Chaffee County

Chaffee County is an administrative county in central Colorado spanning mountain terrain, forests, and the Arkansas River flowing through its landscape. The region combines high peaks, forested valleys, and riparian areas into a geographically varied area.

The county was established in 1879 from the southern portion of Lake County and named after Jerome B. Chaffee, Colorado's first U.S. Senator. Its formation during Colorado's mining and settlement expansion shaped the region's trajectory.

Outdoor activities shape how people here spend their time and gather together throughout the year. Rivers, mountains, and trails serve as natural gathering places woven into the fabric of daily life.

Salida serves as the county seat and primary hub for government services and local activities. Highways 24, 50, and 285 provide main connections to neighboring areas and make travel through the region straightforward.

Browns Canyon National Monument within the county features granite cliffs rising 800 feet (240 m) above the Arkansas River and creating natural wildlife corridors. This formation offers visitors a direct view of the geological power that shaped the landscape.

Location: Colorado

Inception: February 10, 1879

Capital city: Salida

Shares border with: Lake County, Park County, Fremont County, Saguache County, Gunnison County, Pitkin County

Website: http://chaffeecounty.org

GPS coordinates: 38.74000,-106.18000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:01