Chaffee County

Chaffee County is on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. Bordered on the west by the Sawatch Range, including the 14,000 foot Continental Divide, the eastern boundary of the county follows the Mosquito Range, descending toward the south. Located high in the Upper Arkansas Valley, the Arkansas River flows toward the southeast, between the two mountain ranges.

The area is the crossroads for the three interstate highways: U.S. 24, 50 and 285. Driving distance from Denver is approximately 144 miles, 102 miles from Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and 65 miles from Gunnison.

The elevation of the area ranges from just under 7,000 to over 14,000 feet on its highest peaks, providing some of the most spectacular views to be seen anywhere in the world. In fact, Chaffee County has more mountain peaks of 14,000-foot or more than any other county in Colorado and is often referred to as the ”Fourteener” Region.

Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs as well as Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area.

The headwaters of some of this country's most storied and important rivers are born as trickles that start on the flanks of the high mountains fo the Continental Divide. So too can the Upper Arkansas Valley be the starting place, or perhaps another chapter, in a cascade of memories celebrating a lifelong love affair with the outdoors.
Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state's more glamorous distination resorts. You don't need the trendiest clothes or newest equipment to fit in with the locals. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak in. Fifteen of the states 53 14,000 ft peaks touch the sky here in the Sawatch Range.

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