Gladstone Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gladstone Peak |
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 Gladstone Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,919 ft (4,243 m) |
| Prominence | 713 ft (217 m) |
| Isolation | 0.59 mi (0.95 km) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Dolores and San Miguel counties, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | San Miguel Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Mount Wilson, Colorado |
Gladstone Peak is a tall mountain peak found in the San Miguel Mountains. This mountain range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains in North America.
Standing at 13,919-foot (4,243 m) (about 4,242 meters), Gladstone Peak is known as a "thirteener." This means it's one of the many mountains in Colorado that are over 13,000 feet high. It's located in a special protected area called the Lizard Head Wilderness.
The peak is about 18 kilometers southwest of the Town of Telluride, Colorado, in the United States. It sits right on a drainage divide. This is a natural line where water flows in different directions. On one side, water goes towards the San Juan National Forest in Dolores County. On the other side, it flows towards the Uncompahgre National Forest in San Miguel County.
The mountain was named to honor William Ewart Gladstone. He was a very important Prime Minister of the United Kingdom a long time ago.
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Where is Gladstone Peak?
Gladstone Peak is located in the southwestern part of Colorado. It's a key feature in the San Miguel Mountains, which are a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains. The peak is shared between two counties: Dolores County and San Miguel County.
This area is known for its rugged and beautiful scenery. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. The peak's location makes it a landmark in the region.
The Lizard Head Wilderness
Gladstone Peak is inside the Lizard Head Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where nature is protected. It means there are no roads or buildings, and people visit it to enjoy the natural environment.
The Lizard Head Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This system protects wild lands across the United States. It helps keep these areas natural for future generations.
Nearby National Forests
The mountain is bordered by two large national forests. These are the San Juan National Forest and the Uncompahgre National Forest. National forests are managed by the government. They are used for recreation, wildlife protection, and sometimes for timber.
These forests provide a home for many animals and plants. They also offer trails for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Mountain Facts
Gladstone Peak is a significant mountain in Colorado. Its elevation is 13,919-foot (4,243 m). This makes it one of the higher peaks in the state.
The peak has a prominence of 713-foot (217 m). Prominence measures how much a peak rises above its surroundings. A higher prominence means the peak stands out more from the land around it.
It also has an isolation of 0.59-mile (1 km). Isolation measures how far a peak is from any higher ground. This means Gladstone Peak is quite close to other tall peaks.
Why is it called Gladstone Peak?
The mountain was named after William Ewart Gladstone. He was a famous British politician. He served as the Prime Minister four times during the 1800s.
Gladstone was known for his strong leadership and his work in reforming the British government. Naming a mountain after him was a way to honor his achievements. Many places around the world are named after important historical figures.
