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Upper Chicago Basin La Plata County Colorado
Upper Chicago Basin in La Plata County. Photo: Mouser Williams

La Plata County, Colorado

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La Plata County’s seat and largest town is Durango, which is home to an impressive historic district. The county had an estimated population of 53,284 in 2013.

Named for the La Plata River and the La Plata Mountains (la plata is Spanish for “silver”), this county is home to the San Juan National Forest, the Weminuche Wilderness, the Colorado Trail, and the San Juan Skyway, a designated national scenic byway. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also departs from town year round.

Visit the La Plata County Government website.

La Plata County Colorado Map
La Plata County map.

County Towns

  • Bayfield
  • Durango
  • Hermosa
  • Hesperus
  • Ignacio

Adjacent Counties

  • Archuleta – east
  • Dolores – northwest
  • Hinsdale – northeast
  • Montezuma – west
  • San Juan – north

Special Events

  • Jan/Feb – Snowdown in Durango
  • Apr – Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
  • May – Durango Wine Experience
  • Jun/Aug – Durango Blues Train
  • Jul – Durango Fiesta Days
  • Aug – Mushroom & Wine Festival in Durango
  • Aug – San Juan Brewfest in Durango
  • Aug – Four Corners Motorcycle Rally in Durango
  • Oct – Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering
La Plata County Courthouse Durango Colorado
La Plata County Courthouse in Durango.

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