Area Information
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Cañon City was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush as a commercial center for miners. Now, Cañon City is the county seat of Fremont County in southern Colorado, with a population of approximately 16,000 people within the city limits, and another 5,000 to 7,000 people within the surrounding area in Fremont County.
The City is located in a mountain bowl along the Arkansas River valley as it flows east from the Rocky Mountains and the mouth of the Royal Gorge. A combination of unique geography and an elevation of 5300 feet above sea level protects the city from harsh weather conditions, making Cañon City "the Climate Capital of Colorado," with temperatures generally 10 degrees warmer than other nearby Colorado communities.
The community name derives from Spanish for "canyon" for the nearby Royal Gorge. The Royal Gorge Bridge, owned by the City, is one of the major attractions located near Cañon City. This, along with other nearby natural attractions such as the Arkansas River, the National Forest, and the beauty of the surrounding land, draws numerous tourists to the area year round with a peak during the summer season.
Cañon City is one of only a few cities along the Front Range that has predominantly maintained its small town feel. Residents of this third oldest city in the state of Colorado are proud of their history, proud of their setting amongst beautiful natural features, and proud of their community. When asked what makes Cañon City a great place, more often than not, the response is "the people."
CLIMATE
Sheltered in a beautiful valley, Cañon City, with an elevation of 5,343 feet, features a mild and hospitable climate year round. Cañon City is said to be in the banana belt of Colorado, seeing very few days of extreme weather each year. The warm days are cooled by temperate evenings. Snowfall is usually light and quickly melts under the warm Colorado sunshine that prevails over 325 days a year. Humidity remains comfortably low throughout the year. "Indian Summer" reaches long into the fall, with warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
Click here to access the U.S. Census Bureau data for Canon City.
COST OF LIVING
With its low cost of living, excellent environmental quality, and outstanding educational facilities, Fremont County offers an attractive lifestyle to its residents and a diversity of opportunities and amenities to new and expanding businesses. Living is affordable and enjoyable. The cost of living in Cañon City is below the national average. Fremont County's cost of living index is 91.1. The national average is 99.52.
Taxes
State Individual Tax is 4.63% of Colorado Taxable Income. There is no city or county individual tax. Colorado has a pension exclusion of $20,000 per individual for persons whose ages are between 55 and 64. This exclusion is raised to $24,000 for persons 65 years of age or older. Vehicle License Tax is a percentage of the list price and vehicle weight. Real Property Tax in Colorado is assessed by the political subdivision in which the property is located. The assessed valuation in Fremont County, for tax purposes, was 29% of the total value of commercial property and 9.35% of residential property in 2000.
LOCATION AND LANDSCAPE
Cañon City, county seat of Fremont County, is located at the mouth of the Royal Gorge in the foothills of the Rockies, 100 miles from Denver, 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, and 35 miles west of Pueblo. The Arkansas River extends the entire 60-mile length of Fremont County and flows through the city of Cañon City. The Cañon City metropolitan area has a total population in excess of 29,000, with over 47,000 Fremont County residents.
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ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Downtown
Cañon City's downtown area is listed on the National Historical Register, as it is abundant in early 1900's architecture. The quaint atmosphere of the downtown area warrants a shopping trip to visit the local boutiques and merchants. Downtown Cañon City has been well preserved over the years, and as such, is the largest historical commercial district in Colorado.
The Arts
Gracing Cañon City is the oldest community arts council in the United States, showcased in several arts events throughout the year. Abundant art studios, galleries, theater productions, and crafts people, along with a public library and several museums keep the arts alive in this mountain town. People in our community have diverse interests, as evidenced by over 150 clubs and organizations, and 40+ spiritual affiliations in the area rounding out the cultural experience in Cañon City.
The Outdoors/Water Recreation
The area is ideal for world-class fishing, rafting, hunting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, and other outdoor recreation. Cañon City is fortunate to have a River Walk which provides beauty and healthful recreation along the Arkansas River. There are also many small parks among the residential neighborhoods, and glorious mountain parks surrounding the community. An 18-hole, privately owned golf course lies in the hills south of town. For the youth in our community, Cañon City boasts a new skate park, skating rink, public and private swimming pools, 'under-21' events and a thriving Recreation District offering sports opportunities and programs.
Mountain Biking
Horseback Riding
The trails near Cañon City, Colorado are located in the San Carlos Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest. The town is minutes from trailheads in the San Carlos Ranger District and is the major supply point for those riding in the region. Trails range in elevation from 8,600 feet to 9,720 feet.
Wildlife
Wildlife prospers throughout the area and can be seen without much effort. The most prevalent wildlife includes deer, rabbits, hummingbirds and chipmunks. However, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bears, elk, bald eagles, and antelope can be seen as well.
Parks
Golf
ACCESS TO SERVICES
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met in Cañon City by both traditional and alternative means. The community hospital underwent an exciting $18 million construction project that was completed in 2006 and includes a new ICU, new surgery center, new private patient rooms and a Health & Wellness Institute. Complete care is provided by family physicians, specialists and quality nursing home care facilities as well as home care, health food stores, fitness centers and a variety of counseling services.
Shopping
You can check out unique local shops and services for every need you might have in downtown Cañon City and the Royal Gorge. Small downtown shops are most popular in the city and there is a shop for everyone.