It borders the municipalities of Miguel Auza, Juan Aldama, and General Francisco R. Murguía to the north, Villa de Cos to the east, Cañitas de Felipe Pescador to the southeast, Fresnillo and Saín Alto to the south, and Sombrerete to the west.

[7] The highest point in the municipality is the Cerro Tetilla Grande located at 23°41′N 102°51′W / 23.683°N 102.850°W / 23.683; -102.850 with an elevation of 2,370 metres (7,780 ft) above sea level.

[6] Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Río Grande area was inhabited by Chichimeca peoples such as the Guachichil and Irritila [es].

The town was recognized by the Royal Audiencia of Guadalajara on March 5, 1689 under the name Santa Elena de Río Grande.

[10] The municipal government comprises a president, a councillor (Spanish: síndico), and fourteen trustees (regidores), eight elected by relative majority and six by proportional representation.