Craig, Colorado

Craig is a remote Northwest Colorado town of 9,060 people as of 2020. There are lots of things to do for the outdoorsman around Craig, with the most notable being hunting. It’s located forty-five minutes west of Steamboat Springs.

Known as the “Elk Hunting Capital of the World”, people come from all over to hunt the land of Moffat County, with most of them staying in Craig. Residing at 6,198 feet of elevation, Craig is the most populated town and the county seat.

History

Craig Colorado City Limit Sign — Entering Craig on South Ranney Street. Photo by: Jeffrey Beall

Teeming with cowboy and wild-west history, Craig has been the prime location for Yampa Valley homesteaders since the 1880s. The area was originally inhabited by the Ute tribe, and you can still find evidence of them etched into the canyon walls.

Eventually, ranchers were drawn to the area for its plentiful game, mild seasons, and fields of grass. The area is close to three state borders, so Craig became a hub for outlaws to hide out. This meant the town was filled with rambunctious energy and frequent gunfights.

Craig became the last stop on the popular Denver Northwestern & Pacific Railroad, allowing it to be part of the transportation of products. Wool became a very popular thing to ship from Craig during the mid-20th century. Today, the town honors its western roots with dedicated museums to display artifacts and information.

Main Attractions

Wild west museum warehouse — Inside of the main building at the Wyman Living History Museum. Photo by: facebook.com/wymanmuseum

Wyman Living History Museum – A huge collection of historical artifacts. If you leave the main building, you can go explore a schoolhouse, a working blacksmith shop, and a barn. There is even a resident Elk named Junior you can feed and interact with.

Museum of Northwest Colorado – Notably featuring a sizable collection of antique cowboy apparel. There is also a railroad exhibit and smaller rotating exhibits about Western life.

Recreation

Reservoir and mountains — View of Elkhead Reservoir from the walking trail in Craig, CO. Photo by: Daniel Grogan

Camping – Both campgrounds and dispersed camping be found in the Routt and White River national forests. Read about the camping near Craig and Hayden.

Fishing – Head over to Yampa River for great trout fishing right by town or out to Elkhead Reservoir State Park for largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie.

Hiking – Stearns Trail at Cedar Mountain is a 3.2-mile loop that is great for spotting wildlife. Elkhead Reservoir State Park also offers a gravel walking trail on the water that is about a mile long.

Hunting – Northwest Colorado is an outdoorsman’s paradise. Recreation of all types can be found close by. Access to Routt and White River national forests is a short drive from town.

Accommodations

Motel — Elk Run Inn in Craig, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/elkruninn

Wild Skies Cabin Rentals – Stroll along a creek, capture wildlife photos, and relax at this secluded rental right outside of town.

Read about the best hotels in Craig.

Special Events

Hot air balloon over lake — Moffat County Balloon Festival, held annually in Craig, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/mcballoonfestival

May – Grand Old West Days – Held over the Memorial Day weekend. This 3-day festival includes a horse show, parade, carnival, music, food, and games.

Jun – Yampa River Reggae Festival – A one-day event taking place at Loudy-Simpson Park. Festival activities include live music, a 5K fun run, yoga in the park, crafts, food vendors, and a glow party.

Jun-Jul – Farmers Market – Head downtown on Thursdays for a wide selection of local produce and goods.

Aug – Moffat County Balloon Festival – Held annually at Loudy-Simpson Park, enjoy hot air balloons, live music, and vendors.