake. 

 

Those who want 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 stop by the old-fashioned soda fountain.

 

Join local farmers and artisans for produce, crafts, and more at the weekly farmers' market held on Saturday mornings during the summer months.