Cities and Towns in Rio Grande County, Colorado
Founded on 1874-02-10, Rio Grande County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, Rio Grande County was split from Costilla County and Conejos County. The city of Del Norte is the county seat. With FIPS code of 105, Rio Grande County has a population of 11,408 and area of 913.10 square miles (2,365 km²).
List of all cities in Rio Grande County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alpine, CO | 81154 | 719 |
| Aqua Ramon, CO | 81132 | 719 |
| Baxterville, CO | 81132 | 719 |
| Center, CO | 81125 | 719 |
| Del Norte, CO | 81132 | 719 |
| Freeman, CO | 81132 | 719 |
| Homelake, CO | 81135 | 719 |
| Lariat, CO | 81144 | 719 |
| Masonic Park, CO | 81154 | 719 |
| Maxeyville, CO | 81144 | 719 |
| Monte Vista, CO | 81135 | 719 |
| 81144 | 719 | |
| Plaza, CO | 81132 | 719 |
| Sargents School, CO | 81144 | 719 |
| South Fork, CO | 81154 | 719 |
| Summitville, CO | 81132 | 719 |
| Wagon Wheel Gap, CO | 81154 | 719 |
Major Cities and Towns in Rio Grande County, Colorado
Del Norte
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81132
- Latitude: 37.6783° N
- Longitude: 106.3539° W
City Location and History
Del Norte is the county seat of Rio Grande County, located in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. The town was founded in 1871 and was named “Del Norte,” which means “of the North” in Spanish, as it was the northernmost settlement in the valley at that time. Del Norte quickly developed as a hub for mining and agriculture, serving as a supply center for nearby mining camps in the San Juan Mountains. The town’s location along the Rio Grande River and near the Continental Divide made it a key stop for travelers and traders. Over the years, Del Norte has retained its historical charm, with many of its original buildings still standing. Today, the town serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Rio Grande National Forest and is known for its rich history and small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Del Norte is served by the Upper Rio Grande School District C-7, with Del Norte High School providing education for local students. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Windsor Hotel, built in 1874, which has been restored to its former glory and now operates as a boutique hotel and restaurant. The Rio Grande County Museum offers exhibits on the area’s history, including Native American artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, and mining relics. The nearby Penitente Canyon is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Del Norte’s combination of historical significance, educational resources, and access to outdoor activities makes it a central and vibrant community in Rio Grande County.
Monte Vista
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 2.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81144
- Latitude: 37.5792° N
- Longitude: 106.1450° W
City Location and History
Monte Vista is the largest city in Rio Grande County, located in the San Luis Valley near the Rio Grande River. The city was founded in 1886 as a farming community, with its name meaning “Mountain View” in Spanish, reflecting the stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. Monte Vista quickly became a center for agriculture, particularly for potato farming, which remains a key industry in the area. The arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad spurred the city’s growth, making it a regional hub for transportation and commerce. Monte Vista has maintained its agricultural roots while also developing a strong community identity, known for its annual events and cultural attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Monte Vista is served by the Monte Vista School District C-8, with Monte Vista High School being the primary secondary school. The city’s major landmarks include the Monte Vista Historic Downtown, which features well-preserved early 20th-century buildings and a vibrant arts scene. The Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, located just outside the city, is a critical habitat for migratory birds, including sandhill cranes, and is the focal point of the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, which draws birdwatchers from across the country. The city also hosts the annual Ski-Hi Stampede, Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo, which celebrates the region’s ranching heritage with rodeo events, parades, and concerts. Monte Vista’s blend of agricultural heritage, community events, and natural beauty makes it a key city in Rio Grande County.
South Fork
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81154
- Latitude: 37.6700° N
- Longitude: 106.6456° W
City Location and History
South Fork is a small town located at the confluence of the South Fork and Rio Grande Rivers, in the western part of Rio Grande County. The town was established in the late 19th century as a logging and ranching community, taking advantage of its location near the Rio Grande National Forest and the San Juan Mountains. South Fork served as a stop for travelers heading to the mining camps in the San Juan Mountains and grew as a result of its strategic location. Today, South Fork is known as a gateway to outdoor recreation, offering easy access to hiking, fishing, skiing, and other activities in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
South Fork is part of the Upper Rio Grande School District C-7, with students typically attending schools in nearby Del Norte. The town’s major landmarks include the Rio Grande Club & Resort, which features a championship golf course and luxury accommodations, and serves as a focal point for the local community. The nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area, known for its deep powder and excellent skiing conditions, is a major draw for winter sports enthusiasts. South Fork is also close to the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and connects several historic mining towns. The town’s location along the Rio Grande River provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. South Fork’s combination of outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and small-town charm makes it a popular destination in Rio Grande County.
Center
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81125
- Latitude: 37.7522° N
- Longitude: 106.1089° W
City Location and History
Center is a small agricultural town located in the heart of the San Luis Valley, straddling the border between Rio Grande County and Saguache County. The town was founded in 1907 as a hub for the region’s burgeoning potato and vegetable farming industry. Its name, “Center,” reflects its central location within the valley, making it an ideal distribution point for agricultural products. The town has a diverse population, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in the agricultural traditions of the area. Center’s economy remains heavily based on agriculture, particularly potato farming, barley production, and other crops suited to the valley’s high-altitude climate.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Center is served by the Center Consolidated School District, which includes Haskin Elementary School, Skoglund Middle School, and Center High School. The town’s major landmarks include Center Community Park, which serves as a gathering place for local events and recreational activities. The nearby San Luis Valley is home to several significant natural landmarks, including the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, a critical habitat for migratory birds and a popular destination for birdwatching, especially during the annual sandhill crane migration. Center’s agricultural base, educational resources, and proximity to natural attractions make it an important and vibrant community within Rio Grande County.
Map of Cities in Rio Grande County, CO
