About Garfield County

Garfield County, Colorado consists of rugged alpine vistas and high desert mountains in the Rocky Mountain region, which dwells along the Continental Divide. Garfield County is located in western Colorado, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. It is home to the second largest designated wilderness area in Colorado - the Flattops Wilderness, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, a popular family ski resort, and Hanging Lake, designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011. Garfield County was established February 10, 1883 in west central Colorado, and its county seat and largest municipality is only about an hour's drive from the world-class resorts of Aspen and Vail, Colorado. Garfield County consists of 6 municipalities; Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Carbondale, Silt, New Castle and Parachute, as well as Battlement Mesa, an unincorporated residential community. The county covers about 3,000 square miles, of which approximately 60% is federal public lands, and only approximately 19 persons reside per square mile in the county. Established February 10, 1883 in west central Colorado Area: 2,958 square miles / 1,893,120 acres Industries: energy development, tourism, ranching, farming