Earthquakes In Colorado: 2023 Trends, Impacts, & Future Expectations

In 2023, the first earthquake to reach 4.0 on the Richter scale in Colorado happened during the first week of March. As we approach the spring equinox, the Centennial State hopes 2024 will be as quiet as 2023.

What was Colorado's largest earthquake in 2023, and where was it centered? Keep scrolling to look at the nine largest earthquakes observed in Colorado last year, followed by some of the largest earthquakes in the history of our state.

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Colorado's Most Active Month For Earthquakes

In 2023, the most active months for earthquakes in Colorado were March and September. Earthquakes were measured on sixteen different days in March last year, and eleven earthquakes were measured during September.

Most Active Location in 2023

Las Animas County, Colorado, was the most active location for earthquakes in 2023. All three earthquakes that reached a 4.0 or higher on the Richter scale, occurred within about 20 miles of Trinidad, Colorado.

Other notable earthquake locations included Garfield County, San Juan County, Huerfano County, Pueblo County, and Rio Blanco County.

Colorado's Largest Earthquake Last Year

Three of the strongest earthquakes in 2023 measured 4.3 on the Richter scale. All three took place in Las Animas County near Trinidad, Colorado. The 4.3 magnitude earthquake that happened on March 9th, 2023, was reported by more than 40 observers. This earthquake was centered thirteen miles west of Trinidad, Colorado, and affected an area around 6.3 kilometers in size.

Check out the photo gallery below for a look at the nine largest Colorado earthquakes of 2023, then keep going for a look at Colorado's most powerful earthquakes of all time below.