Alma is a town in the Rockies with many outdoor activities
The highest town in the United States, in terms of elevation, is Alma, located over 10,500 feet in the Rocky Mountains. Winding roads in thick forests connect a cluster of businesses to homes. Alma has a remote and secluded feel, with the next closest town, Fairplay, about 6 miles to the south. Denver is approximately 90 miles northeast. “It’s a lot of outdoorsy people, like-minded. They’re fishing, hiking, ATV-ing and Nordic skiing in the winter. But, then you’re like 30 minutes to Breckenridge for world-class skiing in a resort,” says Ivete Liliensteins, a realtor at Re/Max Properties of the Summit, who has over five years of experience.
A fishing stream and Rocky Mountain trails that are trekked year-round
A stream, popular for fishing, runs through Alma State Wildlife Area. In Alma’s southeastern region, the Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area has the Pika Trail, which totals over 1 mile. When snow blankets the trail, it remains open for snowshoeing. The Breckenridge Ski Resort is approximately 16 miles north and features 187 trails, some of which are open to hiking and mountain biking during the summertime. Some of Colorado’s 14ers are a short drive away, including the mounts Cameron, Democrat, Lincoln and Bross. “When people say, ‘I want to go bag a 14er,’ that means they go and hike up to the top of these mountains,” Liliensteins says. “I always tell everyone, ‘Make sure you’re prepared, know the maps and your own physical condition… But a lot of people aren’t prepared for the weather because the weather can change. Storms come in, and you never want to be at the peak at the end of the day. It’s always best to start early in the morning and get off the mountain by early afternoon, because that’s when the storms and different weather can come in.”
Rustic and contemporary cabins on sprawling properties
Cabins are common and come in different architectural styles, including A-frame, contemporary and log. Homes are on properties that often span over an acre of woods or natural open space. Depending on factors such as the home and property sizes, prices range from approximately $250,000 to nearly $1.4 million.
Various creeks and the South Platte River flow through the region, so homeowners are advised to research their flood zone and obtain proper insurance.
A park with a playground and activities at Alma Town Hall
Alma Playground and Park includes a basketball court and a skate park. It is in the central region of the area, near the Alma Town Hall. “The town hall is an old elementary school, and so it houses the library… They also offer a potluck once a month, and then they do bingo,” Liliensteins says, about the local event held on the third Thursday of each month. The town hall also hosts the annual Festival in the Clouds, a three-day summertime event that features live music and artisan vendors.
Main Street has the Al-Mart General Store and restaurants
Alma’s Main Street is home to Al-Mart General Store, a family-owned business with grocery products. The store is affiliated with Carhartt Superstore, which is an outdoor clothing store located in the adjoining building. Bristlecone Bake Shop and The Black Kettle Coffee Shop are also on Main Street. Additional restaurants, including South Park Ace & Lumber and Prather’s Market, are in Fairplay.
Attending Park County School District Re-2 schools
Alma is in the Park County School District Re-2 attendance boundary. Edith Teeter Elementary School is a district school that earns a C grade from Niche. South Park Middle School, which receives a C-plus, shares a building with South Park High School, a C-graded institution. In 2022, the high school received approval and funding to start offering vocational programs, including those regarding agriculture and automotive technology.
Colorado Highway 9 connects Alma to other Rocky Mountains areas
Main Street is a local segment of Colorado Highway 9, which connects the area to Fairplay. CO-9 also ties the area to Breckenridge, over 16 miles away. Saint Anthony Summit Hospital is one of the nearest general hospitals, and it is about a 25-mile drive away. The Park County Commuter route is a Summit Stage bus line with stops in Alma, Fairplay, Breckenridge and Blue River.
