Saguache County, Colorado
Saguache County is located in the remote San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado, where wide-open landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery create a distinctly peaceful atmosphere. The small town of Saguache serves as the county seat and offers a historic connection to the surrounding Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains.
The county features a striking mix of high desert plains, mountain valleys, and rugged peaks. Its remote location makes it an appealing destination for travelers looking to explore Colorado away from the more crowded resort areas.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve extends into the southeastern part of the county, where enormous sand dunes rise dramatically against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With its unusual combination of desert-like terrain and alpine scenery, Saguache County is a unique and scenic corner of Colorado.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Saguache County |
| County Seat | Saguache |
| Etymology | Derived from a Ute word meaning “sand dune” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Saguache, Crestone, Center, Moffat, Villa Grove, Bonanza |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 285, U.S. Highway 50, State Highway 17, State Highway 114 |
| FIPS Code | 08-109 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,170 square miles (land: 3,168 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Chaffee County (North), Fremont County (Northeast), Custer County (East), Huerfano County (Southeast), Rio Grande County (South), Alamosa County (South), Mineral County (Southwest), Hinsdale County (Southwest), Gunnison County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT) |
| Population | Approximately 7,000 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 38.0875° N, 106.2211° W |
| Major Landmarks | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, San Luis Valley, Sangre de Cristo Mountains |
