Chaffee County Map, Colorado
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Chaffee County, Colorado
Chaffee County is in central Colorado, right in the heart of the Rockies. Fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet) surround the county. Salida and Buena Vista are the main towns. The Arkansas River runs through it, drawing rafters and kayakers from all over.
The scenery is incredible. Think about snow-capped peaks, aspen groves, and high mountain valleys. Lots of hot springs here, from fancy resorts to hidden pools in the woods. Summers bring in hikers and mountain bikers, winters are for skiing and snowmobiling.
Ranching is still big, but tourism is taking over as the main business. The county has a funky mix of old-timers and new folks drawn by the outdoor lifestyle. There’s a growing arts scene, especially in Salida. Despite the tourist influx, it’s still got a small-town feel.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Chaffee County |
| County Seat | Salida |
| Population | Approximately 21,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Salida, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs |
| Interstates and Highways | US 285, CO 24 |
| FIPS Code | 08-015 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,018 square miles (Land: 1,012 sq mi, Water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Lake County (North), Park County (Northeast), Fremont County (Southeast), Saguache County (South), Gunnison County (West), Pitkin County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| State | Colorado |
| Coordinates | 38.7324° N, 106.1820° W |
| Etymology | Named after Jerome B. Chaffee, a Colorado politician and early settler |
| Major Landmarks | Mount Princeton, Arkansas River, Salida Hot Springs |
| Website | Chaffee County Website |
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