Cities and Towns in Hinsdale County, Colorado
Founded on 1874-02-10, Hinsdale County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, Hinsdale County was split from Lake, Conejos, and Costilla counties. The city of Lake City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, Hinsdale County has a population of 781 and area of 1,123.35 square miles (2,909 km²).
List of all cities in Hinsdale County, CO alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Lake City, CO | 81235 | 970 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hinsdale County, Colorado
Lake City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81235
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.0294° N, 107.3156° W
Location and History
Lake City is the county seat and the only incorporated town in Hinsdale County, located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Established in 1873 during the Colorado Silver Boom, Lake City quickly became a thriving mining town, attracting prospectors and settlers alike. The town’s name comes from nearby Lake San Cristobal, Colorado’s second-largest natural lake. Although the mining industry declined by the early 20th century, Lake City has preserved much of its historic charm, with many of its original buildings still standing. Today, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby ghost towns that dot the landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lake City Community School serves the educational needs of the town, providing K-12 education with a strong emphasis on small class sizes and community involvement. Key landmarks include the Hinsdale County Museum, which offers a detailed history of the area’s mining heritage, and Lake San Cristobal, which is a focal point for fishing, boating, and scenic views. Additionally, the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, which passes through Lake City, offers access to some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in Colorado, including historic mining sites and stunning mountain vistas.
Henson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (Ghost Town)
- Population: Uninhabited
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude and Longitude: 38.0372° N, 107.3506° W
Location and History
Henson is a historic ghost town located just a few miles west of Lake City in Hinsdale County. Founded in the late 1800s as a mining camp, Henson was once a bustling community during the height of the silver mining boom. The town was named after Henson Creek, which flows through the area and provided water for the mining operations. Henson was home to several mines, including the Ute-Ulay Mine, one of the most productive silver mines in the region. However, like many mining towns of the era, Henson declined rapidly after the silver market crashed in the 1890s. Today, it is an uninhabited ghost town, with only a few remnants of its former buildings and the old mining structures remaining, offering a glimpse into Colorado’s mining past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a ghost town, Henson does not have any active schools. The primary landmark in Henson is the Ute-Ulay Mine and Mill, which has been partially restored to preserve its historical significance. The site includes old mining equipment, structures, and interpretive signs that provide information about the town’s history. Henson is also a popular spot for visitors interested in ghost towns and historic sites, with the nearby Alpine Loop Scenic Byway offering easy access to this and other historic mining areas in the region.
Capitol City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: N/A (Ghost Town)
- Population: Uninhabited
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.9933° N, 107.4872° W
Location and History
Capitol City is another historic ghost town located in Hinsdale County, Colorado, situated along the scenic Alpine Loop between Lake City and Silverton. Founded in 1877 by George S. Lee, Capitol City was ambitiously planned to become the capital of Colorado, hence its name. At its peak, the town had a post office, a school, several businesses, and a population of a few hundred people. However, the decline in silver prices and the harsh living conditions in the remote mountains led to the town’s abandonment by the early 1900s. Today, Capitol City stands as a reminder of the optimism and challenges faced by early settlers in Colorado’s rugged frontier.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Capitol City, now a ghost town, has no active schools. The most significant landmark in Capitol City is the remnants of its historic buildings, including the old post office and some cabin ruins. The town’s location along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway makes it accessible to visitors who can explore the ruins and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The loop itself is a major attraction, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, waterfalls, and opportunities to see wildlife. Capitol City’s remote and serene location also provides a unique perspective on the history of mining towns in Colorado.