Bailey is defined by its outdoorsy landscape and peaceful lifestyle
Mountain vistas encompass the rural town of Bailey, which is located in the Colorado foothills along the South Platte River, about 16 miles west of Aspen Park. “It’s just beautiful out there… they’ve got a natural forest that surrounds it, and state land,” says Kimberlee Martin, a Realtor with Re/Max Professionals, who has over 30 years of experience. “There’s more privacy, fresh air and open space.” Country roads dotted with single-family homes wind their way up the mountain, and a small downtown area sits at its base, providing commerce for the community.
Exploring mountain trails and staying active at parks
Outdoor recreation is abundant throughout Bailey’s mountainous landscape. Several trails in the area allow hiking and biking, including Payne Creek, Rosalie and Deer Creek trails, among others. A few even allow horseback riding. Multiple campgrounds are found on the outskirts of town, and fishing along the South Platte River is another popular pastime. Staunton State Park is about 10 miles northeast of Bailey and has around 4,000 acres of land to explore, including 37 miles of trails that travel past rock formations and waterfalls. Visitors can also go rock climbing and picnicking. McGraw Memorial Park is a green space downtown that has an outdoor museum outfitted with historic buildings and a model train car. The Keystone railroad bridge is a popular landmark that takes hikers across the river. To the east, Weakland Fawks Park is a community park for the Burland subdivision, featuring a playground and basketball court. Burland Ballfields has two baseball diamonds for the Platte Canyon Little League team. Nearby is the Bear Mountain Disc Golf Course, with 22 holes that have multiple baskets. To the west, Marge E Hudak Public Swimming Pool is located at Platte Canyon High School and has water slides and a diving board.
Secluded single-family homes sit up in the mountains
Long country roads travel up Bailey’s mountains, with most homes scattered along them. Properties often consist of large lots surrounded by trees. Traditional multistory mountain homes are common, built between the 1970s and 2020s. Some have simple vinyl siding, while others are cabin-inspired with wood exteriors. Most of these houses have wrap-around decks and balconies, plus large picture windows. Prices range between $530,000 and $925,000, based on size and features. Contemporary ranch-style homes and raised ranches are also found in the area. These smaller homes cost around $380,000 to $750,000. Traditional cabin structures fall to the lower end of the price range. Luxury mountain estates are sprinkled throughout and go for $880,000 to $1.3 million. Some are cabin-inspired with wood exteriors and a fireplace, and others have Craftsman features such as pointed roofs and cathedral ceilings.
Main Street has a variety of local shops and restaurants
Downtown Bailey has a handful of local shops and restaurants lining Main Street. Chill Squirrel Trading Company is a gift shop with novelty items, and Knotty Pine is an ice cream parlor. There’s also Cutthroat Cafe, a casual eatery serving breakfast and homestyle dinners. The South Park Coney Island hot dog stand is a landmark eatery about a mile west of downtown, known for its 1950s diner food and iconic hot dog shape. Rosalie’s Market is the area’s grocery store. Safeway and National Grocers are other options, about 15 miles away in Conifer. “A lot of people like myself will shop in Denver most of the time. I come to town and do my big shopping there, just kind of stock up,” Martin says.
Getting educated through Bailey’s public school district
Bailey is served by the Platte Canyon School District, which enrolls roughly 740 students across its three schools and earns a B grade from Niche. The B-rated Platte Canyon High School offers concurrent enrollment opportunities and has both theater arts and technology departments. “I have an agent whose boys go to the high school, and they’re doing very well. It’s got smaller classrooms,” Martin says.
Annual races and events bring the community together
The community hosts a handful of events throughout the year. The HUNDO is a 100-kilometer mountain bike race held in June. Contestants start and finish in Bailey, with an hours-long ride along the Buffalo Creek trail system. In December, the town celebrates Cowboy Christmas. The festival has everything from live music and a holiday market to a nighttime parade and visit from Santa.
Traveling in and out of Bailey by car
Bailey’s expansive landscape and country roads require a vehicle to navigate. U.S. Highway 285 travels east and west through the area, acting as a main thoroughfare. Commuters can use the highway to reach Aspen Park, around 16 miles northeast, and eventually the Denver Metro Area. “It’s commutable to Denver. About a 45 to 50-minute drive,” Martin says. “It’s mountain living, yet still close to the city.” The Denver International Airport is roughly 68 miles away.
