Cities and Towns in Moffat County, Colorado
Founded on 1911/2/27, Moffat County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, Moffat County was split from Routt County. The city of Craig is the county seat. With FIPS code of 81, Moffat County has a population of 13,185 and area of 4,755.86 square miles (12,318 km²).
List of all cities in Moffat County, CO alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Blue Mountain, CO | 81610 | 970 |
Browns Park, CO | 81640 | 970 |
Craig, CO | 81625 | 970 |
81626 | 970 | |
Dinosaur, CO | 81610 | 970 |
81633 | 970 | |
Elk Springs, CO | 81633 | 970 |
Greystone, CO | 81640 | 970 |
Hamilton, CO | 81638 | 970 |
Lay, CO | 81625 | 970 |
Massadona, CO | 81610 | 970 |
Maybell, CO | 81640 | 970 |
Pagoda, CO | 81638 | 970 |
Slater, CO | 81653 | 970 |
Major Cities and Towns in Moffat County, Colorado
Craig
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 5.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81625, 81626
- Latitude: 40.5153° N
- Longitude: 107.5460° W
City Location and History
Craig is the county seat and largest city in Moffat County, located in the northwest corner of Colorado, along the Yampa River. Founded in 1889, the city was named after Reverend William Bayard Craig, a prominent financier of the Denver and Salt Lake Railway, which played a crucial role in the town’s early development. Craig quickly grew as a center for agriculture, ranching, and coal mining, thanks to its strategic location and rich natural resources. The city became an important hub for the surrounding rural areas, providing goods, services, and transportation links. Over the years, Craig has maintained its status as a regional center for commerce, industry, and outdoor recreation, offering residents and visitors a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Craig is served by the Moffat County School District RE-1, with Moffat County High School being the primary secondary institution. The city’s major landmarks include the Museum of Northwest Colorado, which features extensive exhibits on the history of the region, including cowboy culture, Native American artifacts, and the early mining industry. The Wyman Living History Museum offers a unique glimpse into rural life in the early 20th century, with a collection of vintage vehicles, farm equipment, and historical buildings. Craig is also known for its access to outdoor recreation, with nearby Elkhead Reservoir offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The annual Moffat County Fair celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, rodeos, and community events. Craig’s combination of historical significance, educational resources, and outdoor activities makes it the heart of Moffat County.
Dinosaur
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81610
- Latitude: 40.2419° N
- Longitude: 109.0087° W
City Location and History
Dinosaur is a small town located in the western part of Moffat County, near the Colorado-Utah border. Originally named Artesia, the town was renamed Dinosaur in 1966 to capitalize on its proximity to Dinosaur National Monument, one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world. The monument, which straddles the Colorado-Utah border, is renowned for its rich deposits of dinosaur fossils, including the famous Carnegie Quarry. The town’s economy is closely tied to tourism, with visitors coming from around the globe to explore the national monument and learn about the area’s prehistoric past. Despite its small size, Dinosaur plays an important role in promoting and preserving the region’s natural history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dinosaur is part of the Moffat County School District RE-1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Craig. The town’s major landmarks include Dinosaur National Monument, which offers visitors the chance to see dinosaur fossils in their original settings, explore scenic canyons, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and camping. The Dinosaur Welcome Center provides information on local attractions, including the national monument, and serves as a hub for tourists exploring the area. The town’s streets are whimsically named after dinosaurs, adding to its unique charm. Dinosaur’s combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and tourism-driven economy makes it a distinctive community in Moffat County.
Maybell
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 80 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81640
- Latitude: 40.5239° N
- Longitude: 108.0928° W
City Location and History
Maybell is a small, unincorporated community located in the central part of Moffat County, along U.S. Highway 40, approximately 30 miles west of Craig. The town was established in the late 19th century as a stopover point for travelers and cattle drives moving through the area. Named after May Bell, the wife of an early settler, the town developed as a ranching community, with cattle and sheep farming forming the backbone of its economy. Maybell is known for its remote location, scenic surroundings, and strong sense of community. The town’s small population and rural setting make it a peaceful retreat for those seeking to experience Colorado’s rugged beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Maybell is served by the Moffat County School District RE-1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Craig. The town’s major landmarks include the Maybell Park, a popular spot for picnics and community gatherings, and the historic Maybell General Store, which has served the area for over a century. The nearby Yampa River provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing, particularly in the spring when the river is full from snowmelt. Each May, the town hosts the Maybell Heritage Days and Sombrero Ranches’ annual Great American Horse Drive, where hundreds of horses are driven through the town, attracting visitors from across the region. Maybell’s combination of rural charm, historical significance, and outdoor recreation makes it a unique and cherished part of Moffat County.
Hamilton
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles (unincorporated)
- Population: Approximately 30 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81638
- Latitude: 40.3283° N
- Longitude: 107.6422° W
City Location and History
Hamilton is a very small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Moffat County, along the banks of the Williams Fork River. The town was established in the late 19th century as a ranching community, with its economy centered on cattle and sheep farming. Hamilton’s remote location and small population have kept it largely unchanged over the years, preserving its rural character and close-knit community. The town serves as a base for ranchers and offers a quiet, secluded lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hamilton is part of the Moffat County School District RE-1, with students attending schools in Craig. The town’s major landmarks include the Hamilton Community Church, which serves as a gathering place for local residents. The surrounding landscape, characterized by rolling hills, open plains, and the Williams Fork River, offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, and outdoor exploration. The area’s ranching heritage is still evident in the local culture and economy, with many families continuing to work the land as their ancestors did. Hamilton’s combination of rural tranquility, historical roots, and natural beauty makes it a quiet but important part of Moffat County.