Overview of Somerset, CO

Tucked into a narrow canyon along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway (Highway 133), Somerset is a community defined by the North Fork of the Gunnison River and a deep legacy of coal mining. Historically a "company town" that powered the region, Somerset in 2025 is a quiet, linear settlement that serves as the gateway between the fruit orchards of Paonia and the alpine grandeur of Kebler Pass. It offers a rugged, unpolished alternative to the resort towns, appealing to those who appreciate industrial history and raw canyon beauty.

Somerset appeals to the buyer looking for riverfront access and solitude. The real estate market is niche and limited; inventory consists primarily of historic miner’s cottages that hug the riverbanks, rustic cabins, and larger parcels of land stretching up the canyon walls. While major mining operations have scaled back or closed, the town retains a distinct, hardworking character. For buyers priced out of the Roaring Fork Valley (located just over McClure Pass), Somerset represents one of the last affordable frontiers for mountain living, though inventory is often scarce.

Paonia Reservoir & The West Elk Loop

In Somerset, the lifestyle is aquatic and adventurous. The community sits directly adjacent to Paonia State Park and the Paonia Reservoir, a haven for water skiing, boat fishing, and camping. Unlike many high-alpine lakes, the reservoir allows for powerboating, making it a summer hotspot for locals. The surrounding Ragged Wilderness offers dramatic hiking and hunting opportunities, with trails that wind through aspen groves and dark timber.

Life here is lived on the edge of the wilderness. Residents are treated to a daily scenic drive; Highway 133 is widely considered one of the most beautiful roads in Colorado, especially in the fall when the scrub oak and aspens turn fiery red and gold. While amenities in Somerset itself are minimal (often limited to a post office or seasonal stop), the vibrant farm-to-table dining and wineries of Paonia are just a 15-minute drive down the canyon, providing the perfect balance of isolation and culture.

Landscape, Climate, and Schools

Sitting at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet, Somerset occupies a transition zone. The canyon walls protect the town from the harshest winds, creating a microclimate that is cooler than the desert valley floor but milder than the high peaks. The landscape is vertical and dramatic, dominated by the river and the steep, coal-rich slopes.

Although located in Gunnison County, the geography dictates that families are served by the Delta County School District 50J in nearby Paonia. Students typically attend Paonia Elementary and Paonia High School, which are accessible year-round (unlike the road to Gunnison, which closes in winter). This connects Somerset youth with the strong agricultural and arts communities of the North Fork Valley. It is a place where nature dictates the daily rhythm, from the flow of the river to the closing of the mountain passes in winter.

Why Buy a Property in Somerset?

Buying real estate in Somerset is an investment in a unique slice of Colorado history. It offers the rare opportunity to own property with immediate river frontage and highway access for a fraction of the cost found in nearby Marble or Carbondale. If you are looking for a fishing cabin, a basecamp for hunting the Raggeds, or a quiet home where the river lulls you to sleep, Somerset is your canyon retreat.