If you live in a low elevation town like me and you are planning a trip to Colorado, you'll want to pay attention to the elevation so that you can get acclimated properly when you arrive.

I put together a quick guide that lets you learn all about the elevation of Fort Collins, Colorado, a thriving college town located on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. With over 165,000 residents and home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins combines academic vibe with a high-elevation, four-season climate ideal for outdoor adventures.

Table of Contents

City Profile

  • Location: Fort Collins is located in northern Colorado along the Cache la Poudre River, not far from the Wyoming border.
  • County: Fort Collins is the county seat of Larimer County.
  • Area and Population: The city spans 57 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,000.
  • Founded: Originally founded as Camp Collins in 1864, it was established to replace an earlier camp destroyed by flooding.
  • Development: Though the military fort was decommissioned soon after, settlers remained, and by 1866 the community had schools and churches. It later evolved into a major city with the founding of Colorado Agricultural College; now Colorado State University.
  • Modern Status: Fort Collins is now known as a college town with a lively cultural and recreational scene, drawing students and visitors year-round.

Elevation Basics

  • Elevation: The elevation of Fort Collins is 5,003 feet (1,525 m) above sea level.
  • Geographical position: Located on the Colorado Front Range, cities in this region tend to exceed 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in elevation due to their proximity to the Rocky Mountains.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • State comparison: Colorado is the highest state in the U.S., with a mean elevation of 6,800 feet (2,070 m).
  • Highest and lowest points:
    • Highest city: Leadville – 10,152 feet (3,094 m)
    • Highest point: Mount Elbert – 14,400 feet (4,401 m)
    • Lowest point: Arikaree River – 3,317 feet (1,011 m)
  • Colorado city comparisons:
    • Denver: 5,280 feet (1,609 m)
    • Colorado Springs: 6,033 feet (1,839 m)
    • Aurora: 5,472 feet (1,668 m)
    Fort Collins is lower than these cities, but still sits at a high elevation overall.

Climate and Lifestyle

  • Climate: Fort Collins experiences a semi-arid climate strongly affected by its elevation, with cooler temperatures and frequent snowfall in winter.
  • Snowfall: Receives an average of over 50 inches of snow annually.
  • Summer temperatures: Warm and pleasant; July averages around 71°F (22°C).
  • Winter temperatures: January is the coldest month, averaging 29°F (-2°C).
  • Lifestyle and attractions:
    • Known for its college-town atmosphere with bars, restaurants, music festivals, and live shows.
    • A hub for craft breweries, including hosts of the annual Colorado Brewer’s Festival.
    • Popular attractions include the Colorado Marathon, Fort Collins Museum, and The Gardens on Spring Creek.

Plan Your Trip