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El Paso County lies in east central Colorado (statewide
map), and encompasses more than 2,158 square miles - slightly more than twice the area of the state
of Rhode Island (Excluding Narragansett Bay). While the western portion of El Paso
County is extremely mountainous, the eastern part is
prairie land where dairy cows and beef cattle are the
main source of ranchers' income. The altitude ranges
from about 5,095 feet (1569 m) on the southern border
at Black Squirrel Creek to 14,110 feet (4301 m) on the
summit of Pikes Peak, near the western boundary. The
county seat is located in Colorado Springs.
- 2006 estimated total population: 575,851.
- Number of estimated housholds: 216,015.
- Estimated civilian labor force: 264,000.
The natural physical beauty (panoramic
view - download
Quicktime)of the area, situated at the base of Pikes
Peak and with an uninterrupted view of the Front Range,
can be enjoyed by all. The magnificent scenery inspired
Katharine Lee Bates to write the poem "America the Beautiful"
after her visit here. The mild climate, on average,
supplies 285 days of sunshine, 15 inches of rain, 35
inches of snow, and very low levels of humidity.
(click to view larger picture of "America the Beautiful"
plaque located atop Pikes Peak (78k))
With over 150,000 acres (230 square miles) of open
space, El Paso County is also a year-round sports paradise,
offering hunting, fishing, camping, mountain climbing,
hiking and soaring. In addition, County residents and
visitors can enjoy *equestrian
and rodeo sports, golf, the *United
States Olympic Training Center, the Pikes
Peak Center, the *World
Arena Ice Hall, and much more.
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