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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Veterans’ Services Officer Wanted

Hinsdale County is hiring for the Veterans Service Officer position in Lake City.  This position assists veterans and their dependents in securing benefits.  Must have an “Honorable Discharge” from the military.  Hours are approximately 20 hours per week.  Pay range is $20 per hour. Click HERE for a job description. Please submit an application (available to download HERE) and Letter of Interest to: administrator@hinsdalecountycolorado.us or call 970-944-2225 for questions.  Position open until filled.  Hinsdale County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

 

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HWY 50 CLOSURE NOTICE!

 

A safety closure continues on Highway 50 between Montrose and Gunnison due to the findings of an ongoing safety inspection that identified cracks in the Middle bridge near the Dillon Pinnacles. The closure is in place between US 50 Mile Point 131 (intersection with Colorado Highway 92) and MP 138.

 

Starting Monday May 20th, the County Road 26 bypass (known as Lake City cutoff) for the closure of Hwy 50 will be open multiple times per day in each direction for local travel. 

Piloted release times for travel on CR 26 are below. Westbound travel is from Hwy 149 (Lake City side) across CR 26 to Hwy 50 (Montrose side). Eastbound travel is from the Montrose side (Hwy 50) to Hwy 149.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These times are for every day EXCEPT WEDNESDAYS! On Wednesdays there will be no midday releases in order to make repairs to the road. The Wednesday travel schedule is as follows:



The CR 26 bypass is open to all vehicles that comply with State of Colorado legal maximum vehicle dimensions and weights. All vehicles allowed on state highways that are not over the legal weight or carrying hazardous materials are allowed on CR 26. This includes heavier vehicles and trailers. To maintain this as a viable, safe bypass, traffic will be managed using pilot vehicles. 

CR 26 is open to all LOCAL traffic, which includes local residents needing to run errands and get to work or doctors' appointments, people who are delivering goods and materials to local communities, recreationalists visiting local hiking trails and campgrounds, including marinas along Hwy 50, and those visiting and vacationing in the Lake City area. Vehicles traveling across the state should use the alternate state highway detours to the north (I-70) and south (Hwy 160).

CR 25, known as the Lake Fork cutoff, remains closed while repairs and upgrades are being made on the road to accommodate increased traffic. Private properties on either end, including Blue Mesa Subdivision, are still accessible. When the road is opened, travel will be managed in the same manner as CR 26. Most likely a pilot car will be used and travel will be scheduled.

Inspections on the Hwy 50 Blue Mesa Bridge are expected to be completed soon. CDOT will then finalize a repair plan for the bridge, with the goal of having at least one-lane of passage as soon as possible.


• US 50 Blue Mesa Reservoir Middle Bridge Closure Facebook page for all future updates: Facebook.com/US50Bridge
• CDOT HOTLINE: 970-648-4423 If no answer leave a message and you will receive a call back
• CDOT US 50 Bridge email: us50bridge@gmail.com
• CDOT WEBSITE: https://www.codot.gov/news/media/overview

REMINDER! Lake City DIRT and Chamber of Commerce are hosting a weekly listening session for local businesses Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 pm.

County Road 26 is currently being used as a Hwy 50 bypass for local traffic, workers and visitors to the local communities. Larger vehicles, trucks and trailers that comply with State of Colorado legal maximum vehicle dimensions and weights are allowed. Acceptable vehicle dimensions and weights can be found at: 

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CLICK HERE FOR HINSDALE COUNTY 2024 Election Information

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Deer Lakes Campground Closes Temporarily for Reconstruction

Deer Lakes Campground will be closed for reconstruction throughout the summer of 2024. 

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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: