Bailey, Colorado was named for William Lewis Bailey who settled in 1884. The railroad, which came into the area around 1878, helped with the growth of the community. The trains carried timber for building and provided transportation for the miners who were part of the “Leadville boom”.

In the late 1800s, Bailey was home to miners and the Ute Indians who camped across the Platte River. Today, the area is home to many who commute to work in Denver. Modern subdivisions such as Burland Ranchettes, Roland Valley, Deer Creek Valley Ranchos, to name a few, offer a quality mountain lifestyle with an easy commute not only to Denver, but to the best skiing in the world.

Bailey and the surrounding areas are a recreational and nature lovers delight! Recreational pursuits include: mountain biking over an extensive network of old logging roads and connecting trails designated by the US Forest Service; hiking and horse trails in National and State Wilderness Area; fishing areas and camping

Historically, ranching, logging and mining provided local employment. Today the majority of people living in the Platte Canyon area commute to jobs in Denver, 45 miles to the northeast and many of these take advantage of the RTD bus service. There is considerable opportunity for new businesses to support the area’s burgeoning heritage, tourism and outdoor recreation markets.