One of the key terms used in geography is elevation. Whenever we talk about a natural or man-made location around the globe, elevation is one of the key statistics associated with that place. Elevation can be measured in feet or meters and is the term used to describe how high a place is above sea level. In some cases, elevation can also refer to places below sea level. A simple example would be the United States’ most famous and populous city, New York City. NYC has an elevation of 33 feet (10 m), meaning it is 33 feet above sea level.

Elevation Basics:

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Highest elevation point in the U.S.:
  • Highest in North America:
    • Denali is the tallest mountain in North America.
  • Global comparison:
    • Mount Everest: 29,029 ft (8,848 m)
    • K2: 28,251 ft (8,611 m)
    • Denali remains one of the most impressive peaks in the world.
  • Denali name origin:
    • Denali was named by the Koyukon people.
    • Renamed Mount McKinley in the 1800s, then officially restored to Denali in 2015.
  • Denali's features:
    • Has the largest vertical rise on Earth.
    • Ranks as the world’s third most prominent and isolated peak.
  • Highest point in the Lower 48:
    • Mount Whitney in California – 14,505 feet (4,421 m).

Highest Towns and States

  • Highest statutory city:
    • Leadville, Colorado – 10,152 feet (3,094 m).
  • History of Leadville:
    • A former silver mining boomtown in the 1800s.
    • Once Colorado’s second most populous city.
  • Highest incorporated municipality:
    • Alma, Colorado – 10,355 feet (3,156 m).
    • Home to the highest post office in the U.S.
  • Other high towns:
    • Montezuma, Colorado – 10,335 feet (3,150 m) (statutory town, not a city).
  • State with highest average elevation:
    • Colorado – 6,800 feet (2,070 m) average.
    • Beats Wyoming – 6,700 feet (2,040 m).
  • State with greatest elevation span:
    • Alaska – from sea level to Denali’s summit at 20,310 feet (6,190 m).

Check out these Denali National Park Tours:

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