Hermosa is an unincorporated community in La Plata County, Colorado, United States. It is located north of Durango along U.S. Highway 550.[1]

Hermosa
Unincorporated community
The D&SNG water tank along U.S. Route 550 in Hermosa, April 2020
The D&SNG water tank along U.S. Route 550 in Hermosa, April 2020
Etymology: From the Spanish word hermosa, meaning beautiful[1]
Hermosa is located in Colorado
Hermosa
Hermosa
Location within the state of Colorado
Coordinates: 37°24′55″N 107°50′07″W / 37.41528°N 107.83528°W / 37.41528; -107.83528[2]
Country United States
State State of Colorado
CountyLa Plata County
Elevation6,644 ft (2,025 m)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code
81301
Area code970
GNIS feature ID183933[2]

History

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The community was established around 1874[1] and had a post office from 1876 to 1900.[3] Residents are now served by post offices in Durango.

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

Attractions

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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,[4] formed of red sandstone, line the river valley in Hermosa.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Bright, William (2004). Colorado place names (Third ed.). Boulder: Johnson Books. p. 85. ISBN 1555663338. LCCN 2003024331.
  2. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hermosa, Colorado
  3. ^ "Post offices". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
  4. ^ "Hermosa Cliffs". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
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