Alma, Colorado

Alma is a high mountain town, situated about thirty minutes south of Breckenridge. It’s the highest incorporated municipality in the U.S., at 10,578 ft. It’s located just north of Fairplay and the intersection of Highway 285 and U.S. 9.

Recreation

Camping:

• There are a number of car camping spots on the road between Alma and Kite Lake. From Main St in town, take a left on County Rd 8. The road goes 5.5 miles to the Kite Lake Trailhead.

Fishing:

• In addition to Kite Lake mentioned above, the Montgomery Reservoir is a great choice less than 6 miles from town. Head north on US 9 toward Breckenridge. Make a right in 5.5 miles on County Rd 4 and follow to the lake.

• Background

  Alma is a Statutory Town located in Park County, Colorado, United States. The town population was 270 at the 2010 United States Census.

  At an elevation of approximately 10,578 feet (3,224 m), it is the highest incorporated municipality in the United States with permanent residents. Its United States Post Office is located at the highest elevation of any in the country. Alma, which is a town, did not take the title as highest incorporated city from Leadville, Colorado, as is commonly believed. Leadville is still the highest incorporated city in North America. Using administrative boundaries as a measure, not settled areas, in 2006 Winter Park, Colorado became the highest incorporated town due to its annexation of a ski area. Alma, however, has a contiguous residential area (on Mountain View Drive) extending to 11,680 feet (3,560 m) above sea level, while any such area in or near Winter Park reaches only 9,550 feet (2,910 m), Leadville 10,360 feet (3,160 m).

  The town was named by a merchant named Mr. James, after his wife.  Another tradition states the town was named for the daughter of a resident.