How Many Counties In Colorado
If you are planning a trip to the Centennial State or simply brushing up on your geography, you might find yourself wondering exactly how many counties in colorado exist today. The direct answer is that Colorado is divided into 64 distinct counties, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling urban centers of the Front Range to the quiet, rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, these counties shape the administrative and cultural landscape of the state.
Understanding the layout of these counties is essential for navigating the state's diverse terrain and local regulations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history behind these borders, highlight key administrative details, and share insider tips for exploring the most scenic regions. Whether you are a local resident or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you understand the unique identity of Colorado's counties.
Colorado Counties Overview
When Colorado was admitted to the Union in 1876, it did not start with the 64 counties we know today. The original territorial legislature created just 17 counties in 1861, which were gradually split and reorganized as the population grew and mining booms brought new settlers. Over the decades, boundaries shifted to accommodate growing communities, culminating in the creation of the state's newest county, Broomfield, in 2001.
Today, the 64 counties range dramatically in both geographic size and population density. For example, Las Animas County in the southern part of the state is the largest by land area, covering over 4,700 square miles of plains and foothills. In contrast, the City and County of Broomfield is the smallest, spanning just over 33 square miles of suburban landscape north of Denver.
Population distribution across these counties is equally diverse. El Paso County, home to Colorado Springs, is currently the most populous county in the state, closely followed by the City and County of Denver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, San Juan County in the rugged southwest boasts the smallest population, with fewer than 800 year-round residents living amidst its towering peaks.
This geographical and demographic diversity means that county governments in Colorado play a crucial role in local administration. Each county manages its own road maintenance, public health services, land use zoning, and law enforcement through the county sheriff's office. Understanding these divisions is particularly useful for travelers, as local laws and amenities can change as you cross county lines.
Key Details (Address, Hours, Cost)
For visitors and residents needing to conduct business, access public records, or visit county parks, knowing where to go is key. Because there are 64 counties, there is no single central office, but rather 64 individual county seats. Below are details for three of the most frequently visited county administrative hubs in the state.
City and County of Denver
- Address: Wellington Webb Municipal Office Building, 201 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding state holidays)
- Cost: Free to enter public areas; parking rates in nearby garages vary from $5 to $20 depending on the time of day.
El Paso County (County Seat: Colorado Springs)
- Address: Centennial Hall, 200 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Cost: Public entry is free; metered street parking is available nearby for a nominal hourly fee.
Larimer County (County Seat: Fort Collins)
- Address: Larimer County Administrative Services, 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Cost: Access to the building is free; local street parking is generally free for the first two hours.
If you are planning to visit county-managed parks or open spaces, be aware that fees can vary. While many counties offer free access to their trail systems, others require a daily or annual parking permit. For example, Larimer County and Boulder County manage popular open spaces that require a vehicle permit, which typically costs between $5 and $10 per day.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you set out to explore the different regions of Colorado, it is important to understand the dramatic environmental differences between counties. Traveling from the eastern plains counties like Yuma or Kit Carson to high-altitude mountain counties like Lake or Summit requires careful preparation. The elevation change can impact your health, your vehicle's performance, and your safety.
Altitude sickness is a very real concern when visiting counties situated high in the Rocky Mountains. Lake County, which boasts the highest county seat in the nation at Leadville, sits at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should drink plenty of water, limit physical exertion during their first 24 hours, and avoid alcohol to help their bodies adjust.
Weather conditions can also vary drastically from one county to the next, even if they are right next to each other. A sunny day in Jefferson County can easily translate to a blinding snowstorm just up the road in Clear Creek County. Always check the weather forecast for your specific destination county and keep an eye on road conditions via the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website.
Additionally, seasonal fire restrictions are implemented at the county level. During the dry summer months, individual county sheriffs will issue Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire bans based on local moisture levels. It is your responsibility to check the active fire restrictions for the specific county you are visiting before starting a campfire or using charcoal grills.
Insider Tips & Local Secrets
To truly appreciate the diversity of Colorado's 64 counties, you should look beyond the major tourist hubs. While counties like Pitkin (Aspen) and Summit (Breckenridge) attract millions of visitors, some of the best experiences are found in the lesser-known counties. Locals often head to these hidden gems to escape the crowds and enjoy untouched nature.
