Rio Grande County, Colorado
Rio Grande County is located in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado, where wide-open agricultural lands meet dramatic mountain scenery. Del Norte serves as the county seat, while Monte Vista is the largest community.
The Rio Grande flows through the county and gives it its name. The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is an important stop for migratory birds, especially sandhill cranes, while the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a striking backdrop to the valley.
U.S. Highway 160 crosses the county, connecting it with Alamosa and other communities across southern Colorado. With a population of around 12,000, Rio Grande County relies heavily on farming and ranching, with potato production being one of its best-known agricultural industries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Rio Grande County |
| County Seat | Del Norte |
| Etymology | Named after the Rio Grande River, which runs through the county |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Del Norte, Monte Vista, South Fork |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 160, U.S. Highway 285, State Highway 112 |
| FIPS Code | 08-105 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 912 square miles (land: 912 sq mi, water: 0.5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Saguache County (North), Alamosa County (East), Conejos County (South), Archuleta County (Southwest), Mineral County (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT) |
| Population | Approximately 12,000 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 37.6659° N, 106.3636° W |
| Major Landmarks | Rio Grande National Forest, Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Beaver Creek Reservoir |
