Overview
Ault is a small agricultural community in Weld County, Colorado, situated on the High Plains roughly 15 miles east of Greeley and about 50 miles north of Denver. With a population of around 1,600 residents, it functions as a quiet, close-knit farming town surrounded by wide-open ranch and cropland.
The town sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet above sea level, giving it the characteristic big-sky atmosphere of the eastern Colorado plains. Cattle ranching, grain farming, and oil and gas production are the economic pillars of the surrounding area.
For travelers, Ault is best understood as a genuine small-town stop rather than a destination in itself. Its appeal lies in its unhurried pace, prairie scenery, and proximity to more developed destinations along the US-85 corridor. Visitors passing through often appreciate the authenticity of a working agricultural community that sees relatively little tourist traffic.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Ault is located in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the US Department of State (travel.state.gov).
What to Pack
- Layers are essential year-round. Even summer days can turn cool after sunset on the plains, and winds can be persistent.
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) is strongly recommended; UV exposure is higher at this elevation.
- Winter visits (November–February) require warm outerwear, as temperatures can drop well below freezing and snowstorms are possible.
Connectivity and Services
Ault has basic local services including a post office, a few local businesses, and a public school. Mobile coverage can be variable on the surrounding plains. Plan accordingly if you are traveling into more rural areas nearby. ATM and banking services are limited; verify locally or carry sufficient cash.
Getting There
By Car
Ault is most conveniently reached by car. US Highway 85 passes through or near town and connects directly to Greeley to the south and Fort Collins to the northwest. The drive from Denver takes roughly 60–75 minutes under normal conditions via I-25 north and connecting roads. From Fort Collins, Ault is approximately 20–25 minutes by car.
By Air
The closest commercial airport with regular service is Denver International Airport (DEN), approximately 60–70 miles to the south. Fort Collins–Loveland Airport (FNL) is smaller and closer but has limited commercial routes; verify current service before planning.
Public Transportation
Ault does not have intercity bus or rail service directly to the town. Travelers relying on public transit should reach Greeley first, then arrange a car rental or ride service for the remaining distance. Verify current availability of ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) in this area before relying on them, as coverage in small rural towns can be inconsistent.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is the practical necessity for getting around Ault and the surrounding area. The town itself is small enough to walk across in a short time, but accessing nearby attractions, farmland, and neighboring communities requires driving.
There is no local public transit within Ault. Roads in the area are generally flat and straightforward, typical of the plains grid system, which makes navigation simple. County and state roads connect Ault to surrounding towns and rural sites.
Where to Stay
There are no large hotels or established lodging chains within Ault itself. Travelers typically base themselves in Greeley or Fort Collins, both of which have a range of hotels, motels, and chain accommodations at various price points.
Occasionally, rural bed-and-breakfast or ranch-stay options exist in Weld County; search current booking platforms to verify availability and current operators, as these smaller properties change ownership and availability frequently. If camping is of interest, check Colorado Parks and Wildlife resources for designated sites in the surrounding region.
Things to See & Do
Local Character and Scenery
The primary draw for visitors is the authentic plains landscape and the unhurried atmosphere of a small Colorado farming town. Long, unobstructed views across the High Plains, large agricultural operations, and stargazing opportunities (light pollution is minimal compared to urban areas) are accessible simply by being in the area.
Nearby Outdoor Recreation
The region offers access to typical eastern Colorado outdoor activities. Hunters and anglers sometimes use the Ault area as a base for accessing Weld County's public lands. Cyclists occasionally ride the quiet county roads through the surrounding farmland. For more developed outdoor recreation, Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins and Pawnee National Grassland to the northeast are within reasonable driving distance.
Local Events
Small agricultural towns in Weld County often hold community events tied to the school calendar and local traditions. Verify with the town or local sources for any current community gatherings or seasonal events, as these change year to year.
Food & Drink
Dining options within Ault are limited given the town's size. There are a small number of local establishments; verify what is currently operating by checking locally before your visit, as small-town businesses can change.
Greeley, approximately 15 miles to the west, offers a significantly broader range of restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores and is the practical destination for most meal planning when visiting the Ault area. Fort Collins, roughly 25–30 miles northwest, has an extensive food and drink scene including a well-established craft brewery district.
If you are self-catering or picnicking, stock up on groceries in Greeley or Fort Collins before arriving in Ault.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For emergencies anywhere in the United States, dial 911. The Weld County Sheriff's Office serves the area around Ault. The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are in Greeley; verify the specific facility and address locally before your trip.
Fuel and Supplies
Basic fuel and limited supplies are available in Ault, but travelers should not rely on the town for specialty items. Stock up in Greeley or Fort Collins for longer excursions into the surrounding rural areas.
Weather Awareness
The High Plains can produce severe weather, including afternoon thunderstorms in summer and sudden blizzards in winter. Monitor local weather forecasts (weather.gov is a reliable resource) before traveling, especially on unpaved county roads that can become impassable in wet or snowy conditions.
Safety
Ault is a low-crime rural community. Standard common-sense precautions apply. Wildlife such as rattlesnakes can be present in the surrounding plains vegetation, particularly in warmer months; watch your step when walking in tall grass or rocky areas.
Driving on rural county roads, especially unpaved ones, requires care. Roads can be dusty, narrow, or rutted and may become muddy and impassable after heavy rain. Always let someone know your route if traveling into remote areas.
