San Miguel County, Colorado
San Miguel County is located in southwestern Colorado and is best known for the mountain town of Telluride. Once a mining community, Telluride has become a world-famous ski destination while retaining much of its historic character.
The county is surrounded by spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and other outdoor activities during the warmer months. Telluride also hosts the renowned Telluride Film Festival, attracting filmmakers and movie lovers from around the world.
Outside Telluride, much of San Miguel County remains rural and sparsely populated. Norwood has a quieter ranching character and serves as an important community in the western part of the county. Together, the historic towns, rugged mountains, and outdoor recreation give San Miguel County a distinctive southwestern Colorado character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | San Miguel County |
| County Seat | Telluride |
| Etymology | Named after the San Miguel River, which was named by Spanish explorers for Saint Michael |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Telluride, Mountain Village, Norwood, Ophir, Sawpit, Placerville, Egnar |
| Interstates and Highways | State Highway 62, State Highway 145 |
| FIPS Code | 08-113 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,289 square miles (land: 1,287 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Montrose County (North), Ouray County (East), San Juan County (Southeast), Dolores County (South), San Juan County, Utah (West) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT) |
| Population | Approximately 8,500 |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 37.9375° N, 107.8517° W |
| Major Landmarks | Telluride Ski Resort, Bridal Veil Falls, Lizard Head Wilderness, Alta Lakes |
