Just 20 miles northwest of Boulder, tucked high in the mountains at 9,450 feet, sits one of Colorado’s quirkiest hidden gems: Ward. Perched along the scenic Peak-to-Peak Highway and reached by a beautiful drive up Left Hand Canyon, Ward feels like a completely different world from the bustling university town below.

With a population of around 125 people, Ward is tiny in size but massive in personality. It’s a place where Colorado history, mountain living, and free-spirited culture all collide. For Boulder locals looking for a quick escape, Ward offers fresh mountain air, incredible scenery, and a glimpse into one of the state’s most fascinating little towns.

A Rich Mining History

Ward got its start in 1860 during the Colorado Gold Rush. Prospectors found gold nearby, and the town quickly became one of the richest mining camps in the region. Named after early prospector Calvin Ward, the town boomed in its early years.

At its peak, thousands of people called Ward home. Mines operated around the clock, and the area was filled with hotels, saloons, and businesses serving miners and travelers passing through the mountains. In 1898, the railroad arrived as part of the famous Switzerland Trail route, helping transport ore and connect the town to Boulder and beyond.

Disaster struck in 1900 when a massive fire destroyed more than 50 buildings, devastating the community. Though the town rebuilt, the mining boom slowly faded. By the 1920s, Ward had quieted significantly, and during World War II, the year-round population reportedly dropped to just four people.

The Hippie Revival

Just when it seemed Ward might fade into history, the 1960s brought a new wave of life.

Hippies and free spirits from Boulder and beyond discovered the town’s abandoned cabins and cheap mountain properties. Many moved in seeking an off-grid, self-sustaining lifestyle far removed from city life. The population grew quickly, and Ward developed a reputation as one of Colorado’s most independent and unconventional mountain towns.

That free-spirited energy remains today. Ward is known for its fiercely independent residents, artistic vibe, and “live and let live” culture. It’s one of the few places where old mining cabins, hand-built homes, and quirky mountain art all blend together naturally.

Ward Today

Today, Ward keeps its eccentric charm alive.

Visitors will see old cabins mixed with unique artwork, rustic homes, and mountain-town character around every turn. Dogs roam freely, trucks are parked in creative places, and the whole town feels untouched by time.

Ward is also a gateway to some of Colorado’s most stunning alpine scenery. Just up the road is Brainard Lake Recreation Area, one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the state. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of alpine lakes and rugged peaks.

The drive alone is worth the trip. In about 45 minutes from Boulder in good conditions, you can leave behind the busy city and find yourself surrounded by towering pines, mountain peaks, and a completely different pace of life.

A view from Long Lake near Ward Colorado

A Boulder Hidden Gem

For generations, Ward has remained one of Boulder County’s best-kept secrets.

It’s a living piece of Colorado history that somehow stayed wonderfully weird in the best possible way. Whether you’re fascinated by mining history, drawn to hippie culture, or simply looking for a mountain escape, Ward offers something unforgettable.

Small, strange, historic, and full of soul, Ward is proof that some of Colorado’s most magical places are hiding just up the canyon from Boulder.

This mountain town may be tiny, but it leaves a lasting impression.

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