Rio Grande County is the gateway to the San Juan Mountains.  It is one of the highlights of the San Luis Valley. The county covers 913 square miles  ranging from around 7,000 feet  on valley floor to numerous 13,000-foot peaks. There are three municipalities within the county, Monte Vista, Del Norte, and South Fork and all have been historically developed along the rail line that follows the Rio Grande River. Monte Vista is the county’s largest community situated the county.  Monte Vista is the center of the agricultural aspect of the county.  Del Norte is a quaint town with a focus on its historic past; it is the county seat.  The newest town in Rio Grande County is South Fork. South Fork is surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest and was developed as a logging center.

Cemeteries

Look-Ups

Photographs

Resources

Surnames

Towns

Colorado Migrations Project