Map of Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Rio Arriba County (Spanish: Condado de Río Arriba) is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2010 census, the population was 40,246. Its county seat is Tierra Amarilla. Its northern border is the Colorado state line.

Rio Arriba County comprises the Española, NM Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas, NM Combined Statistical Area.

Rio Arriba County overview:
Name:	Rio Arriba County
FIPS code:	35-039
State:	New Mexico
Founded:	1852
Named for:	location on the upper Rio Grande (río arriba means “upriver” in Spanish)
Seat:	Tierra Amarilla
Largest city:	Española
Total Area:	5,896 sq mi (15,270 km²)
Land Area:	5,861 sq mi (15,180 km²)
Total Population:	40,179
Population Density:	6.9/sq mi (2.7/km²)
Time zone:	UTC−7 (Mountain)
Summer Time Zone (DST):	UTC−6 (MDT)
Website:	www.rio-arriba.org

Rio Arriba County location map. Where is Rio Arriba County?

Rio Arriba County location on the U.S. Map. Where is Rio Arriba County. — Location of Rio Arriba County in the the United States.

Rio Arriba County location on the New Mexico map. Where is Rio Arriba County. — Location of Rio Arriba County in New Mexico.

History

The county was one of nine originally created for the Territory of New Mexico in 1852. Originally extending west to the California line, it included the site of present-day Las Vegas, Nevada. The county seat was initially sited at San Pedro de Chamita, and shortly afterwards at Los Luceros. In 1860 the seat was moved to Plaza del Alcalde. Since 1880 Tierra Amarilla has been the county seat.

The Battle of Embudo Pass took place in the southern part of the county during the Mexican–American War in January 1847.

Rio Arriba County Road Map

Rio Arriba CountyStreet Map. — Street map of Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Source: OpenStreetMap (OSM)

Rio Arriba CountyMap — Rio Arriba Countypolitical map.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,896 square miles (15,270 km), of which 5,861 square miles (15,180 km) are land and 35 square miles (91 km) (0.6%) are water. It is the fifth-largest county in New Mexico by area. The highest point in the county is the summit of Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet (3,993 m).

The county acquired its present proportions after the creation of San Juan County and other adjustments.