Count the 14,000 Footers
Colorado has 53 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation, more than any other state in the lower 48. Only two other continental states, California and Washington, have any peaks that clear the 14,000 foot mark.
Front Range
Colorado has a very distinctive front range of mountains and when conditions are just right, summits like Pikes Peak can be seen for over a hundred miles across the Great Plains. Including Pikes Peak, there are six 14,000 footers on the front range.
Mountain Ranges
Colorado has 16 distinct mountain ranges, which are considered to be part of the Rocky Mountains. Of the 16, 14 of these ranges have at least one summit that surpasses 14,000 feet.
Rocky Mountain Recreation
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado attract many outdoor visitors throughout the year. Skiing is popular in the winter and many mountains have ski lifts that make the trip up the mountain much easier. Ski lifts can take skiers as high as 12,000 feet in elevation and in a few ideal locations will transport skiers up a mountain well into June.
Rocky Mountain National Park
In 1915, the Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado became the tenth national park. This high peaks region has 20 peaks that exceed 13,000 feet and roughly one third of the park area is above timberline, which occurs at about 11,000 feet.
Article Written By Henri Bauholz
Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.
