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Hinsdale County, Colorado, is the most remote area in the United States' lower 48 states. With a total area of 1,123 square miles, our county is made up of almost 96.5 percent public land. Hinsdale County is covered by mountains, including five 14,000 and over 20 13,000 ft. peaks, and contains one of the most road-less areas in the country. The Continental Divide crosses the county twice, and Hinsdale County is home to three national forests Rio Grande; Grand Mesa Uncompahgre & Gunnison (GMUG) and San Juan. The County is also host to the Slumgullion Earth Flow that slid and dammed the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River creating Lake San Cristobal.

Hinsdale County is home to 774 residents with 374 residing within the city limits of the Town of Lake City. With an elevation of 8,671 feet and is the least populated county in the state of Colorado with Lake City as the county seat.
Whether you are a full time resident, a part time resident or a visitor, Hinsdale County has many outdoor adventures to offer. The summer and fall seasons boast hiking, biking, fishing and leaf peeping. The winter months bring skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating. No matter the season Hinsdale County has many outdoor adventures.

Hinsdale County is governed by a board of three County Commissioners. Board of County Commissioners Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month, in addition to the fifth Wednesday in months with five weeks. Meetings start at 8 a.m. 

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HINSDALE COUNTY IS CURRENTLY UNDER STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

 IN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN AREAS OF THE COUNTY

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in the northern area of Hinsdale County went into effect on Thursday, July 3. These restrictions include all of Hinsdale County north of the Continental Divide to the northern county line, including Town of Lake City and all lands around the Alpine Loop. See attached map for details. The Upper Piedra area of southern Hinsdale County is also currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, including the Weminuche Wilderness.

PROHIBITED:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecues/grills or stove fires on private property or public lands OUTSIDE of an established fire ring.
• Using explosive materials, including but not limited to, fireworks.
• Smoking outdoors, unless in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Welding outdoors, unless in an area at least (10) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Using a chainsaw without a spark arrestor.

PERMITTED:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, including charcoal, in constructed, PERMANENT FIRE RINGS or fire grates on private property or within developed recreation sites.
• Cooking on manufactured liquid fuel grills or stoves and propane grills. 
• Fires in chiminea type manufactured enclosures on private property.

• Public fireworks display authorized by Hinsdale County.

  

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BOARD OF EQUALIZATION NOTICE

Please take note that beginning on July 1, 2025, the Hinsdale County Board of Equalization will sit in the Coursey Annex at 311 Henson St, Lake City CO 81235 to review the assessment roll of all taxable property located in the County, as prepared by the Assessor, and to hear appeals from determination of the Assessor regarding real and personal property according to Colorado Revised Statute 39-8-104 and 39-8-107(2).  The County Board of Equalization shall continue its hearings from time to time until all petitions have been heard.  The County Board of Equalization will not hear appeals from any person who failed to file a timely protest with the assessor.

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 2025 OHV REGULATIONS UPDATE 

 

 

★ Hours of Operation - NEW for 2025

• Town of Lake City: 6AM-11PM (year-round)

• Hinsdale County: 6AM-11PM (June 1-Sept 30)*

 

★ All OHVs must have spark arrestors - NEW for 2025*

 

★ 2025 HIGHWAY PROGRAM DATES: June 13-Sept 30 2025

OHVs will be allowed to travel on the Highway from CR 30 north to Ocean Wave Drive, from the Friday before Father’s Day (June 13) to September 30.

 

#knowbeforeyougo and learn full rules and regulations at LakeCity.com/ohvs

 

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Click HERE for Hinsdale County job opportunities.

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Click HERE to download a copy of the 2025 State of the County

Want to be notified of emergency situations in Hinsdale County? Click on the Hinsdale County Alerts logo below to register.

Archuleta County Emergency Alert Registration Citizens Alert - NIXLE | Archuleta County, CO - Official Website

Mineral County Emergency Alert Registration https://voyent-alert.us/community/

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Pay Transfer Station Bills, Building Permit Fees and Boat Dock Fees HERE: