Cities and Towns in Chaffee County, Colorado
Founded on 1879-02-10, Chaffee County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, Chaffee County was split from Carbonate County. The city of Salida is the county seat. With FIPS code of 15, Chaffee County has a population of 20,074 and area of 1,014.12 square miles (2,627 km²).
List of all cities in Chaffee County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alpine Village, CO | 81236 | 719 |
| Buena Vista, CO | 81211 | 719 |
| 81228 | 719 | |
| Cleora, CO | 81201 | 719 |
| Granite, CO | 81228 | 719 |
| Iron City, CO | 81236 | 719 |
| Johnson Village, CO | 81211 | 719 |
| Maysville, CO | 81201 | 719 |
| Monarch, CO | 81227 | 719 |
| Mount Princeton, CO | 81236 | 719 |
| Nathrop, CO | 81236 | 719 |
| Poncha Springs, CO | 81242 | 719 |
| Saint Elmo, CO | 81236 | 719 |
| Salida, CO | 81201 | 719 |
| 81227 | 719 | |
| Smeltertown, CO | 81201 | 719 |
| Swissvale, CO | 81201 | 719 |
| Turret, CO | 81201 | 719 |
| Twin Lakes, CO | 81228 | 719 |
| Wellsville, CO | 81201 | 719 |
Major Cities and Towns in Chaffee County, Colorado
Salida
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81201
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.5339° N, 105.9989° W
Location and History
Salida, the county seat and largest town in Chaffee County, is located along the Arkansas River in central Colorado, surrounded by the Sawatch Range and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Founded in 1880, Salida quickly became a vital railroad town for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The town served as a key hub for transporting goods and people across the Rocky Mountains, which spurred its growth and development. Salida’s picturesque location in the Arkansas River Valley has made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like white-water rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The town has preserved much of its historic downtown, featuring beautiful Victorian-era buildings and a vibrant arts community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Salida is served by the Salida School District R-32-J, with Salida High School and Longfellow Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Salida include the historic downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a variety of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The Arkansas River runs through the heart of the town, providing access to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, a premier destination for river sports. Additionally, the nearby Monarch Mountain Ski Resort offers winter sports activities. Salida’s blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure makes it a thriving and dynamic community within Chaffee County.
Buena Vista
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 3.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,900 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81211
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.8436° N, 106.1319° W
Location and History
Buena Vista, located in northern Chaffee County, is nestled between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River, offering stunning mountain views and a wealth of outdoor activities. The town was founded in 1879, during Colorado’s silver and gold rush, and its name, meaning “good view” in Spanish, reflects the breathtaking scenery surrounding it. Buena Vista developed as a center for agriculture, mining, and transportation, with the railroad playing a significant role in its early growth. The town’s location along the Arkansas River has made it a popular destination for white-water rafting and kayaking, while its proximity to the Collegiate Peaks attracts hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Buena Vista is served by the Buena Vista School District R-31, with Buena Vista High School and Avery Parsons Elementary School being the main educational institutions. Key landmarks in Buena Vista include the Buena Vista Heritage Museum, which offers exhibits on local history, and the historic Turner Farm, which provides a glimpse into the town’s agricultural past. The town is also home to the Buena Vista Whitewater Park, a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding on the Arkansas River. Nearby, the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness offers hiking and climbing opportunities, including access to several of Colorado’s “Fourteeners,” peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation. Buena Vista’s combination of small-town charm and outdoor adventure makes it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Poncha Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81242
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.5097° N, 106.0756° W
Location and History
Poncha Springs, known as the “Crossroads of the Rockies,” is a small town located just west of Salida, at the junction of U.S. Highways 50 and 285. The town was established in the late 19th century as a stagecoach stop and trading post, serving travelers heading to and from the San Luis Valley and the mining camps in the surrounding mountains. Poncha Springs was originally named “Poncho Springs” after the natural hot springs in the area, but the name was later altered. The town’s strategic location made it an important transportation hub during Colorado’s mining boom. Today, Poncha Springs is a quiet residential community that serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the surrounding national forests and mountain ranges.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Poncha Springs is part of the Salida School District R-32-J, with students attending schools in nearby Salida. Major landmarks in Poncha Springs include the historic Poncha Springs Schoolhouse, which now serves as a community center, and the nearby Monarch Pass, a high mountain pass that offers stunning views and access to the Monarch Mountain Ski Resort. The town is also close to the San Isabel National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Poncha Springs’ location at the crossroads of two major highways makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region, while its small-town atmosphere offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger towns.
Nathrop
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81236
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.7075° N, 106.1922° W
Location and History
Nathrop is a small, unincorporated community located between Buena Vista and Salida, along the Arkansas River and the base of the Collegiate Peaks. The community was founded in the late 19th century during the Colorado mining boom, originally serving as a supply center for nearby mining camps. Nathrop was named after Charles Nachtrieb, a local settler who played a significant role in its early development. Although the mining activity has long since declined, Nathrop has remained a quiet, rural community known for its natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation areas. The area’s hot springs and scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nathrop is part of the Buena Vista School District R-31, with students attending schools in nearby Buena Vista. Major landmarks in Nathrop include the Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, a historic resort that offers natural hot springs pools, spa services, and lodging with views of the surrounding mountains. The nearby Browns Canyon National Monument is another key attraction, offering opportunities for white-water rafting, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the Arkansas River. Nathrop’s location near the Collegiate Peaks makes it an excellent base for exploring the area’s “Fourteeners” and enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. Despite its small size, Nathrop’s natural attractions and peaceful environment make it a cherished part of Chaffee County.
Garfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (unincorporated community)
- Population: Approximately 40 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81201 (associated with Salida)
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.5100° N, 106.3247° W
Location and History
Garfield is a tiny, unincorporated community located near the base of Monarch Pass, west of Salida. The community was established in the late 19th century as a mining camp during the Colorado silver boom. Garfield served as a supply point for miners working in the surrounding mountains, and its location along the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad helped facilitate the transport of ore and goods. However, as the mining activity declined, Garfield’s population dwindled, and it became a quiet, almost forgotten settlement. Today, Garfield is known primarily as a small residential area that provides easy access to the Monarch Mountain Ski Resort and other outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garfield is part of the Salida School District R-32-J, with students attending schools in Salida. The primary landmark in Garfield is its proximity to Monarch Mountain Ski Resort, a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. The community is also near the Continental Divide, where the Monarch Crest Trail offers hiking, mountain biking, and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Although Garfield itself is small and quiet, its location near major recreational areas makes it an ideal spot for those seeking outdoor adventure in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The historic significance and natural beauty of the area add to Garfield’s charm as a secluded mountain community.
Map of Cities in Chaffee County, CO
