Cities and Towns in San Miguel County, Colorado
Founded on 1883-03-02, San Miguel County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. Historically, San Miguel County was split from San Juan County. The city of Telluride is the county seat. With FIPS code of 113, San Miguel County has a population of 8,074 and area of 1,290.76 square miles (3,343 km²).
List of all cities in San Miguel County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Egnar, CO | 81325 | 970 |
| Mountain Village, CO | 81435 | 970 |
| Norwood, CO | 81423 | 970 |
| Ophir, CO | 81426 | 970 |
| Pandora, CO | 81435 | 970 |
| Placerville, CO | 81430 | 970 |
| Sawpit, CO | 81430 | 970 |
| 81435 | 970 | |
| Slick Rock, CO | 81325 | 970 |
| Telluride, CO | 81435 | 970 |
Major Cities and Towns in San Miguel County, Colorado
Telluride
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81435
- Latitude: 37.9375° N
- Longitude: 107.8123° W
City Location and History
Telluride is located in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, at an elevation of 8,750 feet. The town was founded in 1878 as a mining camp during the height of Colorado’s gold and silver rushes. Originally named “Columbia,” the town was later renamed “Telluride,” after the tellurium mineral, although tellurium was never mined in the area. Instead, Telluride became known for its rich deposits of gold, silver, and other metals. The town thrived as a mining community, but its economy declined after the mining bust in the early 20th century. Telluride experienced a revival in the 1970s with the development of the Telluride Ski Resort, which transformed the town into a world-renowned destination for skiing, outdoor recreation, and cultural festivals.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Telluride is served by the Telluride School District R-1, with Telluride High School providing education for local students. The town’s major landmarks include the Telluride Historic District, which is a National Historic Landmark District with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings that reflect its mining heritage. The Sheridan Opera House, built in 1913, is a key cultural venue that hosts concerts, films, and events throughout the year. The Telluride Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, attracts filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from around the globe. In addition to its cultural offerings, Telluride is known for its spectacular natural scenery, with access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and the scenic Telluride Gondola, which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Telluride’s blend of historic charm, outdoor adventure, and cultural vibrancy make it the centerpiece of San Miguel County.
Mountain Village
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 3.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81435
- Latitude: 37.9322° N
- Longitude: 107.8468° W
City Location and History
Mountain Village is a modern resort town located just above Telluride, at an elevation of 9,545 feet in the San Juan Mountains. The town was incorporated in 1995 as a planned resort community to complement the existing Telluride Ski Resort. Unlike the historic mining town of Telluride, Mountain Village was designed specifically to accommodate luxury hotels, vacation homes, and ski facilities. The town is connected to Telluride by a free gondola system, making it easy for visitors to move between the two areas. Mountain Village offers a more contemporary experience compared to the historic charm of Telluride, with its focus on high-end amenities and world-class skiing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mountain Village shares educational resources with Telluride, and students typically attend schools in the Telluride School District R-1. The town’s major landmarks include the Telluride Ski & Golf Resort, which offers year-round outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, golf, and hiking. The Mountain Village Core is the town’s central area, featuring luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as the Telluride Conference Center, which hosts events and meetings. The gondola system, which connects Mountain Village to Telluride, is a unique feature that provides free, scenic transportation between the two towns. Mountain Village is also home to a number of high-profile events, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Jazz Festival. With its blend of modern luxury, outdoor recreation, and connection to Telluride’s cultural scene, Mountain Village is an integral part of San Miguel County’s tourism industry.
Norwood
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81423
- Latitude: 38.1308° N
- Longitude: 108.2915° W
City Location and History
Norwood is a small town located on Wright’s Mesa, about 33 miles west of Telluride, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a ranching and agricultural community. Norwood’s history is closely tied to the development of agriculture in the region, with its wide-open spaces and fertile soil making it an ideal location for farming and ranching. Over the years, Norwood has remained a rural community, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, ranching, and outdoor recreation. The town serves as a gateway to the Uncompahgre National Forest and other natural areas, offering opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Norwood is served by the Norwood School District R-2J, with Norwood Public Schools providing education from kindergarten through high school. The town’s major landmarks include the Norwood Community Center, which hosts local events, meetings, and social gatherings. The nearby San Miguel River offers opportunities for fishing and rafting, while the Uncompahgre National Forest provides access to hiking trails, camping, and stunning mountain views. Norwood is also known for its annual Pioneer Day celebration, which honors the town’s agricultural heritage with a parade, rodeo, and community events. The Norwood Dark Sky Community, recognized for its commitment to preserving the night sky, is another notable feature of the town, attracting stargazers and astronomers. Norwood’s blend of rural charm, outdoor recreation, and community spirit makes it a unique and important town in San Miguel County.
Sawpit
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81430
- Latitude: 37.9958° N
- Longitude: 107.9186° W
City Location and History
Sawpit is one of the smallest incorporated towns in Colorado, located about 5 miles west of Telluride along the San Miguel River. The town was established in the late 19th century during the region’s mining boom, and it takes its name from a sawpit used by early settlers to mill timber. Sawpit served as a supply and service hub for nearby mining operations, but as the mining industry declined, the town’s population dwindled. Today, Sawpit is a quiet residential community with a small number of homes and businesses. Despite its small size, the town retains a distinct identity and is known for its picturesque setting along the river.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sawpit does not have its own school district, and students typically attend schools in nearby Telluride, part of the Telluride School District R-1. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Sawpit Mercantile, a general store that has been in operation since the town’s early days and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. The nearby San Miguel River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The surrounding San Juan Mountains provide access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures. Sawpit’s small size and scenic location make it a charming and peaceful community within San Miguel County.
Ophir
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 170 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 81426
- Latitude: 37.8558° N
- Longitude: 107.8156° W
City Location and History
Ophir is a small mountain town located about 13 miles southeast of Telluride, nestled in the high-altitude Ophir Valley at an elevation of 9,695 feet. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a mining camp during the gold and silver rushes that swept through the San Juan Mountains. Named after the biblical land of Ophir, known for its wealth, the town experienced rapid growth during its early years as miners flocked to the area in search of fortune. However, like many mining towns, Ophir’s boom was short-lived, and the population declined after the mines were exhausted. Today, Ophir is a quiet residential community, known for its stunning natural surroundings and proximity to outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ophir is part of the Telluride School District R-1, with students attending schools in nearby Telluride. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Ophir Loop, a former railroad route that was once part of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Ophir Pass, a high mountain pass accessible from the town, is a popular route for off-road driving and hiking, providing access to some of the most remote and scenic areas in the San Juan Mountains. The town’s location within the Uncompahgre National Forest offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Ophir’s combination of historic charm, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure make it a unique and attractive community in San Miguel County.
Map of Cities in San Miguel County, CO
