The Wild West for elk hunting in Northwest Colorado
With a population of about 9,000, Craig, Colorado, is a city that personifies the Wild West. It is also the "elk hunting capital of the world," near one of the largest herds in the country. Those looking to hunt, ski or explore the region's history can take part in Craig's small-town atmosphere surrounded by the wilderness plains of Northwest Colorado. "This is the Old West from back in the day," says Pam Haynes, an area local and real estate agent at eXp Realty. "We have a lot of long-term residents, and it's an outdoorsy family community."
Coal mining and electricity are Craig's most significant industries. However, many residents work at the Steamboat Ski Resort, roughly 45 miles east. "Recently, we've gotten an influx of people from the Steamboat Springs resort," Haynes says. "Prices are high there, so we have become a commuter town."
Craig, Colorado, proudly honors its deep hunting heritage, where generations have roamed its rugged landscapes in pursuit of game. Now, with abundant open land for expansion and a welcoming downtown, the city invites newcomers to embrace its frontier spirit and promising future.
Rooted in a rich hunting tradition, Craig, Colorado, has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking game in its vast wilderness. Today, its open spaces offer endless potential for growth, while the inviting downtown welcomes new residents eager to join this thriving community.
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Rustic homes and multiple acres make up Craig
The housing stock features traditional farmhouses and ranch-style homes. Rustic properties built before 1980 are on gridded streets in the town center, while many homes on the outskirts have barn space and several acres of land with mountain views. The median single-family price is about $310,000, roughly $100,000 below the nationwide median. "During the pandemic, people were moving here from big cities," Haynes says. "It's very rural. You get outside Craig, and it's land for miles."
Craig, Colorado, offers a rare blend of spacious living and rugged beauty, with large lots that provide privacy and a connection to nature. Whether it's a classic log cabin or a custom-built ranch, residents enjoy the freedom of open land and the peaceful charm of the West.
With its wide-open landscapes, Craig, Colorado, is perfect for those seeking homes with room to breathe. From rustic retreats to sprawling estates, the area's housing options embrace Western heritage while offering plenty of space for horses, gardens, and a quiet, laid-back lifestyle.
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Rafting and golf courses on the Yampa River
City Park is a green space in the city center with a collection of wooden sculptures and an aquatic center with a wave pool. Yampa River State Park is a 160-acre area with campgrounds and boat access areas for rafting. The Yampa Valley Golf Course has fairways along the river. The Moffat County Ice Arena is not only for the amateur hocky team the Colorado Fighting Elk, but it's also open to the public for ice skating. About 50 miles west, Sand Wash Basin is home to one of the last remaining herds of wild mustangs. It's also a destination for 4-wheelering and dirt bike riding.
The Yampa River winds through Craig, Colorado, bringing life to the valley and endless recreation opportunities. From casting a line in its trout-filled waters to paddling along its gentle currents, this scenic river is a gateway to adventure in the heart of the Western wilderness.
Flowing through the heart of Craig, Colorado, the Yampa River is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class fishing, kayaking, and scenic float trips. Its pristine waters and lush banks provide endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and wildlife viewing.
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Yampa Avenue storefronts and restaurants
Yampa Avenue is Craig's main thoroughfare, lined with red-brick storefronts and boutiques. The local culinary scene is home to coffee shops, pizzerias and pubs like The Local, which serves bison burgers. Residents can pick up groceries at markets along Victory Way and Walmart Supercenter. "Our economic development committee has raised money for a facelift to redo lighting, the sidewalks and replant trees downtown," Haynes says.
Strolling down Yampa Avenue in Craig, Colorado, offers a charming glimpse of the town's history and character. With its unique storefronts, local boutiques, and inviting cafés, it’s the perfect place to explore, shop, and soak in the small-town atmosphere.
The Local in Craig, Colorado, is renowned for its famous burger, a must-try for anyone visiting the area. With a cozy atmosphere and delicious menu, it's the perfect spot to relax, savor a hearty meal, and enjoy the vibrant community spirit.
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Cowboy museum with a Western art gallery in Northwest Colorado
The Museum of Northwest Colorado features a two-story gallery with cowboy memorabilia, a Norman Rockwell exhibit and the world's most extensive watercolor painting. The museum also includes local artifacts and the region's largest mountain lion. Residents can visit the Wyman Living History Museum, a farm with antique items and kids' activities. In August, the Moffatt County Fair hosts livestock shows, a rodeo and live music.
The museum in Craig, Colorado, is a hidden gem filled with fascinating exhibits that highlight the town’s rich history and Western heritage. From local art to historical displays, it offers an engaging look into the stories that shaped this vibrant community.
