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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AMENDED OHV ORDINANCE
OHV Highway Program
The 2025 OHV Highway Program that allows OHVs to travel on a portion of Hwy 149 starts on FRIDAY, JUNE 13 and ends SEPTEMBER 30. There is no change from 2024.
Hinsdale County has amended its ordinance regarding operation of OHVs on County roads. The ordinance includes increased fines, hours of operation and requirement for spark arresters. A copy of the ordinance is available by clicking HERE. The ordinance goes into effect May 25, 2025.
The new ordinance limits operation of OHVs on County roads from 6 am until 11 pm from June 1 to September 30 ONLY. The remainder of the year OHVs area allowed to travel on County roads with no restrictions on hours of operation.
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Click HERE to download a copy of the 2025 State of the County
New Transfer Station Rates for dumping organic material.
Hinsdale County has increased rates to cover costs of the dumping organic material while still making it affordable to clear your property of brush and debris. Clerk HERE for the new rate sheet.
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 www.slve911.org
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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.