Walden is the Statutory Town that is the county seat, the most populous community, and the only incorporated municipality in Jackson County, Colorado, United States. It is situated in the center of a large open valley called North Park. People from Walden and the surrounding area refer to themselves as "North Parkers". The town population was 606 at the 2020 census. The town sits at an elevation of 8099 ft. It was established in 1889 and was incorporated December 2, 1890. Mark A. Walden, an early postmaster, gave the community his name.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.3 sqmi, all of it land. The town has declared itself the Moose viewing capital of Colorado.

Climate

Due to its elevation, Walden has a semi-arid climate (BSk), closely bordering on a subalpine climate (Köppen climate classification Dfc). The hottest temperature recorded in Walden was 94 °F on July 6, 1989, August 1, 2000 and July 15, 2002, while the coldest temperature recorded was -48 °F on January 12, 1963, February 2, 2011 and January 6, 2017.

Demographics

Transportation

OATS (Older Americans Transport Service) provides seniors with transportation to Laramie, Wyoming or Steamboat Springs, CO and to Denver International Airport.