Clear Creek County, Colorado

Clear Creek County, Colorado
County	Clear Creek County
State	Colorado
Founded year	1861
Founded date	November 1
Seat	Georgetown
Largest town	Idaho Springs
Area total sq mi	396
Area land sq mi	395
Area water sq mi	1.0
Population as of	2020
Population total	9,397
Population density sq mi	23.8
Time zone	Mountain
Web	www.co.clear-creek.co.us
District	2nd

Clear Creek County, Colorado. Nestled within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Clear Creek County is a historic mining region and a gateway to the Continental Divide. Established during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, its rugged terrain encompasses parts of the Arapaho National Forest and is bisected by the headwaters of its namesake, Clear Creek. The county is renowned for its preserved Victorian-era towns, scenic byways like the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, and its proximity to the Denver Metropolitan Area.

History

The area's history is defined by the Colorado Gold Rush, beginning with the discovery of placer gold in 1859 along Chicago Creek near present-day Idaho Springs. This spurred the rapid establishment of mining camps, leading to the creation of the county by the Colorado Territorial Legislature in 1861. The subsequent silver boom transformed Georgetown into a major center, home to the famed Georgetown Loop Railroad engineered by the Colorado and Southern Railway. Notable figures like Horace Tabor and Baby Doe Tabor were involved in its mines, including the Silver Plume district. The county weathered the Panic of 1893 and the decline of precious metal mining, later revitalized by Interstate 70 construction and the growth of tourism.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 396 square miles, with Clear Creek draining a major watershed from the Divide eastward. It contains significant peaks like Mount Evans, accessible via the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Grays Peak, one of Colorado's fourteeners. The landscape includes portions of the Arapaho National Forest and the Pike National Forest, with high mountain passes such as Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass facilitating travel. Adjacent counties include Park County to the south, Jefferson County to the east, and Summit County to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 9,397, with a density of about 24 people per square mile. The Census reports the racial makeup as predominantly non-Hispanic white, with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino, Native American, and Asian residents. The largest communities are the county seat of Georgetown and the most populous town of Idaho Springs. Other incorporated areas include Empire and Silver Plume. Historical population peaks coincided with mining booms in the late 19th century.

Government and infrastructure

Clear Creek County operates under a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The Colorado State Patrol and the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office provide law enforcement, while the county is part of Colorado's 2nd congressional district. Critical infrastructure includes Interstate 70, a major transportation artery, and U.S. Route 6 over Loveland Pass. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad historically served the area, and today the Georgetown Loop Railroad operates as a tourist attraction. Utilities are managed by entities like the Denver Water board.

Economy

Historically dependent on hard rock mining for gold, silver, and lead, the county's modern economy is driven by tourism and outdoor recreation. Ski areas such as Loveland Ski Area and proximity to Arapahoe Basin contribute significantly. The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service manage public lands that support activities like whitewater rafting on Clear Creek and hiking on the Continental Divide Trail. Historic preservation of sites like the Hotel de Paris Museum in Georgetown also fuels cultural tourism. Some residents commute to the Denver Metropolitan Area.

Attractions and recreation

The county is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to the Mount Evans Wilderness and the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Historic landmarks include the entire Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District and the Argo Gold Mine and Mill. The Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park features a reconstructed narrow-gauge railway and tours of the Lebanon Silver Mine. Annual events like Georgetown's Christmas Market attract visitors. Recreation abounds with fly fishing, mountain biking on trails near Idaho Springs, and backcountry skiing in areas around Berthoud Pass.

Category:Clear Creek County, Colorado Category:Colorado counties Category:1861 establishments in Colorado Territory