La Poudre Pass Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Poudre Pass Lake |
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 La Poudre Pass Lake
Location in Colorado
La Poudre Pass Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 40°28′24″N 105°49′31″W / 40.47333°N 105.82528°W |
| Primary outflows | Colorado River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 3,101 m (10,174 ft) |
La Poudre Pass Lake is a small but very important lake located high in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado, United States. It sits at an elevation of about 3,101 meters (10,174 feet) above sea level. This beautiful mountain lake is special because it is the official starting point of the mighty Colorado River, one of the longest and most important rivers in North America!
Where is La Poudre Pass Lake?
This small lake is found inside Rocky Mountain National Park, a famous park known for its stunning mountain views and wildlife. It is located in an area called La Poudre Pass. This pass is just south of the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant mountain ridge that separates which way water flows across a continent. Water on one side flows to the Pacific Ocean, and water on the other side flows to the Atlantic Ocean (or the Gulf of Mexico).
The lake is also very close to a stream called La Poudre Pass Creek. You can reach La Poudre Pass Lake by hiking on the La Poudre Pass trail. It is a great way to see the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains up close.
The Start of the Colorado River
One of the most amazing things about La Poudre Pass Lake is that it is the very beginning of the Colorado River. Water from this small lake flows south, starting the long journey of the Colorado River. This river travels through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states. It provides water for millions of people and helps grow crops in many dry areas.
It is incredible to think that such a huge river, which is so important for life in the American Southwest, starts from a small, peaceful lake high in the mountains!
