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Casco Peak
Casco Peak is located in Colorado
Casco Peak
Casco Peak
Location in Colorado
Highest point
Elevation 13,915 ft (4,241 m)
Prominence 648 ft (198 m)
Isolation 1.17 mi (1.88 km)
Geography
Location Lake County, Colorado, U.S.
Parent range Sawatch Range, Elbert Massif
Topo map USGS 7.5' topographic map
Mount Elbert, Colorado

Casco Peak is a very tall mountain in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. This amazing peak stands at 13,915-foot (4,241 m) (about 4,241 meters) above sea level. Because it is over 13,000 feet tall, it is sometimes called a "thirteener."

Casco Peak is found in Lake County, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Elbert Massif, which is a group of mountains that includes Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. Casco Peak is also located within the beautiful San Isabel National Forest. It is about 6.1 kilometers (or 3.8 miles) east of Independence Pass.

Exploring Casco Peak and Its Surroundings

Casco Peak is a significant part of the Sawatch Range, which is a major mountain range in central Colorado. This range is known for having many of Colorado's highest peaks, including eight of the state's 14,000-foot mountains, called "fourteeners."

The Sawatch Range: A Giant Playground

The Sawatch Range stretches for about 100 miles (160 kilometers) and is made up of ancient, hard rocks. These mountains were formed millions of years ago by powerful forces within the Earth. Over time, glaciers and rivers carved out the valleys and sharp peaks we see today.

The Sawatch Range is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. People come here to:

  • Hike and climb the tall mountains.
  • Explore the vast forests.
  • Enjoy the stunning views of nature.

San Isabel National Forest

Casco Peak is located inside the San Isabel National Forest. This forest covers over 1.1 million acres (about 4,500 square kilometers) and is a vital natural resource. It provides a home for many types of wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, and various bird species.

The forest also offers many recreational activities for visitors, such as:

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Mountain biking
  • Horseback riding
  • Skiing in the winter

It is a great place to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Nearby Independence Pass

Independence Pass is a high mountain pass located west of Casco Peak. It is part of Colorado State Highway 82 and is usually open only during the warmer months, from late May to early November, because of heavy snow. The pass offers incredible views and is a popular scenic drive. It connects the towns of Aspen and Twin Lakes.

Casco Peak, with its impressive height and location within a beautiful national forest and a famous mountain range, is a true gem of the Colorado Rockies. It offers a glimpse into the wild beauty of North America's mountains.

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