Lying in the shadow of its 11,156-foot namesake, the settlement of Elk Mountain is a quiet community of cottonwood- lined streets, just a mere 6 miles away from the Aspen Highlands Subdivision. Elk Mountain’s first mercantile store was constructed in 1902 using lumber from the Carbon Timber Company. In 1905 the Elk Mountain Hotel was built by John S. Evans, on the property previously used by the Overland Stage Station. The building’s architecture is Folk Victorian style, reminiscent of what was found on the frontier during that time. Next to the Hotel stood the Garden Spot Pavilion. The Garden Spot was host to such notable entertainers as Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Lawrence Welk. These entertainers inspired hundreds to “jump on and ride” the Garden Spot’s magical dance floor. The Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The luxurious Inn still stands where it was first constructed almost 100 years ago and welcomes guests’ all year-around. Sitting as it does along the banks of the Medicine Bow River, Elk Mountain is a Mecca for trout fisherman from across the country. Visitors interested in beautiful scenery should take the round-the-mountain drive on Pass Creek Road as it is an area of stunning vistas teeming with wildlife.
Population: 191 - Elevation: 7,264 feet
