Kremmling, Colorado was named the “Sportsman’s Paradise” for good reason. Set at the headwaters of the Colorado River, at the intersection of Hwy 40 and CO 9, it is surrounded by thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service space. Settled by silver miners in the 1800s, the area has evolved into a strong ranching community steeped in pioneer spirit.

“It reminds me of Steamboat Springs in the 70s” says Bethany Aurin, a Steamboat Springs High School graduate. She and husband Fritz are in the process of relocating permanently to Kremmling after selling their iconic business, Steamboat Smokehouse. Aurin is operating a horse rescue facility and manages transport for the local school district. “Everyone looks out for each other, and it’s a very close knit and welcoming community,” she says. “Academic standards are high within the school district, and class sizes are small.”

Kremmling offers one K-8 grade school and a high school where students are known as the Mustangs. Over a decade, the population grew by 9% to 1,578 in 2020.

Located at over 7,300 feet, the town is encircled by Silverthorne to the south, Granby and Winter Park to the east, and Steamboat Springs to the northwest, making it easily accessible for skiing.

The area is luring retirees with its extensive array of amenities from locally owned and operated stores, community events, sports and outdoor activities. “We have a road that leads out of town where you can drive whatever you like to access BLM land. You’ll see ATVs and E-bikes in summer and snowmobiles in winter,” Aurin says laughing. Fishing, hunting and river sports are big business. Located only 100 miles from Denver, this “Sportsman’s Paradise,” won’t stay a hidden gem for long.