The district is located in the north-central part of the state, and encompasses the northwestern suburbs of Denver, including Boulder and Fort Collins.

Redistricting in 2011 moved Larimer County, including the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, to the 2nd from the 4th district.

Following the 1890 U.S. census and associated reapportionment of seats in the United States House of Representatives, Colorado gained a second congressional district.

Following the census, the 2nd district stretched further north to the Wyoming border while losing the western portion of Eagle County.

The other parts of the district are diverse, ranging from far western Denver suburbs to agricultural areas and mountain towns.