Ward, CO

Sitting at roughly 9,450 feet near the top of Left Hand Canyon, Ward offers a rugged, fiercely independent mountain lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Boulder County. Originally settled as a gold rush camp in the 1860s, today's town is a quiet, eclectic haven for artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and folks who genuinely crave life off the beaten path. With Brainard Lake and the Indian Peaks Wilderness right up the road, alpine trails and backcountry scenery are essentially in your backyard.

Living here means embracing true high-country realities, from deep winter snowfalls to rustic cabins heated by wood stoves. The winding drive along the Peak to Peak Highway keeps the community peaceful while still keeping Boulder within reach for work and supplies. It is a world away from suburban life, making it a great match for anyone who values privacy, crisp mountain air, and a colorful, close-knit neighborhood.