Chaffee County, the “Heart of the Rockies,” is named for Jerome B. Chaffee, Colorado’s first United States Senator. As of the 2010 census, the population was 17,809. The county seat is Salida.
National forests and wilderness recreation areas are plentiful in Chaffee County, as are trails and bicycle routes. San Isabel National Forest, just south of Salida, contains 19 of the state’s 54 fourteeners.
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers some of the country’s best whitewater rafting as well as off-highway vehicle trails, gold panning, boating, and rock climbing.
Visit the Chaffee County Government website.
County Towns
Adjacent Counties
- Fremont – southeast
- Gunnison – west
- Lake – north
- Park – northeast
- Pitkin – northwest
- Saguache – south
Special Events
- Jun – FIBArk in Salida
- Jul – Battlemoor in Buena Vista
- Jul – Colorado Brewers Rendezvous in Salida
Latest in Chaffee County
The Ultimate Colorado Hot Springs Loop Road Trip
Sourced from deep under the Rocky Mountains, there are dozens of hot springs that exist around…
4 Ski Resorts Closest to Buena Vista
Colorado ski resorts consistently rank as some of the best in the country and it’s easy…
The 2+ Closest Ski Resorts to Salida
There’s no question Colorado is one of the top destinations in the country for skiing. With…
Camping near Buena Vista and Nathrop, around the Arkansas River
Situated at the base of the 14,000+ foot Collegiate Peaks alongside the Arkansas River, Buena Vista…
Camping near Buena Vista and Nathrop, around the Arkansas RiverRead More
4th of July Firework Shows in Colorado
Celebrate the 244th anniversary of our nation’s birthday with these 4th-of-July firework displays in Colorado by…
Camping near Salida, Poncha Springs and Monarch, around the Arkansas River
Salida is one of the most popular mountain towns in Colorado, thanks to its scenic location…
Camping near Salida, Poncha Springs and Monarch, around the Arkansas RiverRead More
Top 11 Cool & Unusual Hotels in Salida
Nestled on the bank of the Arkansas River, the town of Salida is an outdoor enthusiast’s…
Top 11 Cool & Unusual Hotels in Buena Vista
Beautifully located at the base of Colorado’s Collegiate Peak mountains, Buena Vista is truly a “good…
Handsome Historic Districts of Colorado
Take a peek into Colorado’s past with a visit to one of these historic districts. Each…
Colorado’s Best Small Christmas Towns to Visit
{Breckenridge, CO – photo by grayskullduggery} What better way than to spend Christmas than in a…
Stay Overnight at these 3 Private Hot Springs
As much as I love the combination of hot water, soaking, and the smell of sulfur,…
7 of Colorado’s Best Communities to Retire
[Walking along the Animas River in Durango] Colorado’s rising popularity and continued growth bring in new…
Spend a Day or Night at these 15 Hot Springs
After a long, rewarding hot springs soak, the last thing you want to do is drive…
4 Ghost Towns of Clear Creek Canyon
Clear Creek Canyon is full of ruins from Colorado’s early mining days. There are four remaining…
Arkansas River Rafting in Browns Canyon
If you’re looking for summer adventure, head to the Arkansas River. It’s one of the most…
