Sawatch Range Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sawatch Range
Saguache Range
Sawatch Range seen from Monarch Pass
Highest point
Peak	Mount Elbert
Elevation	14,440 ft (4,401 m)
Dimensions
Length	80 mi (130 km) NW/SE
Geography
Country	United States
State	Colorado
Parent range	Rocky Mountains

The Sawatch Range is a tall and wide mountain range in central Colorado. It is home to eight of the twenty highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains. The very highest peak in the Rockies, Mount Elbert, is found here. Mount Elbert stands at an amazing 14,440 feet (4,401 m) high!

This mountain range stretches about 80 miles (130 km) from the northwest to the southeast. It contains fifteen peaks that are over 14,000 feet (4,267 m) tall. These very tall mountains are often called "14ers". The Sawatch Range is also part of the Continental Divide. This means that rivers on its eastern side flow towards the Arkansas River. Rivers on its western side flow into the Colorado River through its smaller branches like the Roaring Fork River, Eagle River, and Gunnison River.

The mountains in the Sawatch Range are generally very high and massive. However, their shapes are often gentle and rounded. Some peaks are rugged and need special climbing gear. But many can be climbed with a challenging hike.

Some of the most famous peaks include Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, La Plata Peak, and Mount of the Holy Cross. There are also the Collegiate Peaks. These are named after famous universities. They include Mount Columbia, Mount Harvard, Mount Princeton, and Mount Yale. Other notable peaks are Mount Belford and Mount Oxford.

Exploring the Sawatch Range
- Hiking and Trails
Tallest Mountains in the Sawatch Range
Images for kids
See also

Exploring the Sawatch Range

The Sawatch Range has several high mountain passes. These passes allow roads to cross over the mountains. State Highway 82 crosses the range at Independence Pass (Colorado). Another pass is Cottonwood Pass. This pass connects the town of Buena Vista with Gunnison County.

Both Independence Pass and Cottonwood Pass are over 12,000 feet (3,658 m) high. This makes them two of the highest passes in Colorado. They are usually open only from late spring to mid-autumn.

Hiking and Trails

Hagerman Pass is another pass located further north. It connects the Arkansas Headwaters area near Leadville with the Fryingpan River valley. You can travel Hagerman Pass with four-wheel drive vehicles. It is also great for hiking during summer and early autumn.

The Sawatch Range has many hiking trails. These trails are found within the San Isabel National Forest and White River National Forest. These forests offer amazing opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Tallest Mountains in the Sawatch Range

The Sawatch Range is famous for its many high peaks. Many of these mountains are "14ers." This means they are over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) tall.

Mount Elbert: This is the highest peak in the entire Rocky Mountains. It stands at 14,440 feet (4,401 m).
Mount Massive: This peak is the second highest in Colorado. It is 14,428 feet (4,398 m) tall.
Mount Harvard: Part of the Collegiate Peaks, Mount Harvard is 14,421 feet (4,396 m) high.
La Plata Peak: This mountain reaches 14,343 feet (4,372 m).
Mount Antero: Known for its aquamarine gemstones, Mount Antero is 14,276 feet (4,351 m) tall.
Mount Princeton: Another Collegiate Peak, it stands at 14,204 feet (4,329 m).
Mount Yale: Also a Collegiate Peak, Mount Yale is 14,202 feet (4,329 m) high.
Mount of the Holy Cross: This mountain is famous for its cross-shaped snowfield. It is 14,011 feet (4,271 m) tall.