Craig, Colorado, is home to the world’s largest watercolor painting, a stunning tribute to the beauty and spirit of the American West. This impressive piece of art captivates visitors with its vibrant colors and intricate details, making it a must-see landmark in the area.
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Moffat County schools with an employment transition program
The Moffat County School District No. RE-1 earns a C-plus grade from Niche. With over 2,000 students, it serves four elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school. The district offers programs to ease the transition into employment. Students can also attend Colorado Northwestern Community College, a two-year post-secondary school in Craig.
Moffat County School District in Craig, Colorado, is dedicated to providing quality education with a focus on community involvement. Its schools offer a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for a bright future.
The Moffat County School District in Craig emphasizes innovation and growth, fostering a strong educational foundation for students of all ages. With dedicated teachers and a commitment to excellence, the district is shaping the next generation of leaders in the community.
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The Colorado Mountain Railway will connect the city
Steamboat Springs Transit provides a public bus route to Hayden, Milner and Steamboat Springs. U.S. Highway 40 runs through the center of Craig, heading to Denver and Fort Collins, about 200 miles east. The Colorado Mountain Rail, a passenger train with a completion date in 2026, will allow daily trips to Denver and the surrounding towns. The Yampa Valley Regional Airport is about 20 miles away and has domestic commercial flights to cities like Houston, Chicago and Denver.
Craig's seasonal weather and crime rates
This region experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters below 0 °F. The city also receives about 80 inches of annual snowfall, making winter sports popular for residents. According to the FBI, there were 19 violent crimes in 2023, which is higher than the 17 reported in 2022. Property crime decreased from 98 incidences in 2023 to 138 incidences in 2022.
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This wonderful family home boasts panoramic views of the valley and mountains! Enjoy breathtaking valley vistas from the sunroom / dining room or the spacious deck of this 4-bedroom home, with 2 separate family rooms. The kitchen features loads of storage, including a large pantry and stainless steel appliances! The beautiful yard has an automatic sprinkler system for both the front and back
Owner ready to make a deal and willing to consider all serious offers. Perched atop a scenic hill with exceptional panoramic views, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers comfort, efficiency, and the potential to expand. Encompassing approximately 3024 square feet on a 0.44 acre parcel—with an adjoining second lot included—this property provides both space and flexibility for future growth. Recent
Your search for the ideal country home stops here! Set in a peaceful rural setting with wide-open valley views and natural rock outcroppings, this property offers the space, functionality, and lifestyle buyers are looking for! Inside, the home features an open floor plan with a spacious living room and kitchen, creating a comfortable flow for everyday living and entertaining! Large windows and a
This wonderful family home boasts panoramic views of the valley and mountains! Enjoy breathtaking valley vistas from the sunroom / dining room or the spacious deck of this 4-bedroom home, with 2 separate family rooms. The kitchen features loads of storage, including a large pantry and stainless steel appliances! The beautiful yard has an automatic sprinkler system for both the front and back
Opportunity is knocking. The largest remaining parcel of developable land located adjacent to the city of Craig, Colorado, zoned Heavy Industrial, with great access to US 40 and State Hwy 13, ideal street frontage, serviceable with city water and sewer, but falling under county jurisdiction. The 8± acres is currently subdivided into five separate parcels varying in size and shape. Topography is
42 Acres of prime hunting ground and an off-grid hunting cabin just a short distance from the town of Craig, CO located in gmu 211. The property borders BLM ground on two sides and offers outstanding views. Land The property has an impressive drainage on the deeded lands with a nice blend of oak brush, and native vegetation. Elevation on the property ranges from
North Elkhead Tract #3 is a well-rounded 79 +/- acre parcel featuring year-round access just a short distance off of CR 29, live water from both a creek and a spring, and prime wildlife habitat. Featuring a blend of open dryland fields, sagebrush cover, and panoramic mountain views, this tract offers excellent potential for building, grazing, or recreation near Elkhead Reservoir!North Elkhead
Twin Creek Tract #1 spans 35 acres northwest of Craig and boasts direct Highway 13 frontage, power availability, and scenic views of Fortification Rocks and the surrounding mountains. With a mix of creek bottoms, dryland fields, and rolling sage-covered hills, the property offers excellent development potential and year-round access to both infrastructure and outdoor recreation.Located in
Consider this land offering "The Big Easy" - Big Views and Easy Access! The property is located a short 6.5 miles south of US Highway 40 and Craig, Colorado, along State Highway 13, with paved access to the driveway. A gently rolling, sagebrush and grass plateau extends from the highway, sloping near the western boundary to offer sweeping views of the Yampa River Valley and surrounding mountains.
