Rio Grande County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,539. The county seat is Del Norte. The county is named for the Rio Grande (Spanish language for "Big River"), which flows through the county.

Description

The gateway to the San Juan Mountains, Rio Grande County is one of the highlights of the San Luis Valley. The county covers ranging from approximately on valley floor to several peaks. There are three municipalities within the county, Monte Vista, Del Norte, and South Fork and all have been historically developed along the rail line that follows the Rio Grande.

Monte Vista is the county's largest community situated on the valley floor. "Monte", as locals call it, is the center of the agricultural aspect of the county. There are numerous festivals, events, and clubs that take place in and around Monte Vista, and the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a stop for migratory Sand Hill Cranes every year.

Del Norte is a quaint town with a focus on its historic past; it is the county seat, home to the Rio Grande County Museum, and maintains a historic façade in its main street.

The newest town in Rio Grande County is South Fork. South Fork is surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest and other public lands and has easy access to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Developed as a logging center it has become a gem of the Valley with a booming housing market, world-class 18-hole golf course, and the distinction of being the "Gateway to the Silver Thread" scenic byway.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (0.04%) is water.

Adjacent counties

  • Saguache County - north
  • Alamosa County - east
  • Conejos County - south
  • Archuleta County - southwest
  • Mineral County - west

Major highways

  • 20px U.S. Highway 160
  • 20px U.S. Highway 285
  • 20px State Highway 15
  • 20px State Highway 112
  • 20px State Highway 149
  • 20px State Highway 368
  • 20px State Highway 370

National protected areas

  • Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
  • Rio Grande National Forest

Trails and byways

  • Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
  • Old Spanish National Historic Trail
  • Silver Thread Scenic Byway

Demographics