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 Top Events in Buena Vista, Colorado
Surrounded by pristine alpine beauty and brimming with rugged charm, and hosting a myriad of year-round…
Stay Overnight at these 3 Private Hot Springs
As much as I love the combination of hot water, soaking, and the smell of sulfur,…
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
4 Ghost Towns of Clear Creek Canyon
Clear Creek Canyon is full of ruins from Colorado’s early mining days. There are four remaining…
