Moffat County, Colorado

Moffat County is located in the northwestern corner of Colorado, where wide-open landscapes and rugged terrain create a distinctly rural character. Craig serves as the county seat and largest community, while much of the surrounding area remains sparsely populated. Ranching, hunting, and outdoor recreation are important parts of life here.

Dinosaur National Monument extends into the county and is famous for its remarkable fossil discoveries, including dinosaur bones preserved in exposed rock. The Yampa River also provides opportunities for rafting, fishing, and exploring the region’s scenic canyons.

Moffat County is also home to Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, a remote area known for its wildlife, natural scenery, and sense of solitude. Winters can be cold and windy across the open country, but the county’s vast landscapes and strong Western heritage give it a distinctive Colorado character.

CategoryDetails
County NameMoffat County
County SeatCraig
EtymologyNamed after David H. Moffat, a railroad pioneer
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesCraig, Dinosaur, Maybell, Hamilton, Lay, Massadona
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 40, State Highway 13, State Highway 317
FIPS Code08-081
Total Area (Land and Water)4,751 square miles (land: 4,743 sq mi, water: 8 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Routt County (East), Rio Blanco County (South), Uintah County, Utah (West), Daggett County, Utah (West), Sweetwater County, Wyoming (North), Carbon County, Wyoming (North)
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone (MST/MDT)
PopulationApproximately 12,000
StateColorado
Coordinates40.6224° N, 107.6936° W
Major LandmarksDinosaur National Monument, Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Yampa River State Park
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