Dolores County, Colorado

Dolores County is located in southwestern Colorado, tucked away in the mountains. It is one of the least populated counties in the state, with only about 2,500 residents.

Dove Creek serves as the county seat and is known as the “Pinto Bean Capital of the World.” Agriculture includes beans and wheat, while ranching remains important, with cattle grazing across high mountain meadows.

The Dolores River cuts through the county, creating spectacular canyons and scenic landscapes. Much of the area consists of public land, providing opportunities for hunting, hiking, and exploring. Rico, a historic mining town, is working to attract more visitors and develop its tourism industry. With its remote setting and limited services, Dolores County offers a quiet and rugged side of Colorado.

County NameDolores CountyCounty SeatDove CreekPopulationApproximately 2,500Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesDove Creek, Rico, TowaocInterstates and HighwaysUS 491, CO 145, CO 184FIPS Code08-033Total Area (Land and Water)1,163 square miles (Land: 1,154 sq mi, Water: 9 sq mi)Adjacent Counties (and Direction)San Miguel County (North), San Juan County (East), Montezuma County (South), La Plata County (Southeast), San Juan County, Utah (West)Time ZoneMountain Standard Time (MST)StateColoradoCoordinates37.5575° N, 108.4680° WEtymologyNamed after the Dolores River, which was named by Spanish explorers for the Virgin Mary of Sorrows (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores)Major LandmarksDolores River Canyon, McPhee Reservoir, the San Juan Mountains
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