Explore the elevation of Colorado Springs—rising to 6,035 feet above sea level at the foot of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Known as "Olympic City USA," Colorado Springs offers dramatic landscapes, elite athletic facilities, and a rich blend of history, military heritage, and natural beauty.

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Where is Colorado Springs?

  • Location: Located in central Colorado, Colorado Springs is the county seat of El Paso County, about an hour south of Denver.

City Profile

  • Size: Covers 195.11 square miles, making it the largest city in Colorado by area.
  • Population: Home to roughly 465,000 residents, with over 700,000 in the surrounding metro area.
  • Nicknamed: "Olympic City USA" due to its ties to U.S. Olympic sports.
  • Sports hub: Headquarters of the U.S. Olympic Committee and Olympic Training Center.
  • Natural features: Sits along Fountain Creek and near the Southern Rocky Mountains.
  • Visitor info: Explore more at Visit Colorado Springs.

Elevation Basics

  • Original inhabitants: Native American tribes including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho.
  • U.S. acquisition: Became U.S. territory with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
  • Early settlement: Established in 1859 as a mining town near Pikes Peak.
  • Pikes Peak Gold Rush: Sparked regional development from 1858 to 1861.
  • Nikola Tesla: Conducted electrical experiments here in 1899.
  • Military importance: Played key roles in World War II and the Cold War.
  • Economic base: Focuses on military, tech, and tourism sectors.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • City elevation: Colorado Springs stands at 6,035 feet (1,839 m) above sea level.
  • Highest nearby point: Pikes Peak – 14,115 feet (4,302 m).
  • Lowest point in the city: Approximately 5,740 feet (1,750 m).
  • State comparison: Colorado has the highest mean elevation in the U.S. at 6,800 feet (2,070 m).
  • Highest point in Colorado: Mount Elbert – 14,440 feet (4,401 m).
  • Lowest point in Colorado: Arikaree River – 3,317 feet (1,011 m).
  • Highest incorporated town in the U.S.: Leadville, CO – 10,152 feet (3,094 m).
  • Other city elevations:
    • Denver: 5,280 feet (1,609 m)
    • Aurora: 5,472 feet (1,668 m)
  • Popular ski resorts:
    • Aspen: 8,000 feet (2,438 m)
    • Vail: 8,022 feet (2,445 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Semi-arid with four distinct seasons.
  • Summer: Warm with average highs in the 80s°F (27–32°C).
  • Winter: Cold with snowfall—temperatures can drop below 20°F (-7°C).
  • Precipitation: Most rain falls in late spring and summer.
  • Popular attractions:
  • Outdoor activities: Hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
  • Events and culture: Hosts sports competitions, festivals, and offers historic and science museums.

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