Gore Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gore Range |
|
|---|---|
The southern end of the Gore Range seen from Dillon Reservoir.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Powell |
| Elevation | 13,566 ft (4,135 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 77 mi (124 km) N-S |
| Width | 46 mi (74 km) E-W |
| Area | 1,420 sq mi (3,700 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| Parent range | Southern Rocky Mountains |
The Gore Range is a beautiful mountain range located in the central part of Colorado, United States. It's part of the larger Rocky Mountains and stands tall with peaks reaching around 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) high. This range is known for its rugged beauty and stunning views.
Where is the Gore Range?
This mountain range stretches for about 60 miles (100 kilometers) from northwest to southeast. It runs through several counties in Colorado. These include western Grand and Summit counties. It also goes through eastern Routt and Eagle counties.
The Gore Range is like a southern extension of the Park Range. It starts near Rabbit Ears Pass and goes all the way south to the Eagle River near Vail. The mighty Colorado River even cuts through the range at a spot called Gore Canyon.
Natural Boundaries and Views
The range forms part of the western edge of Middle Park. This area is where the Colorado River begins its journey. The mountains separate Middle Park from the upper part of the Yampa River basin to the west.
The northern part of the range, north of Gore Pass, is a bit lower. It runs along the western side of the Blue River valley. On clear days, you can see the tall ridges of the Gore Range from Trail Ridge Road. This road is in Rocky Mountain National Park, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the east.
Interstate 70, a major highway, travels along the lower southern and southwestern parts of the range. Much of the Gore Range is protected land. It's part of the Arapaho and White River National Forests. Large sections are also within the Eagles Nest Wilderness, which helps keep the natural environment safe.
How Did the Gore Range Get Its Name?
The Gore Range was named after a person called Lord St. George Gore. He was an Irish nobleman who visited this area in the 1850s. He came to the American West on a very large hunting trip.
Lord Gore's hunting trip lasted for three years. He traveled through areas that are now states like the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. It's said that he hunted a huge number of animals just for sport. This included thousands of buffalo, elk, deer, and bears.
