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Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake

Neighborhood in Ward, Colorado

Boulder County 80481

$713,545 Average Value
$632 Average Price per Sq Ft

Private community within a mountain landscape

Located where the South Saint Vrain Creek forks into two streams, Hidden Lake is a quiet neighborhood 4 miles from Ward lined with both rustic and modern cabins. Thick forests keep the mountain community secluded, while the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks provide ample outdoor recreation. “The big picture up there is that there are private property owners that own acres of land,” says Real Estate Agent Bruce Drogsvold with WK Real Estate, who has over 25 years of experience. “Their conservation efforts are keeping the wildlife there.”

Hidden Lake is situated northwest of Ward, at an elevation of about 10,600 feet.
Hidden Lake is situated northwest of Ward, at an elevation of about 10,600 feet.
The scenery around Hidden Lake is breathtaking, with clear blue waters & rugged mountain peaks.
The scenery around Hidden Lake is breathtaking, with clear blue waters & rugged mountain peaks.
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Campgrounds and mountain retreats near Ward

The mountains and forestry surrounding Hidden Lake are primed for outdoor retreats and adventure. YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake is an outdoor adventure camp that teaches kids everything from hiking and climbing to paddleboarding, kayaking and archery. There’s also the Glacier View Ranch, a Christian retreat area that hosts summer camps and private events. Roughly 3 miles north, Peaceful Valley Campground has 17 sites for tents, campers and recreational vehicles (RVs). It’s next to Lily Lake, a fishing pond. Brainard Lake Recreation Area is about 6 miles south in a valley near Ward. Several trailheads lead into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, offering everything from hiking and mountain biking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Hunting is allowed with a permit, as are fishing and non-motorized boating on the lake.

Hidden Lake is near a great camping location called Peaceful Valley Campground.
Hidden Lake is near a great camping location called Peaceful Valley Campground.
Hidden Lake lies within the Roosevelt National Forest, offering a peaceful mountain setting.
Hidden Lake lies within the Roosevelt National Forest, offering a peaceful mountain setting.
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Secluded cabins and mountain homes

Houses in Hidden Lake are dotted along Pine Cone Circle, which is one large loop. Modern multi-story mountain homes are popular, with resort-inspired architecture such as wood balconies and patios. These properties are roughly 2,500 square feet and range in price from $400,000 to $625,000. Log cabins are also common – some were built in the early 1900s, and others are more modern luxury cabins built in the 2000s with multiple stories, wood balconies and stone features. “I’ve had a cabin across the street from Hidden Lake for 34 years. It’s all cabins up there,” says Drogsvold. These properties span 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. Prices range from $400,000 to $1.1 million, with the older cabins falling on the lower end and higher for more modern ones. Additionally, there are open lots with acres of land for anywhere between $60,000 and $200,000. Most of Hidden Lake is private property, which helps keep the neighborhood secluded. The CAP Index crime score for Hidden Lake is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Hidden Lake offers a unique opportunity to live in a remote part of the Rocky Mountains.
Hidden Lake offers a unique opportunity to live in a remote part of the Rocky Mountains.
Given the remoteness of Hidden Lake, a significant number of properties are off-grid.
Given the remoteness of Hidden Lake, a significant number of properties are off-grid.
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Shopping and dining in Ward, Jamestown and Nederland

Since the neighborhood is solely residential, traveling is required for shopping and dining out. Ward is roughly 4 miles south and has a handful of commercial businesses. Ward Mountain Exchange is a coffee shop, restaurant and convenience store all rolled into one. Jamestown is another outlet about 8 miles east of the neighborhood. Jamestown Mercantile, called “The Merc” by locals, is a bistro that uses local ingredients and serves craft beer. Downtown Nederland is a commercial hub about 15 miles south of Hidden Lake. There are novelty shops like Nature’s Own and Rustic Moose, which provide an eclectic shopping experience. Restaurants include Salto Coffee, which serves gourmet breakfast drinks and sandwiches, and Crosscut Pizzeria & Taphouse. Mountain People’s Co-op is a member-owned grocery store with fresh produce, pantry items and bulk goods.

In the mid-20th century, Ward attracted a mix of counterculture groups, drawn to its location.
In the mid-20th century, Ward attracted a mix of counterculture groups, drawn to its location.
The Mountain Man Outdoor Store provides customers a unique shopping experience every time.
The Mountain Man Outdoor Store provides customers a unique shopping experience every time.
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Schools within the Boulder Valley school district

Children living in Hidden Lake can attend schools in Nederland, about 15 miles from the neighborhood. Nederland Elementary School earns an A-minus grade from Niche and provides an English Language Development program. Nederland Middle-Senior High School teaches grades six through 12 and maintains a B grade. The school provides career and technical education programs for outdoor recreation leadership, environmental science, construction and architecture.

At Nederland Elementary, students enjoy diverse programs and extracurricular activities.
At Nederland Elementary, students enjoy diverse programs and extracurricular activities.
Nederland Middle-Senior High School emphasizes a strong foundation in proper education.
Nederland Middle-Senior High School emphasizes a strong foundation in proper education.
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Gravel roads and highway access

Hidden Lake’s main thoroughfare, Pine Cone Circle, is an unpaved dirt and gravel road that makes up the neighborhood’s entire residential loop of homes. Access to Peak to Peak Highway is right outside the neighborhood. Commuters can connect to Ward, roughly 4 miles away, and Nederland, 15 miles away. Hidden Lake is completely car dependent.

The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 7, is a breathtaking route with views.
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 7, is a breathtaking route with views.
Located not too far from Hidden Lake, Brainard Lake offers additional outdoor activities.
Located not too far from Hidden Lake, Brainard Lake offers additional outdoor activities.
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The effects of mountain living

With the area’s mountain landscape, Hidden Lake may face unique environmental challenges. South Saint Vrain Creek is at risk of potential flooding, mostly affecting the roads, with heavy rain. There’s also a risk of potential wildfires with the thick surrounding forestry. Hidden Lake is served by the Indian Peaks Fire Protection District. Station Two is in the neighborhood, and Station One is about 4 miles down the road in Ward. Both are run by volunteers and respond to fire and other medical emergencies.

Hidden Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located near Ward, Colorado, in the Boulder County area.
Hidden Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located near Ward, Colorado, in the Boulder County area.
Often you'll find locals using the river runoff to gather free water for their back up supply.
Often you'll find locals using the river runoff to gather free water for their back up supply.
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Brittany Bell
Written By
Brittany Bell
Darren Asay
Photography Contributed By
Darren Asay
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tom Thomas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Hidden Lake US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$430,000
Median Single Family Price
$430,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$632
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$548,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-61%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
27
Median Year Built
1994
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,696
Below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
57,934

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tom Thomas, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
38
Median Age
51
Population under 18
15.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$133,333
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$150,417

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
63.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
-1°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
106''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

9 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Hidden Lake
Tom Thomas
First Colorado Realty
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