Quartz Creek (Gunnison County, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quartz Creek |
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The creek in the town of Pitkin, Colorado
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Gunnison County, Colorado 38°36′42″N 106°30′00″W / 38.61167°N 106.50000°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Tomichi Creek 7,926 ft (2,416 m) 38°30′03″N 106°43′44″W / 38.50083°N 106.72889°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Tomichi—Gunnison—Colorado |
Quartz Creek is a stream located in Gunnison County, Colorado. It starts high up in the Rocky Mountains, near the town of Pitkin, Colorado. This stream is formed when three smaller creeks, called North, South, and Middle Fox creeks, join together.
Quartz Creek flows through the beautiful Gunnison National Forest. It eventually meets up with Tomichi Creek near the town of Parlin, Colorado. You can find this meeting point close to Highway 50.
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Where Quartz Creek Flows
Quartz Creek makes its way through a scenic area known as the Quartz Creek Valley. As it flows, it passes through two small towns. These towns are Pitkin and Ohio City. The creek is an important natural feature for these communities.
The Pitkin Fish Hatchery
Along Quartz Creek, near the town of Pitkin, there is a special place called the Pitkin Hatchery. This facility is run by the State of Colorado. A hatchery is like a farm for fish. It helps to raise fish that can then be released into rivers and lakes.
What Fish Live Here?
The Pitkin Hatchery focuses on raising certain types of fish. They grow young rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. These are popular fish for fishing. The hatchery also raises kokanee salmon. These salmon are a type of landlocked sockeye salmon.
How the Hatchery Works
This hatchery is a "cold water facility." This means it uses cold water, which is perfect for the types of fish they raise. It's located at a high elevation of 9,200 feet (about 2,800 meters). The hatchery is important for producing many fish. It also helps to keep the fish populations healthy in Colorado's waters.
