About the Area
| Huerfano (Orphan) County is located on the eastern slopes of what is known in Colorado as the front range. Two significant landmarks in our area are the Spanish Peaks (the Commanches referred to them as Wahatoya-double mountains). The east peak climbs above the plains to 12,683 feet and the west peak to 13,626 feet. Our area is also on the slopes of the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountain range. |
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Huerfano County covers approximately 1,591 square miles. Total population of the county (per the 2000 census) is 7,862, or an average of 4.9 persons per square mile. The county is heavily engaged in agriculture. Average precipitation is 15.8 inches per year. Average temperatures in January are a high of 48 and low of 21, while July highs average 86 and lows 57. The three towns withing the county are Walsenburg, La Veta and Gardner. 2000 census statistics show Walsenburg population at 4,182, La Veta at 924 and the balance of the county at 2756. These figures represent a growth of 30.8% over the 1990 census. |
Attractions within the county include Lathrop State Park, the San Isabel National Forest, La Veta Pass, the Highway of the Legends and the upper Huerfano Valley.
Area attractions include the Great Sand Dunes National Park, The Greenhorn Mountain National Wilderness Area, Trinidad Lake State Park and Lake Pueblo State Park.