Lake Shadow Ranch Tract #2 is a stunning 182 acre property located less than one mile from Elkhead Reservoir State Park. With panoramic views of Elkhead Reservoir, Black Mountain, Bears Ears, and the surrounding alpine terrain, this tract combines natural beauty with functional land use. Whether you're seeking an agricultural property, a future home site, or a recreational retreat, this property
Stonebrush Ranch, an exceptional multi use property! Just under 5 miles from Craig, Colorado, and with nearly 3/4 mile of Highway 40 frontage, this versatile property is perfect for hunting, agriculture, recreation, or future development. The ranch features a shop, and a water well currently having solar installed on. Stonebrush Ranch screams potential for hunting, grazing and possible future
Slater Way Ranch encompasses 128 acres of diverse mountain terrain characterized by rolling ground covered in native grasses, dense oak brush, scattered aspens pockets, and healthy stands of serviceberry that create exceptional wildlife habitat and striking seasonal contrast. Wilderness Ranch members benefit from access to an additional 460 +/- acre reserve to hunt, hike, fish, and explore!
Lake Shadow Ranch Tract #1 presents a rare opportunity to own a scenic 152 acre parcel just under a mile from Elkhead Reservoir State Park. This beautiful property showcases expansive views of Elkhead Reservoir, Black Mountain, Bears Ears, and various distant mountains. Offering a well-rounded mix of agricultural utility, outdoor recreation, and potential for development, this tract is ideally
1323 E. Victory Way 2 Bdrm/2 Bath No Pets & No Smoking Washer & Dryer HookupsTenant Pays All Utilities $1400 Month/$1400 Sec Dep1 Year LeaseAvailable 06/03/26
Brand New Studio Apartments in Craig, Colorado Unfurnished Prefered Long term, but short term leases are available Full kitchen Parking for 1 vehicle Prefered single or couple occupancy Mature family environment Electric Heat and Air Conditioning On site coin-op laundry Steps to the bus line that services Steamboat Steps to Resturants, Bars, Shopping, and the City Market Grocery store. Snow
586 Rose Street3 Bdrm/1 Bath1 Car GarageNo Pets & No SmokingWasher & Dryer Hookups Tenant Pays All Utilities 1 Year Lease$1500 Month/$1500 Sec DepAvailable Now
Brand New Studio Apartments in Craig, Colorado. Unfurnished. Prefered Long term, but short term leases are available. Full kitchen, Parking for 1 vehicle. Prefered single or couple occupancy. Mature family environment. Electric Heat and Mini Split Air Conditioning. On site coin-op laundry. Steps to the bus line that services Steamboat. Steps to Resturants, Bars, Shopping, and the City Market
537 Breeze Street #1Studio Unit - Ground LevelNo Pets & No SmokingCoin Operated Laundry On SiteUtilities Included$950 Month/$950 Sec Dep1 Year LeaseAvailable Now
724 Tucker Street 2 Bdrm/1 Bath DuplexNewly Remodeled Large Storage ShedNo Pets & No Smoking Washer & Dryer HookupsTenant Pays All Utilities $1400 Month/$1400 Sec Dep1 Year LeaseAvailable Now
26 Le Blanc Road (Pine)Studio Unit - UpstairsNo Pets & No Smoking No Laundry in UnitPartially Furnished with the BasicsUtilities Included in the Rent $950 Month/$950 Sec Dep Minimum 3 Month LeaseAvailable Now
726 Tucker Street 2 Bdrm/1 Bath DuplexNewly Remodeled Large Storage ShedNo Pets & No Smoking Washer & Dryer HookupsTenant Pays All Utilities $1400 Month/$1400 Sec Dep1 Year LeaseAvailable Now
26 Le Blanc Road (Cedar)1 Bdrm/1 Bath - Main LevelNo Pets & No Smoking No Laundry in UnitPartially Furnished with the BasicsUtilities Included in the Rent $1100 Month/$1100 Sec Dep Minimum 3 Month LeaseAvailable Now
502 Taylor Street #12 Bdrm/1 BathNo Pets & No Smoking Tenant Pays ElectricOwner Pays Gas, Water/Sewer/Trash 1 Year Lease$950 Month/$950 Sec DepAvailable 07/01/26
949 Breeze Street3 Bdrm/2 BathNo Pets & No SmokingWasher & Dryer HookupsTenant Pays Gas & ElectricOwner Pays Water/Sewer/Trash$2200 Month/$2200 Sec DepAvailable Now
1395 W. 2nd Street 2 Bdrm/1 Bath - FurnishedNo Pets & No SmokingWasher & Dryer IncludedTenant Pays Electric & GasOwner Pays Water/Sewer/Trash$1200 Month/$1200 Sec Dep1 Year LeaseAvailable 07/03/26
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