Hermosa, Colorado Explained

Hermosa
Native Name Lang:en
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Etymology:From the Spanish word hermosa, meaning beautiful[1]
Pushpin Map:Colorado
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within the state of Colorado
Coordinates:37.4153°N -107.8353°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:La Plata County
Established Date:c. 1874
Unit Pref:Imperial
Elevation Ft:6644
Population Density Sq Mi:auto
Timezone1:MST
Utc Offset1:-7
Timezone1 Dst:MDT
Utc Offset1 Dst:-6
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:81301
Area Code:970
Blank Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank Info:183933

Hermosa is an unincorporated community in La Plata County, Colorado, United States. It is located north of Durango along U.S. Highway 550.

History

The community was established around 1874 and had a post office from 1876 to 1900.[2] Residents are now served by post offices in Durango.

In 2018, the 416 Fire burned northwest of Hermosa, prompting evacuations.

Attractions

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has a water stop in Hermosa, and the railroad maintains a maintenance yard and a siding there, which is sometimes called the Hermosa Depot. The yard has a prominent railroad water tank that is easily seen by motorists passing through Hermosa on Highway 550.

Hermosa Creek passes through the community from west to east and has its confluence with the Animas River nearby.

The Hermosa Cliffs, formed of red sandstone, line the river valley in Hermosa.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Bright, William . 2004 . Colorado place names . Third . 2003024331. Boulder . Johnson Books . 85 . 1555663338.
  2. Web site: Post offices . Jim Forte Postal History . 2020-05-04.