Adverse possession in Colorado
Colorado requires an action to recover land to be brought within 18 years, and treats 18 years of adverse possession as conclusive evidence of ownership (Colo. Rev. Stat. 38-41-101).
How long it takes in Colorado
A person in actual possession under good faith color of title who holds the land and pays all taxes on it for 7 successive years is held to be the legal owner (Colo. Rev. Stat. 38-41-108).
For vacant and unoccupied land, a person with good faith color of title who pays all taxes on it for 7 successive years is deemed the legal owner (Colo. Rev. Stat. 38-41-109).
Source: CO eighteen-year limit
What the statute requires
Colorado requires the claimant to prove each element by clear and convincing evidence, and the claimant or a predecessor must have had a good faith belief that the possessor was the actual owner (Colo. Rev. Stat. 38-41-101).
Land and people the clock does not run against
This limitation does not apply against the state, counties, cities, irrigation districts or other public bodies (Colo. Rev. Stat. 38-41-101).
Source: CO government land
Common questions
How many years for adverse possession in Colorado?
Colorado requires an action to recover land to be brought within 18 years, and treats 18 years of adverse possession as conclusive evidence of ownership (Colo. Rev. Stat. 38-41-101).