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 vibrancy with a high-elevation, four-season climate ideal for outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.

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.

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