According to liuxers.com, Chaffee County, Colorado is located in the central part of the state and is home to some of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The county covers an area of 1,018 square miles and is bordered by Lake County to the north, Park County to the east, Fremont County to the south, and Saguache County to the west.
The population of Chaffee County was estimated at 17,761 in 2020 making it one of the least populous counties in Colorado. The majority of residents live in Salida which is the county seat and largest city with a population of 5,541 as of 2020. Other cities include Buena Vista with a population of 2,731 and Poncha Springs with a population of 774.
Chaffee County is home to several attractions such as Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort which offers hot springs pools and cabins for visitors looking to relax and enjoy nature. There’s also Monarch Ski Area which offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities throughout winter months while summer months offer activities like mountain biking. Additionally, there are several hiking trails located throughout Chaffee County that provide breathtaking views for those looking for an outdoor adventure.
The economy in Chaffee County is largely based on tourism due to its stunning scenery as well as outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing/snowboarding. Additionally, there are several businesses located throughout the county that offer services such as retail stores, restaurants/bars/breweries, lodging options, health care providers, financial institutions/banks/investment firms etc., making it an attractive place for people looking to start or relocate their business in Colorado.
Chaffee County has much to offer visitors looking for an unforgettable experience. With its stunning mountain scenery combined with numerous outdoor activities available year-round this area has something for everyone.
History of Chaffee County, Colorado
Chaffee County was established in 1879 and is named after the prominent senator from Colorado, Jerome B. Chaffee. The county was initially part of Lake County and was annexed to Park County in 1883 before becoming its own county in 1889.
The first settlers arrived in the area in the late 1800s, mainly miners and ranchers who came to take advantage of the area’s abundant natural resources such as timber, gold, silver, and coal. The area also became a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing/snowboarding.
By the early 1900s, Salida had become the largest city in Chaffee County with a population of 1,500 people. During this time period many businesses were established including hotels, restaurants/bars/breweries, retail stores, health care providers etc., making it an attractive place for people looking to start or relocate their business in Colorado.
In 1910 construction began on what is now known as Monarch Ski Area which opened for business two years later and has since become one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado. Additionally, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort opened up during this time period providing visitors with hot springs pools and cabins for those looking to relax and enjoy nature.
Today, Chaffee County is still largely based on tourism due to its stunning scenery as well as outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hunting, skiing/snowboarding etc., making it an attractive place for people looking to visit or relocate their business in Colorado. With its breathtaking mountain views combined with numerous outdoor activities available year-round, this area has something for everyone.
Major cities and towns in Chaffee County, Colorado
Salida is the largest city in Chaffee County, Colorado and the county seat. It is located in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and popular recreation areas. The downtown area is full of quaint shops and restaurants that offer visitors a unique experience. Salida also has a vibrant arts community with galleries, performance venues, and public art installations throughout the city. The nearby Arkansas River provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Buena Vista is another popular destination in Chaffee County. Located at the base of Cottonwood Pass in the Collegiate Peaks region of the Rocky Mountains, Buena Vista offers stunning views of nearby mountain peaks and easy access to nearby outdoor attractions. The town itself has a charming downtown area with restaurants, shops and galleries that feature local artwork from talented regional artists. Adventure seekers can enjoy white-water rafting on Brown’s Canyon or take a hike along one of Buena Vista’s many trails that wind through pine forests and alpine meadows.
Other cities in Chaffee County include Poncha Springs, Granite, Howard and Maysville. Poncha Springs is known for its hot springs resort which attracts visitors from all over Colorado looking to relax in its soothing mineral waters. Granite is located near Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort which offers visitors hiking trails as well as breathtaking views of surrounding mountain peaks from its observation deck. Howard lies at the foot of Mount Shavano which provides excellent skiing opportunities during winter months while Maysville has several small lakes perfect for swimming or fishing during summer months.
Airports in Chaffee County, Colorado
According to Countryaah, Chaffee County, Colorado is home to several airports offering a variety of services for both recreational and commercial use. Located in Salida, the Chaffee County Airport (KANK) is the primary airport in the county and offers a 3,500 foot runway with pilot-controlled lighting. The airport has a full-service FBO (Fixed Base Operator) which provides fueling, aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, charter services and more. It is also home to an aviation museum which houses a variety of historic aircrafts and memorabilia from around the world.
The nearby Buena Vista Municipal Airport (KAEJ) is located just outside the town of Buena Vista and offers a 3,400 foot runway with instrument approach capabilities. The airport also offers pilot training courses for those seeking to earn their private or commercial license as well as sightseeing flights for visitors looking to take in the breathtaking views of nearby mountain peaks from above.
Other airports in Chaffee County include Poncha Springs Municipal Airport (K7V5), Granite Airfield (CO90), Howard Field (CO87) and Maysville Airfield (CO86). Each of these airports offers shorter runways with varying degrees of instrument approach capabilities. All five airports are open to general aviation traffic and provide an ideal base for exploring the outdoors or taking part in any of Chaffee County’s many recreational activities.