Queen Bees, Bee Packages, Beekeeping Equipment
Welcome to
5280 Apiaries is a Colorado-based beekeeping operation focused on building healthy, well-managed hives and supporting responsible beekeeping in a challenging mountain climate.
Limited supply of Nucleus Hives are available throughout the Summer!
Big thank you to all who purchased from us during the 2026 Spring Season! The support was overwhelming and we cant be more grateful to meet new friends and fellow beekeepers.
Now is the time to secure your 2026 Nucleus hive with 5280 Apiaries! When you purchase from us, not only do you get bees, you get support.
Each 5 frame nuc includes drawn comb, brood in multiple stages, food stores, and a proven laying queen.
See the Nucleus Hive sales page for more information!
Are We sold out — or are you not ready to Commit?
No worries.
You can join the waitlist and we'll reach out as pickup dates firm up, or if a nuc becomes available.
No pressure. Please include your name, phone number and any questions you may have.
Inventory
New to Beekeeping? That's Great!
Our Story Unveiled
I am a third-generation beekeeper and a second-generation Colorado beekeeper. Before returning to bees, I served as an Army Airborne Infantry paratrooper.
My first experience with beekeeping was as a teenager, working alongside my father. I remember getting stung a lot, lifting heavy boxes, and not fully understanding what I was doing; only that the bees demanded respect. After those early years, I stepped away from beekeeping, and the spring of 2015, I came back to it on my own.
That return was humbling. I purchased a queen and installed her with a small group of nurse bees and a bit of honey. About three days went by and nothing seemed to happen. Confused and frustrated, I called my father. He reminded me gently of lessons he had already taught me as a child that I clearly had forgotten.
My mother showed up that evening with five frames of brood and bees to reinforce what had become a stranded queen.
That hive grew and that queen went on to become one of the best I’ve ever kept. Valkyrie is what I named her. She built into three deep boxes by her second season and taught me more than any book ever could. Since then, I’ve been researching, observing, and learning nonstop.
Beekeeping is a rabbit hole that never ends. Just when you think you understand it, the bees will humble you. They are always teaching if you’re willing to pay attention.
My goal is simple: to raise strong hives and resilient queens that help create food, flowers, joy, and life. I don’t claim to know everything. But what I do know, I share freely and honestly.
5280 Apiaries exists to support beekeepers; new and experienced alike, and to treat bees with the respect they deserve.
Services
