Las Animas County, Colorado
Las Animas County is located in southeastern Colorado, with Trinidad serving as the county seat. The town has a growing arts scene, while the surrounding area is known for its wide-open landscapes and historic sites. The county also features notable dinosaur trackways for visitors interested in prehistoric history.
The county is one of Colorado’s largest by area, but much of it remains sparsely populated and devoted to ranching. The Purgatoire River Canyon offers striking scenery, while Fishers Peak State Park provides opportunities to explore one of the region’s most prominent natural landmarks.
Las Animas County is characterized by high desert terrain that is dry, open, and often windswept. It may not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy solitude, rugged scenery, and wide-open spaces, the county offers a distinctive side of Colorado.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Las Animas County |
| County Seat | Trinidad |
| Etymology | Named after the Animas River, originally “Rio de las Animas Perdidas,” which means “River of Lost Souls” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Trinidad, Aguilar, Branson, Cokedale, Kim, Starkville, Weston, Segundo |
| Interstates and Highways | I-25, U.S. Highway 160, U.S. Highway 350, State Highway 12, State Highway 389 |
| FIPS Code | 08-071 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 4,775 square miles (land: 4,773 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Otero County (North), Pueblo County (North), Bent County (Northeast), Baca County (East), Union County, New Mexico (South), Colfax County, New Mexico (Southwest), Costilla County (West), Huerfano County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT) |
| Population | Approximately 14,000 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 37.1463° N, 104.0061° W |
| Major Landmarks | Trinidad Lake State Park, Spanish Peaks, Fisher’s Peak, Comanche National Grassland |
