Clifton Colorado Map

About Clifton, Colorado

Clifton is a locality in Mesa County, Colorado, United States. It has a population of 19,518. The population density is 1274.9 people per km². Clifton is located at 39.0919°N, 108.4490°W. It observes the Mountain Time (America/Denver) timezone. ZIP code: 81520.

Clifton unfolds against a broad canvas of high plains, where the sky seems to stretch an infinite distance, yielding only to the distant, jagged silhouette of the Front Range. It lies 5.8 miles east-northeast of Grand Junction, CO (from Grand Junction, CO: bearing 70°T), and is situated 2.7 miles east-northeast of Fruitvale. The air here carries a clarity that sharpens the senses, and the light, especially in the late afternoon, possesses a golden quality that lingers long after the sun dips below the horizon. Canyons of red rock, carved by eons of wind and water, frame the western edge of Clifton, offering glimpses into a rugged, ancient landscape. The Grand Valley, a fertile expanse irrigated by the life-giving waters of the Colorado River, lies to the north, a verdant counterpoint to the stark beauty of the surrounding mesas. The history of Clifton is deeply rooted in the mining boom that once pulsed through this region, leaving behind the enduring bones of an Old West settlement. Though the mines have long since quieted, the spirit of resilience and hard work remains, a palpable undercurrent in the town's daily life. Today, Clifton's economy draws strength from agriculture, particularly the cultivation of fruit and produce in the rich soil of the Grand Valley, as well as from its strategic position as a transportation hub. The presence of the Colorado River, a ribbon of cool, clear water teeming with trout, not only sustains the land but also offers a vital source of recreation and a constant reminder of the natural bounty that shaped Clifton's destiny. The cultural character of Clifton is one of quiet perseverance and a deep connection to the land, a place where neighbors still recognize the importance of lending a hand. The iconic Colorado National Monument, with its dramatic canyons and towering monoliths, stands as a majestic natural landmark, drawing visitors from afar to witness its grandeur. While no globally recognized figures have emerged from Clifton, the town has fostered a strong sense of local pride and a tradition of community gatherings, often centered around the harvest seasons or the simple joy of a clear, starlit night. The annual Peach Festival, a celebration of the valley's most famous crop, embodies the spirit of Clifton, bringing together residents and visitors alike in a convivial atmosphere of shared appreciation for this sun-drenched corner of Colorado.

About This Clifton Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Clifton, Colorado — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 39.091926, -108.448978. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Clifton and Mesa County.

Detailed location data for Clifton includes the ZIP code (81520), telephone area code (719), county seat of Mesa County (Grand Junction), and school district assignment (Mesa County Valley School District 51). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Clifton is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.