Pine, Colorado Weather Cams
Pine, Colorado
US 285 MP 231.00 NB at CR 83/S Elk Creek Rd in Shaffers Crossing: Looking North
Rails, Rhubarb, and Resilience: The Story of Pine Grove, Colorado
Pine, Colorado Weather Cams. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Pine—historically known as Pine Grove—is a small but storied community in Jefferson County, Colorado. Though modest in size, its legacy is rich with frontier grit, railroad ambition, and a deep connection to the natural beauty of the South Platte River Valley.
Origins and the Railroad Era
Pine Grove was officially platted in August 1886 by Charles Dake, during a time when the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad was expanding its reach into Colorado’s mountainous interior. The town’s original layout included a depot, a rail yard, and 13 streets with approximately 350 lots. It quickly became a hub for railroad workers and Denverites seeking a summer escape from the city’s heat.
The railroad was more than a transportation link—it was the town’s lifeblood. It brought tourists, mail, and goods, and it connected Pine Grove to the broader economic currents of the late 19th century. The area’s cool climate, trout-filled streams, and pine-scented air made it a popular destination for vacationers. Resorts and summer homes sprang up, and the town’s population swelled during the warmer months.
A Community Takes Root
As Pine Grove grew, so did its civic institutions. The Pine Grove Cemetery Association was formed in 1901, and the community began to develop a sense of permanence. Wealthy Denver businessmen built summer retreats in the area, and the town’s reputation as a peaceful mountain getaway solidified.
However, the rise of the automobile and the decline of rail travel in the early 20th century marked a turning point. In 1937, the train stopped running through Pine Grove, ending an era and forcing the town to adapt.
Mid-Century Resilience and Civic Spirit
Despite the loss of the railroad, Pine Grove’s residents remained committed to their community. In 1947, the Pine-Elk Creek Improvement Association (PECIA) was founded to unite residents—both permanent and seasonal—in preserving and enhancing the area’s natural and cultural resources.
The following year, PECIA received its first fire truck, donated by a local resident. A firehouse was built on Main Street in 1949, and the community center was established in a former church building later that year. These institutions became focal points for local gatherings, dances, and fundraisers, reinforcing the town’s strong sense of identity.
Historic Recognition and Cultural Traditions
In 1974, Pine Grove and a ten-mile stretch of the North Fork of the South Platte River were added to the National Register of Historic Places as the North Fork Historic District. This designation recognized the area’s well-preserved 19th-century architecture and its significance as a railroad-era resort corridor.
Among the district’s notable structures are the South Platte Hotel, which once served as a railroad station and post office, and the Blue Jay Inn, a beloved local landmark. The district also includes remnants of the original railroad bed, now graveled over but still visible in places.
One of Pine Grove’s most cherished traditions is the Annual Rhubarb Festival, which began in 1988 as a casual gathering of friends enjoying pancakes and rhubarb sauce. Over time, it evolved into a community-wide celebration and fundraiser for PECIA and the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department. The festival became a symbol of Pine Grove’s enduring spirit and was held annually through 2022, with brief pauses due to the High Meadow Fire in 2000 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The Natural Landscape and Outdoor Recreation
Pine Grove’s setting is as much a part of its story as its people. Surrounded by Pike National Forest and adjacent to Pine Valley Ranch Park, the area offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The North Fork of the South Platte River, which flows through town, is renowned for its trout fishing and scenic beauty.
The nearby Cathedral Spires and Buffalo Creek Recreation Area attract climbers and campers, while Pine Lake provides opportunities for fishing and ice skating. A section of the Colorado Trail also passes through the area, offering a taste of Colorado’s backcountry to adventurous visitors.
Jefferson County: The Broader Context
Pine Grove’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Jefferson County, which was established in 1861 with Golden as its county seat. The county’s early economy was driven by mining, ranching, and agriculture, but it also played a pivotal role in Colorado’s transportation history. The arrival of the Colorado Central Railroad in the 1870s and the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad in the 1880s helped shape the region’s development.
Jefferson County has long been a gateway to the Rockies, and its diverse heritage includes everything from dinosaur tracks to Cold War-era missile sites. Pine Grove, with its blend of rustic charm and historical significance, embodies the county’s frontier legacy and its ongoing relationship with the land.
A Living Legacy
Today, Pine Grove remains a quiet, close-knit community that honors its past while embracing the rhythms of mountain life. Its historic buildings, community institutions, and natural surroundings continue to draw visitors and residents alike. Though the trains no longer run and the resorts have faded, the spirit of Pine Grove endures—in the laughter at the Rhubarb Festival, the quiet of a forest trail, and the stories passed down from one generation to the next.
For those who wander off Highway 285 and into this hidden valley, Pine Grove offers more than a glimpse into Colorado’s past—it offers a reminder of the enduring power of place.
For more information, visit the Pine, Colorado website.