Arkansas Hills facts for kids
The Arkansas Hills are a group of hills and mountains in Central Colorado. They are found between two important river valleys: the upper Arkansas River Valley and the upper South Platte River Valley.
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Exploring the Arkansas Hills
The Arkansas Hills are like a natural extension of another mountain range called the Mosquito Range. This connection happens just north of a place called Trout Creek Pass.
Where Are the Arkansas Hills?
These hills stretch for about 60 miles (about 97 kilometers) in a south-southwest direction. They start near Trout Creek Pass and go all the way to the town of Texas Creek.
Climate and Rivers
The Arkansas Hills are quite dry. Not many rivers or streams flow through them all year long. This is because they are in a "rain shadow." A rain shadow happens when tall mountains block the clouds and rain. In this case, the much higher Sawatch Mountains to the west block most of the rain, making the Arkansas Hills a drier place.
Towns Nearby
Several towns are located close to the Arkansas Hills:
- The city of Salida, Colorado is the most well-known town near these hills.
- To the south, you'll find the town of Cotopaxi, Colorado.
- To the east, there's the town of Guffey, Colorado.
How High Are They?
The highest parts of the Arkansas Hills usually reach elevations between 11,000 and 12,000 feet (about 3,350 to 3,660 meters) above sea level. Even though they are called "hills," these elevations are quite high!
Why Are They Called "Hills"?
In Colorado, sometimes areas that are not as tall as the main mountain ranges are called "hills." This helps people understand that they are still elevated areas, but perhaps not as dramatic as the very highest peaks. For example, the Cochetopa Hills are another area in Colorado named this way.
