Lake County, Colorado
Lake County is located high in central Colorado and is home to Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America. With a population of about 8,000 people, the county remains small and relatively quiet.
The county takes its name from Twin Lakes, two glacial lakes located at the foot of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak. The surrounding mountains create a dramatic alpine landscape and offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Lake County has a rich mining history, with historic silver mines and other remnants of its past scattered throughout the region. Today, tourism plays an important role, with skiing at Ski Cooper popular in winter and hiking, fishing, and exploring the mountain landscape drawing visitors during the summer.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lake County |
| County Seat | Leadville |
| Etymology | Named for the numerous lakes in the area |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Leadville, Twin Lakes, Climax, and others |
| Interstates and Highways | US 24, CO 91 |
| FIPS Code | 08-065 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 384 square miles (Land: 377 sq mi, Water: 7 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Eagle County (North), Summit County (Northeast), Park County (East), Chaffee County (South), Pitkin County (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Population | Approximately 8,000 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 39.1893° N, 106.2930° W |
| Major Landmarks | Mount Elbert (Colorado’s highest peak), Leadville Historic District, Turquoise Lake |