One such hidden gem is Hinsdale County, located in the remote San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. It is the most remote county in the lower 48 states, with over 95% of its land managed by the public sector. The county seat, Lake City, offers a historic downtown area and serves as the gateway to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, a paradise for high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
Another local secret is Saguache County, located in the northern end of the vast San Luis Valley. This county is home to the spiritual community of Crestone, as well as the unique UFO Watchtower, which offers panoramic views of the valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution in Saguache County makes it one of the premier destinations for stargazing in North America.
If you are planning a road trip, try driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. This route takes you through Gilpin, Boulder, and Larimer counties, offering stunning views of the Continental Divide. Along the way, you can stop in historic mining towns like Central City and Nederland, which offer a glimpse into the state's rich gold rush history without the heavy traffic of the interstate corridors.
Nearby Attractions
Because Colorado's counties are so geographically diverse, they contain some of the most famous natural and historic attractions in the United States. Depending on which county you find yourself in, you will have access to world-class national parks, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation areas. Here are a few must-visit attractions categorized by their respective counties.
Larimer & Grand Counties: Rocky Mountain National Park
Spanning the border between Larimer County on the east and Grand County on the west, Rocky Mountain National Park is a crown jewel of the National Park System. Visitors can access the park through Estes Park in Larimer County or Grand Lake in Grand County. The park features over 300 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and the famous Trail Ridge Road, which reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet.
El Paso County: Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak
Located in El Paso County, Garden of the Gods is a designated National Natural Landmark featuring towering red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. The park is free to the public and offers paved walking paths, rock climbing, and a world-class visitor center. Just a short drive away, you can drive or take the cog railway to the summit of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired the song "America the Beautiful."
Montezuma County: Mesa Verde National Park
In the southwestern corner of the state, Montezuma County home to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This park protects thousands of archaeological sites, including some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the world. Visitors can take ranger-guided tours to climb down into the dwellings and learn about the rich history of the people who lived there over 700 years ago.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Colorado depends heavily on which counties you plan to explore and what activities you enjoy. Because the state's geography ranges from low-lying plains to peaks over 14,000 feet, seasons manifest differently across the 64 counties. Planning your trip around these seasonal variations will ensure you have the best possible experience.
Summer (June through August) is the prime season for exploring high-altitude mountain counties like San Juan, Gunnison, and Routt. During these months, mountain passes are clear of snow, alpine wildflowers are in full bloom, and hiking trails are fully accessible. It is also the best time for whitewater rafting in Chaffee County along the Arkansas River.
Autumn (September through October) is spectacular for viewing the changing aspen leaves, particularly in counties like Teller, Park, and Summit. The famous "Aspen Glow" turns entire mountainsides into shimmering blankets of gold. Be sure to plan your drives mid-week if possible, as weekend traffic on popular routes like Kenosha Pass in Park County can become heavily congested.
Winter (December through March) is the peak season for ski-resort-heavy counties such as Eagle (Vail), Pitkin (Aspen), and Grand (Winter Park). These areas receive hundreds of inches of snow, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. If you prefer a quieter winter experience, the lower-elevation counties along the Front Range, like Pueblo or Fremont, offer milder temperatures and dry hiking trails even in January.
FAQ
How many counties in Colorado are there?
There are exactly 64 counties in Colorado. The number has remained constant since the creation of Broomfield County in November of 2001.
What is the oldest county in Colorado?
Costilla County, located in the southern San Luis Valley, is considered the oldest county in Colorado. It was established in 1861 as one of the original 17 territorial counties and contains the state's oldest continuously occupied town, San Luis.
What is the newest county in Colorado?
The City and County of Broomfield is the newest county in Colorado. It was officially established on November 15, 2001, separating from portions of Boulder, Adams, Jefferson, and Weld counties to simplify local government administration.
Which Colorado county has the largest land area?
Las Animas County, located along the southern border of the state next to New Mexico, is the largest county by land area. It covers approximately 4,775 square miles of diverse terrain, ranging from flat plains to rugged mountains.
Which Colorado county has the highest elevation?
Lake County holds the distinction of having the highest average elevation of any county in Colorado. It contains Mount Elbert, which is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains at 14,440 feet, and its county seat of Leadville sits at 10,152 feet.
Are there any consolidated city and county governments in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado has two consolidated city and county governments: the City and County of Denver, and the City and County of Broomfield. In these areas, the municipal and county government functions are merged into a single administrative entity.