Tucked away in the Pine River Valley, Bayfield, Colorado is a quaint country town. About 20 miles east of Durango, Bayfield offers its own charm in the heart of Southwest Colorado.
The History
Bayfield’s roots are based in ranching with traditions that have been carried on since the late 1800s. Incorporated in 1906, there continues to be a strong presence of western heritage in today’s citizens.
Things To Do in Bayfield, CO
- The main street, E Mill Street, has many local establishments to enjoy and is home to many events throughout the year.
- Bayfield Center Plaza has a grouping of cafes, restaurants, and businesses along Bayfield Center Drive.
- Bayfield is 13 miles south of Vallecito Reservoir and 25 miles north of the Arboles marina of Navajo Reservoir. Vallecito offers lakeside cabins and camping, a convenience store, a small marina for boating, year round fishing, and many hiking/horseback trails. Navajo Reservoir is a much larger reservoir with many fingers expanding its surface area. Boating, fishing, camping, and more is available from both the Two Rivers Marina in Arboles and Navajo Lake Marina farther south. These two reservoirs are an excellent addition to the area.
- The Bayfield Pine River Park, Eagle Park, and Joe Stephenson Park are all located on the Los Pinos River. Each provides something a little different including a skate park, playground, and baseball diamonds.
- Bayfield is known to host a wonderful 4th of July celebration on E Mill Street every year including a parade, vendors, and fireworks. The Bayfield Heritage Days and Summer Block Parties are also great community events.
- There are many ongoing classes and meetings at the Pine River Library in town.
- Support the local kids and attend one of the Bayfield Wolverine’s sporting events. Bayfield School District serves elementary, middle, and high school grade levels who carry out the purple and gold Wolverine name in basketball, football, volleyball, track & field, baseball, wrestling, and more.
Real Estate
Many buyers are drawn to Bayfield, both those seeking rural properties with acreage and those who would like to stretch their dollar a little further on an in-town property. Bayfield and the area just outside town limits has a large number of subdivisions including Forest Lakes, Mesa Meadows, Mustang Crossing, Dove Ranch, and many more. With its close proximity to Durango, there are many commuters that take advantage of the lower residential real estate market rates. Land, farms, ranches, and even tiny home villages are available in this area. Browse Bayfield properties here.
Many Bayfield properties utilize the same utility companies as in Durango including La Plata Electric Association and La Plata County Public Health. However, Black Hills Energy is more commonly used in Bayfield (compared to Atmos Energy), and the Town of Bayfield’s services such as water, sewer, garbage, recycling, and street maintenance.
Nearby Places - Pagosa Springs & Ignacio
If you continue another 40 miles on Highway 160 East, you’ll arrive in Pagosa Springs, CO. Known for the deepest natural geothermal hot springs, The Springs Resort, there is also the San Juan River, hiking trails, biking trails, a golf course, and other fun outdoor activities. Their Main Street has local shops, restaurants, and cafes as it intertwines with the river running through town.
Ignacio lies 10 miles south of Bayfield on County Road 521/Buck Highway. While it can also be reached directly from Durango via Hay 172, these two towns are closer together, with rural properties scattered between them. Ignaico contributes additional amenities to the area including Sky Ute Casino Resort (with a bowling alley!), Farm Fresh grocery store, Jack-A-Lope Acres, and Fox Fire Farms.
Bayfield offers a true Colorado living experience. Whether passing through, visiting for a few days, or looking for a new home, please don’t hesitate to contact The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
