Empire is approximately forty miles west of Denver and ten miles east of the Continental Divide at an elevation of 8,601 ft. Surrounded completely by BLM and Forest Service property, the town is a unique hamlet. Within 40 minutes of the Denver metropolitan region, its culture, and global access, Empire's closest neighbors are still the grazing Rocky Mountain sheep, elk, and many other mountain inhabitants who frequent town limits.
Empire lies nestled in the middle of a star-shaped valley framed by the mountains Douglas, Lincoln, Covode and Eureka. Steep mountain slopes rise to the north and Douglas Mountain and Union Pass lie to the sounth. Climatic conditions are characteristic of a high alititude, dry continental surrounding. Northern facing slopes are characterized by tall pine forests, and dotted with aspens.
U.S. Highway 40 bisects the town and serves as a major conduit and alternate route between Denver and points west, including, Winter Park Ski Area, Granby and Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain Naional Park, Steamboat and Salt Lake City.
The gold miners who founded the Town are gone, but they left Empire rich with legacy. Numerous mine sites, homes, many of which were built in a miner/victorian style, a business district dominated by traditional western facades, along with a historic cemetery, all chronicle Empire's long and varied past.
Empire today, although small, has approximately fifteen businesses, which include the historic Peck House restaurant and hotel, Jenny's restuaurant, Lewis Sweet Shop, gas station, antique shops, coffee shop, convienence/liquor store and laundry. In addition, the town has a fine visitor's center and park on the main highway, with public restrooms, parking and space to enjoy the scenery. Also Minton park which has a baseball field and playground.
