La Plata County, Colorado
La Plata County is located in southwestern Colorado, with Durango serving as the main community and county seat. Durango combines a historic Old West atmosphere with a lively college-town character.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the county’s most popular attractions, offering scenic train rides through the rugged San Juan Mountains. Purgatory Resort provides excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter, while nearby Mesa Verde National Park offers a chance to explore remarkable ancient cliff dwellings.
The Animas River runs through the county, providing opportunities for rafting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. U.S. Highway 550 passes through the area as part of the scenic Million Dollar Highway, connecting Durango with the dramatic mountain landscapes of southwestern Colorado. With a population of around 57,000 people, La Plata County combines historic charm, outdoor adventure, and spectacular scenery.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | La Plata County |
| County Seat | Durango |
| Etymology | Named after silver deposits in the area, which in turn is named for the Spanish word for “silver” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Hesperus, and others |
| Interstates and Highways | US 550, US 160 |
| FIPS Code | 08-067 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,773 square miles (Land: 1,690 sq mi, Water: 83 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | San Juan County (North), Hinsdale County (Northeast), Archuleta County (East), San Juan County, New Mexico (South), Montezuma County (West), Dolores County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Population | Approximately 57,000 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 37.2733° N, 107.8800° W |
| Major Landmarks | Mesa Verde National Park, San Juan Mountains, Animas River |
