The county covers 913 square miles (2,360 km2) ranging from approximately 7,000 feet (2,100 m) on valley floor to several 13,000-foot (4,000 m) 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.

Monte Vista is the county's largest community situated on the valley floor.

"Monte", as locals call it,[citation needed] is the center of the agricultural aspect of the county.

South Fork is surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest and other public lands and has easy access to Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Developed as a logging center it has become a gem of the Valley with a booming housing market, world-class 18-hole golf course, and the distinction of being the "Gateway to the Silver Thread" scenic byway.