
Living in Hesperus, you will experience true Colorado mountain living. The small community is set at the base of the La Plata mountains, with its namesake Hesperus Mountain towering over. The family-oriented neighborhood has its own ski hill with night skiing available. Only 11 miles from downtown Durango, it provides incredible access to a larger town without the bustle of in-town living.
Hesperus, Colorado is a small little unincorporated community in La Plata County, home to about 2700 residents. It's a very spread-out community with a population density of 6.74 people per square mile. This little farming community along the La Plata River originally grew to support the Fort Lewis military post just south of Hesperus in 1880. It had a local post office in operation since 1891 and takes its name from the nearby Hesperus mountain.
Hesperus, nestled amidst stunning mountain landscapes, offers breathtaking views and a serene natural environment. Its rural, small-town charm appeals to those seeking a peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle away from the bustle of city life. With easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing at the nearby Hesperus Ski Area, mountain biking, fishing, and camping, residents can enjoy year-round recreation.
The town is just a short drive from Durango, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and medical facilities. Hesperus benefits from a mild climate, with pleasant summers and snowy winters, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging, while the lower cost of living offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to other parts of Colorado. Rich in history, particularly its mining heritage, Hesperus also offers frequent wildlife sightings and the chance to connect with Colorado’s natural beauty. Educational opportunities are abundant with nearby schools and Fort Lewis College in Durango, making it an ideal place to live and learn.
The Durango public school system supports all residents of Hespurus. Students typically attend the Fort Lewis Mesa elementary school, the Escalante middle school, and the Durango high school.
Being close to Durango means there are a lot of fun things to do and see, especially in the outdoors, but Hesperus has its own fun things, such as the ski area offering a great escape into winter sports with 26 trails spread across 60 skiable acres. Hesperus receives about 150 inches of snowfall annually, making it an ideal place for night skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country, and more. There's even a ski school in town perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
The Mesa Verde National Park is about 1/2 an hour away with 5000 archaeological sites and well preserved cliff dwellings. This is a unique historical icon offering dozens of trails, petroglyph trails, and massive amounts of education.
Because the area is so spread out, you'll find homes starting less than $500,000 up to luxury estates of over $10 million. However, it is slightly less expensive than neighboring Durango, so if you're looking for a larger home, lots or land to build, Hesperus might be a great option. There are several lots in large acres of land for around $150,000, perfect for building your dream home, an ideal mountain getaway. Hesperus is a higher-priced option but with more spread-out communities.
For more information on homes for sale in Hesperus Colorado, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We love this area and would love to help you find the perfect mountain home for your budget and your needs.