Alma
At 10,578 Alma is North America's highest incorporated town. Founded in the 1860 as a Gold Rush town Alma grew around the Buckskin Gulch, where gold was first discovered in the area. Soon after hard rock mines opened on Mount Bross, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Democrat, the 3 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation. In the 1870s, Alma's population peaked at around 10,000 currently the town is home to 296 residents on a mere 279 acres with 1.5 mile of the South Platte River running through it. The area around Alma contains 17,452 mining sites, mostly placer mines.
At its heyday the Orphan Boy Mine produced gold, silver, lead, and zinc over a number of decades. Area mines boasted an annual income of approximately $1,500,000 a staggering figure for that time.
Today the Sweet Home mine produces rhodochrosite, a brilliant ruby like mineral. Approximately 5 other area mines continue to mine gold.
Just 16 miles south of Breckenridge, the town is now home to outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, artists and longtime locals. Miles of trails invite bikers and hikers in summer and fall. Winter blankets the trails for cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, ice climbing above Montgomery Reservoir and the signature event of the year, Festival in the Clouds. This free, family friendly 3-day concert has something for everyone from funk to blue grass, kids' performances to interactive shows.
Alma and its surrounding neighborhoods provide all the peace and quiet of mountain living with the convenience of close proximity and a free shuttle bus to Breckenridge, for world class skiing, golf, signature town events, shops and dining - the best of everything.