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Kremmling
K-Town, as it is fondly called by the locals, is a small, friendly "cow town" in the mountains. This is ranching country. Kremmling has maintained its true, rural Western lifestyle with wide-open spaces framed by spectacular views of the Kremmling Cliffs and the Gore Range.
Rich with western history and heritage, Kremmling was named after Rudolph Kremmling, a businessman who opened a trading post on the north side of Muddy Creek in 1884. While mining proved to be insignificant, the silver-lead deposits of upper Williams Fork were part of Colorado's famous gold and silver mining past.
The town offers access to nearly every outdoor sport in Colorado. It is close to three national forests: Routt, Arapaho and White River. The Blue River, Colorado River and Muddy Creek all pass through town, offering whitewater adventures for kayakers and rafters as well as excellent fishing spots. The community has a wide range of churches and civic and service organizations. These groups holeheartedly support the academic and sports activities of the West Grand School District. Kremmling Memorial Hospital, the only full-service hospital in Grand County, is a level IV trauma center with physicians staffing the ER 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
With a past full of the pioneer spirit, Kremmling is a town that was and still is the example of the American mountain west. It welcomes new residents who are committed to preserving those qualities of life.
The local airport, McElroy Field, is a full-service instrument-approach airport with a 5,500ft x 75ft lighted and paved runway at an elevation of 7,411ft. Airport services: 100LL, Jet-A. Attended during daylight hours. 24-hr, self-service, credit-card fuel system available. Overnight tie-down fees. Light single-engine planes as well as corporate jets. Rental cars available. (970) 724-0611. Caution: wildlife on and in the vicinity of the airport fall through spring. There are agricultural, helicopter and ultralight operations in the area.
- 115 miles northwest of Denver on US Hwy 40
- Population 1600
- Elevation 7364ft
Travel Tidbits:
- The key to safe mountain driving is to slow down and look further ahead than in normal driving. Most accidents occur because drivers are either driving too fast, and/or are following too closely to the car in front of them.
- Unique mountain hazards include wildlife that can dart out in front of you, scenic overlooks that attract traffic, and heavy truck traffic that speeds up on downhill sections while slowing down going uphill.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs can lead to a false sense of security in rain, snow and ice. SUVs do not stop any differently than conventional cars.
- Observe posted speed limits on curves. Keep to the right of your lane when rounding a curve to put as large a cushion of safety as possible between you and oncoming traffic. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a large percentage of high country accidents are caused by drivers who don't stay on their side of the road.
- Blue Light warning! Colorado's snowplows use distinctive amber and blue lights to warn you well in advance that snow removal operations are underway. When you see these lights, slow down and use caution.
- Cell phones don't always work in the mountains. If you have to use one for an emergency, a higher ridge line will give you the best reception. If you call 911, tell them you are in Grand County. Depending on where you are, you may reach an emergency center for a different county.
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