Cities and Towns in Huerfano County, Colorado
Founded on 1861-11-01, Huerfano County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, Huerfano County was formed from Created as one of the 17 original counties of the Territory of Colorado. The city of Walsenburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, Huerfano County has a population of 6,920 and area of 1,592.37 square miles (4,124 km²).
List of all cities in Huerfano County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cuchara, CO | 81055 | 719 |
| Farisita, CO | 81040 | 719 |
| 81089 | 719 | |
| Gardner, CO | 81040 | 719 |
| Indian Creek, CO | 81055 | 719 |
| La Veta, CO | 81055 | 719 |
| Mutual, CO | 81089 | 719 |
| Ojo, CO | 81055 | 719 |
| Pryor, CO | 81089 | 719 |
| Toltec, CO | 81089 | 719 |
| Wahatoya, CO | 81055 | 719 |
| Walsenburg, CO | 81089 | 719 |
Major Cities and Towns in Huerfano County, Colorado
Walsenburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,068 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81089
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.6247° N, 104.7836° W
Location and History
Walsenburg, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Spanish Peaks,” is situated in the southeastern part of Colorado and serves as the county seat of Huerfano County. Established in the late 19th century as a coal mining town, it has a rich history tied to the growth of the railroad and the coal industry in Colorado. Walsenburg played a significant role in the Colorado Coalfield War, which was a pivotal labor conflict in the early 20th century. Today, it is a small yet vibrant community that celebrates its historical roots while serving as a hub for outdoor recreation, thanks to its proximity to the Spanish Peaks and the Lathrop State Park.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Walsenburg is home to several schools, including John Mall High School and Peakview School. Major landmarks include the Walsenburg Mining Museum, which chronicles the city’s coal mining history, and the historic Walsenburg Jail Museum. The town is also near Lathrop State Park, the first state park in Colorado, offering various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
La Veta
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81055
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.5041° N, 105.0072° W
Location and History
La Veta is a small, charming town nestled at the base of the Spanish Peaks, located about 17 miles southwest of Walsenburg. Founded in 1868, La Veta has a deep history rooted in ranching and farming, as well as being a stop along the old Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The town has retained its historic character, with many buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries still standing. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, drawing visitors for its scenic landscapes, including the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
La Veta School District RE-2 serves the town’s educational needs, with La Veta Elementary School and La Veta High School being the primary institutions. Major landmarks include the Francisco Fort Museum, which offers insights into the town’s history as a frontier settlement, and the scenic Highway of Legends, a state and national scenic byway that passes through the town, offering stunning views of the Spanish Peaks.
Gardner
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81040
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.7883° N, 105.1536° W
Location and History
Gardner is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Huerfano County. The town lies along the Huerfano River, with its history dating back to the 19th century as a ranching community. Named after Herbert Gardner, an early settler, the town once served as a central point for surrounding ranches and farms. Gardner’s historical significance is tied to its role in the agricultural development of the region, with a strong cultural heritage influenced by both Hispanic and Anglo settlers. The area around Gardner is known for its natural beauty, including nearby mountain ranges and vast expanses of high desert.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gardner School, serving K-8 students, is the primary educational institution in the town. Key landmarks include the scenic Huerfano River and access points to the San Isabel National Forest, which provides outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The town’s historical heritage is also reflected in the Gardner Butte, a geological formation that offers a glimpse into the region’s natural history.
Aguilar
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81020
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.4039° N, 104.6525° W
Location and History
Aguilar is a small town located near the southern border of Huerfano County, just off Interstate 25. Founded in 1894, Aguilar was named after José Ramón Aguilar, a prominent early settler and politician. The town grew rapidly during the coal mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as a hub for miners and their families. Like much of the region, Aguilar’s history is closely linked to the coal industry, which significantly influenced its development and the culture of its residents. Today, Aguilar is a quiet town that retains much of its historical charm, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Aguilar School District RE-6 serves the town with Aguilar High School being the main educational facility. Major landmarks include the Aguilar Historical Society Museum, which preserves the town’s rich history, and the nearby Apishapa River, which offers opportunities for fishing and exploring the natural surroundings. The town’s historic downtown area, with its early 20th-century architecture, also stands as a testament to its coal mining past.
Map of Cities in Huerfano County, CO
