Garfield, CO

Garfield sits high on the eastern slopes of the Sawatch Range in Chaffee County, right along the highway heading up toward Monarch Pass. The community began as a bustling silver mining camp called Junction City in the late nineteenth century before adopting its current name. Today, it has settled into a quiet, rustic hamlet along the South Arkansas River, where historic cabins and scenic mountain views define the area.

ATTRDoc Searls / CC BY-SA 2.0

For anyone considering a move to the high country, the location puts outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. Monarch Mountain is only three miles up the road, giving locals easy access to skiing and snowboarding just minutes from home. In the warmer months, the surrounding national forest offers endless trails for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. When you need groceries, dining, and healthcare, a quick drive down the pass leads directly into Poncha Springs and Salida.