Rio Blanco County

Rio Blanco County is an administrative division in northwestern Colorado with forests and outdoor areas throughout. The landscape includes river valleys, plateaus, and wooded regions spread across a large area.

The county was established in 1889 when officials divided an adjacent county to create this new territory. Its name comes from the river that flows through the landscape.

Ranching and farming shape how people live and work throughout the county today. You see these traditions reflected in the towns and in how residents connect with the land.

You will need a car to explore this area since towns and attractions are spread far apart. Plan plenty of travel time between destinations to see the landscape at a comfortable pace.

In the 1970s, the county was site to experimental operations using unconventional methods for gas extraction. This episode remains a rare chapter in America's energy exploration history.

GPS coordinates: 39.98473,-108.18078

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24