Rio Arriba County

Rio Arriba County was the ninth county originally created for the Territory of New Mexico in 1852. The county seat was initially sited at San Pedro de Charmita, 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 American invasion in January 1847.

The county has a total area of 5,896 square miles, a population of approximately 40,040, and its northern border is the Colorado state line. It is the fifth largest county in NM by area. The highest point in the county is the summit of Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet. Española is one of the more populated cities in the county with a portion of the central and eastern section in Santa Fe County.

The county has an abundance of outdoor activities and points of interest including Abiquiu Lake, the Chama River (a tributary of the Rio Grande), the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, Puye Cliff Dwellings, and the Monastery of Christ in the Desert.

Upcoming Events

BASIC Peer Support Training for First Responders (2 day) @ PSPG, 8341 Washington St. NE., Albq., NM

Tickets

Nov 12 @ 8:00 am – Nov 13 @ 5:00 pm

Description

This four-day course is designed to be interactive with live scenario situations. It is focused on teaching public safety personnel the art of peer support. Participants will gain crucial knowledge about communication skills and techniques that are effective in supportively working with people to gain a mutually beneficial outcome. Participants will also learn to address people in crisis in a manner that reduces tension and the possibility for physical injury to anyone involved. This course is accredited by the NMLEA. See attached flyer for more details.

https://www.nmcounties.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Basic-Peer-Support-November-2025.pdf

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INSTRUCTOR UPDATE ONE DAY COURSE @ Jake Lopez Building, 705 East Lime, Portales, NM

Tickets

Nov 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

This one-day course is designed to refresh the general instructor. We will discuss some of the basics and talk about some new ideas. This is a state accredited course that is required every four years. Although this is a required course we see no reason it can’t be a great time to make new connections and get yourself updated as you continue to educate others.
Course is free to NMC law enforcement insurance pool members. Non-members may inquire about attending (pending availability) for a fee. Course detail in attached flyer.

https://www.nmcounties.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TRAINING-FOR-TRAINERS-Las-Cruces-Sept.-2025.docx

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Employment Opportunities

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444 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501 | Phone: 505-983-2101 | Toll Free: 877-983-2101