Jackson County, Colorado
Jackson County is located in north-central Colorado, high in the Rocky Mountains. Much of the county consists of North Park, a broad, high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains. Walden serves as the county seat and only incorporated town, giving the area a small and remote character.
Ranching remains an important part of the local economy, with hay and cattle among the main agricultural products. The county is surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Medicine Bow Mountains, and supports abundant wildlife. It is known as the “Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado” because of its large moose population.
With fewer than 1,300 residents, Jackson County is one of Colorado’s least populated counties. Hunting and fishing attract visitors, particularly during the fall, while the county’s remote setting and wide-open landscapes offer a peaceful mountain experience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Jackson County |
| County Seat | Walden |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Walden, Cowdrey, Rand, North Park (region) |
| Interstates and Highways | US 40, CO 125 |
| FIPS Code | 08-057 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,634 square miles (Land: 1,631 sq mi, Water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Albany County, Wyoming (Northeast), Larimer County (East), Grand County (South), Routt County (West), Carbon County, Wyoming (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Population | Approximately 1,300 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 40.7335° N, 106.2571° W |
| Major Landmarks | North Park, Arapaho National Forest, Jackson County Fairgrounds |
