Map of Rio Grande County, Colorado - Where is Located & List of Cities

Map of Rio Grande County - Rio Grande County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. Rio Grande County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Rio Grande County located in the map, major cities in Rio Grande county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Rio Grande County, Colorado

Map of Rio Grande County, Colorado

Rio Grande County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. It's county seat is Del Norte. As per 2020 census, the population of Rio Grande County is 11408 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 913.10 sq mi (2,365 km2). Rio Grande County was established on -9454.

Rio Grande County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateColorado
County SeatDel Norte
Largest City/TownMonte Vista
Established1874
Total Area912 sq mi (2,362 sq km)
Land Area912 sq mi (2,362 sq km)
Water Area0.3 sq mi (0.8 sq km)
Population11,539 (Census 2020)
Population Density12.6 people per sq mi
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone (MST/MDT)
Major HighwaysUS Highway 160, US Highway 285, State Highway 112
Major RiversRio Grande
Neighboring CountiesSaguache County, Mineral County, Conejos County, Hinsdale County
Famous ForSan Luis Valley agriculture, Rio Grande headwaters region, Monte Vista cranes, and outdoor recreation
Top AttractionsMonte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, Wolf Creek Pass nearby
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Rio Grande County, Colorado

Rio Grande County is located in south-central Colorado in the United States and was established in 1874. The county seat is Del Norte, while Monte Vista is the largest city. The county is known for agriculture, mountain scenery, wildlife refuges, Rio Grande history, and recreation opportunities within the San Luis Valley.

Cities and Towns in Rio Grande County, Colorado

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Monte Vista4,24737.5792°N, 106.1489°W
Del Norte (county seat)1,45837.6781°N, 106.3531°W
South Fork38637.6700°N, 106.6398°W
Center nearby areaRegional agricultural community37.7539°N, 106.1086°W
HomelakeHistoric community37.5722°N, 106.0989°W
La Garita areaScenic valley region37.8500°N, 106.3000°W
Wagon Wheel GapHistoric recreation area37.7711°N, 106.8297°W
Rio Grande Valley regionAgricultural landscape area37.6500°N, 106.2500°W

Golf Courses in Rio Grande County, Colorado

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Monte Vista Golf ClubMonte Vista37.5792°N, 106.1483°W
Rio Grande Club & ResortSouth Fork37.6669°N, 106.6372°W
Cattails Golf CourseAlamosa nearby37.4725°N, 105.8731°W

Roads and Highways in Rio Grande County, Colorado

Major highways connect the county to the San Luis Valley, mountain passes, and southern Colorado communities.

  • US Highway 160 - major east-west route connecting Monte Vista with Wolf Creek Pass and Alamosa
  • US Highway 285 - north-south highway linking the San Luis Valley with Denver and New Mexico
  • Colorado State Highway 112 - regional route serving agricultural communities in the valley

Neighboring Counties of Rio Grande County

  • Saguache County (north)
  • Hinsdale County (northwest)
  • Mineral County (west)
  • Conejos County (south)

Top Attractions in Rio Grande County, Colorado

The county offers a mix of wildlife, scenic, and outdoor recreation attractions.

  • Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge - famous birdwatching area known for sandhill crane migration
  • Rio Grande Scenic Railroad - historic rail excursions through mountain and valley landscapes
  • Wolf Creek Pass nearby - scenic mountain pass and winter recreation route
  • Rio Grande National Forest recreation areas - hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities
  • South Fork recreation region - gateway to skiing, fishing, and mountain recreation
  • Del Norte Historic District - historic buildings, local shops, and western heritage attractions
  • Wagon Wheel Gap historic area - former hot springs and recreation destination
  • San Luis Valley agricultural landscapes - scenic farming and open valley views
  • Penitente Canyon nearby - climbing and hiking destination
  • Rio Grande fishing areas - trout fishing and riverside recreation
  • Annual crane migration festivals - wildlife and photography events during spring migration
  • La Garita Wilderness nearby - alpine hiking and wilderness exploration destination

Distance from Rio Grande County to Nearby Cities

The following distances are measured by road (driving).

  • Monte Vista to Alamosa (Alamosa County), Colorado - 18 mi (29 km)
  • Monte Vista to South Fork (Rio Grande County), Colorado - 17 mi (27 km)
  • Monte Vista to Pagosa Springs (Archuleta County), Colorado - 85 mi (137 km)
  • Monte Vista to Salida (Chaffee County), Colorado - 108 mi (174 km)
  • Monte Vista to Durango (La Plata County), Colorado - 121 mi (195 km)
  • Monte Vista to Colorado Springs (El Paso County), Colorado - 166 mi (267 km)
  • Monte Vista to Santa Fe (Santa Fe County), New Mexico - 163 mi (262 km)
  • Monte Vista to Denver (Denver County), Colorado - 238 mi (383 km)
  • Monte Vista to Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), New Mexico - 221 mi (356 km)
  • Monte Vista to Grand Junction (Mesa County), Colorado - 235 mi (378 km)
  • Monte Vista to Taos (Taos County), New Mexico - 119 mi (191 km)
  • Monte Vista to Gunnison (Gunnison County), Colorado - 127 mi (204 km)

FAQs about Rio Grande County

Where is Rio Grande County located?

Rio Grande County is located in south-central Colorado within the San Luis Valley region of the United States.

What is the population of Rio Grande County?

The population of Rio Grande County was 11,539 according to the Census 2020.

What is Rio Grande County known for?

Rio Grande County is known for agriculture, sandhill crane migration, mountain recreation, and the Rio Grande Valley.

What are the major highways in Rio Grande County?

The county is served by US Highway 160, US Highway 285, and Colorado State Highway 112.

What are the top attractions in Rio Grande County?

Popular attractions include the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, South Fork recreation areas, and nearby Wolf Creek Pass.

References

  1. QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
  2. United States Census Bureau
  3. United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  4. National Geodetic Survey
  5. Official Website