Woody Creek

Snug in rolling hills, raced with tree-lined streams, Woody Creek is affectionately known as two dips and a rumble strip.

Woody Creek is a sparsely-populated settlement of about 300 residents, thankful to be set apart from the bustle of Aspen. Just a few minutes' drive from the action, this independent, rural community still retains some of the old Aspen "funk." It's no wonder rockers, writers, iconoclasts, philanthropists, and a few celebrities call it home.

Woody Creekers often gather at a funky tavern that's seen its share of the famous, sure, but everyone gets the same best-in-the-valley burger. There are organic farms where you can buy flowers and vegetables (and help pick them, too).

Tucked into a hollow, or spread out across a meadow, are some fine homes. But, mostly this is a place to celebrate the land. A place to let your horses run, to let your spirits soar. Here, pastoral, pristine wilderness remains everyone's faithful companion.

OUR TOWN

Local's Tradition: Margaritas on the patio at the Woody Creek Tavern after a long bike ride. Where to Meet Them: Biking on the Rio Grande Trail. Favorite Evening Diversion: Twilight fishing on the Roaring Fork. For Body and Soul: Look for the golden and bald eagles. Place to Walk Your Dog (and Find Your Christmas Tree): The old logging roads above Lenado. Surprise: Cycling the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail, which runs right through this community, down valley to Glenwood. The horses hitched next to the trucks at the firehouse. Really.

Woody Creek Details

Elevation: 7,346 ft. at Woody Creek Tavern.

Climate: Depends on elevation and exposure: sunny, south-facing slopes can feel tropical in March; up a narrow valley in the forest, even summer afternoons are cool.

Population: Fewer than 300 permanent residents.

Schools: Woody Creek kids go to Aspen schools. Beyond Watson Divide, they go to Basalt schools, which are part of the Roaring Fork School's RE-1 district. Woody Creek is home to the acclaimed Aspen Community School (a charter preschool through grade 8).

Transportation: Bus service to Aspen, Snowmass, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs. The Aspen airport is about 5 minutes from Woody Creek.

Government: Unincorporated Woody Creek Caucus, a powerful political and social organization whose primary goal is to serve and protect the community.

Recreation: National Forest land all around, with access to the 10th Mountain Division hut system and spectacular hiking and biking through Lenado. Horseback riding, kayaking, and rafting on the Roaring Fork, and fly fishing year round.