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Jefferson
Eden Index
Climate
5.6
•
Recreation
6.4
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.5/10
Jefferson, Colorado is a charming mountain town located in Park County, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Situated at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet, Jefferson experiences a cool and temperate climate. Summers are mild with average temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the high 80s, while winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is abundant, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The town is surrounded by pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and rushing rivers, offering a plethora of hydrology constituents. The nearby South Platte River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Eleven Mile Reservoir, a short distance away, is a haven for boating and angling enthusiasts, with its abundant trout and salmon population.
Outdoor recreation is a highlight of Jefferson, with countless opportunities for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. The Pike National Forest is a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of trails that wind through picturesque landscapes. The area is also home to several peaks for hiking and climbing, including Mount Bross and Mount Sherman.
In conclusion, Jefferson, Colorado offers a cool mountain climate, diverse hydrology constituents, and a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 5.6
Jefferson receives approximately
431mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
3°C.
Jefferson has a plant hardyness factor of
4, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
South Platte
Area Rivers
South Platte
Snowpack Depths
South Platte
Reservoir Storage Capacity
South Platte
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 6.4
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha Pass | 25 | 10,052 ft | |||
| Meridian | 18 | 9,013 ft | |||
| Michigan Creek | 12 | 10,076 ft | |||
| Hall Valley | 9 | 9,842 ft | |||
| Jefferson Creek | 17 | 10,117 ft | |||
| Handcart | 10 | 9,818 ft | |||
| Lodgepole - Jefferson | 34 | 9,960 ft | |||
| Selkirk | 15 | 10,488 ft | |||
| Burning Bear | 13 | 9,643 ft | |||
| Aspen | 12 | 9,956 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.