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Welcome to Hinsdale County Colorado
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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Digital Accessibility Statement
In accordance with Colorado House Bill 21-1110 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Hinsdale County is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually working to improve the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
If you experience any difficulty accessing content on our website, digital documents, or other electronic services, or if you have suggestions on how we can improve accessibility, please contact the Hinsdale County Administrator at 970-944-2225 or email to: administrator@hinsdalecountycolorado.us Requests for accommodations or alternative formats can be made by contacting our administrator Sandy Hines.
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HINSDALE COUNTY IS CURRENTLY UNDER STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
IN THE NORTHERN 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. The Upper Piedra area of southern Hinsdale County is also currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, including the Weminuche Wilderness. See map below for details.
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.
SOUTHERN HINSDALE COUNTY IS CURRENTLY UNDER STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
PROHIBITED:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including fires in developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas), charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.
- Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor.
- Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum of 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
- Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.
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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:
OHV Information
Recreation
Transient Vendors!
If you are selling food or goods from a truck, trailer or temporary set up in Hinsdale County you will need a transient vendor license. Click the link below to download the application and return to Hinsdale County with a $50 fee.