Mount Powell (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Powell |
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 Mount Powell
Location in Colorado
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,586 ft (4,141 m) |
| Prominence | 3,000 ft (914 m) |
| Isolation | 21.50 mi (34.60 km) |
| Listing |
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| Naming | |
| Etymology | John Wesley Powell |
| Geography | |
| Location | Eagle and Summit counties, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | Highest summit of the Gore Range |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Mount Powell, Colorado |
Mount Powell is a very tall mountain located in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is the highest peak in the Gore Range, a beautiful mountain chain found in Colorado, United States. This impressive mountain stands at 13,586 feet (4,141 m) (about 4,141 meters) above sea level. Because it's over 13,000 feet tall, it's often called a "thirteener."
Mount Powell is part of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, a special protected area. It sits about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) north of the Town of Vail. The mountain is located where White River National Forest and Eagle County meet Arapaho National Forest and Summit County. The mountain was named in honor of John Wesley Powell, a famous explorer who climbed to its summit in 1868.
Exploring Mount Powell
Mount Powell is quite easy to spot, especially if you are looking from the northeast. It rises dramatically, about 6,000 feet (1,829 meters), above Green Mountain Reservoir. This makes it a very prominent feature in the landscape.
What is a "Thirteener"?
In Colorado, mountains are often categorized by their height. A "thirteener" is a mountain peak that has an elevation between 13,000 and 13,999 feet (3,962 to 4,267 meters) above sea level. Mount Powell fits right into this category, making it a significant peak for climbers and hikers.
The Gore Range
Mount Powell is the highest point in the Gore Range. This mountain range is known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. It offers stunning views and is a popular spot for outdoor adventures like hiking and backpacking. The range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains system.
John Wesley Powell's Legacy
The mountain is named after John Wesley Powell, a brave American soldier, geologist, and explorer. He is famous for his expeditions, especially his journey down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869. Powell's climb of this mountain in 1868 was one of his many adventures exploring the American West. Naming the mountain after him honors his contributions to mapping and understanding the region.
