Searle Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Searle Pass |
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Searle Pass viewed from the north.
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| Elevation | 12,034 ft (3,668 m) |
| Traversed by | Continental Divide Trail and Colorado Trail |
| Location | Summit County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | Gore Range |
| Coordinates | 39°27′31″N 106°13′40″W / 39.4585981°N 106.2278022°W |
| Topo map | USGS Copper Mountain |
 Searle Pass
Location in Colorado
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Searle Pass is a high mountain pass located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It sits at an amazing elevation of 12,034 feet (about 3,668 meters) above sea level. Imagine being that high up! This pass is a special place where two famous long-distance trails meet and cross over the mountains.
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What is a Mountain Pass?
A mountain pass is like a natural doorway through a mountain range. It's usually the lowest or easiest path to cross from one side of the mountains to the other. People have used passes for thousands of years to travel, trade, and explore. They help connect different valleys and regions.
Why Are Passes Important?
Passes are super important for travel and exploration. Without them, crossing huge mountain ranges would be much harder. They make it possible for hikers, animals, and even early explorers to move through tough terrain. Searle Pass, for example, helps hikers on long trails get across the Gore Range.
Searle Pass: High Up in the Gore Range
Searle Pass is found in the Gore Range, which is a part of the larger Rocky Mountains. The Gore Range is known for its rugged peaks and stunning natural beauty. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventures like hiking and backpacking.
Exploring the Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a huge mountain system in western North America. They stretch for thousands of miles and are home to many amazing animals and plants. Colorado's part of the Rockies includes some of the highest peaks and most famous trails, like those that cross Searle Pass.
Trails That Cross Searle Pass
Searle Pass is a key point for two very important long-distance trails. These trails are used by hikers who want to experience the wilderness and challenge themselves.
The Continental Divide Trail
One of the trails crossing Searle Pass is the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This trail is super long, stretching for about 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) from Mexico all the way to Canada! It follows the Continental Divide, which is like a giant line across North America. On one side, rivers flow towards the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, they flow towards the Pacific Ocean. Hiking this trail is a huge adventure!
The Colorado Trail
The other trail that uses Searle Pass is the Colorado Trail. This trail is about 486 miles (782 kilometers) long and goes from Denver to Durango, all within Colorado. It's a challenging trail that takes hikers through some of Colorado's most beautiful mountain scenery. Many people hike sections of it, or even the whole thing, to see the state's amazing landscapes.
Searle Pass is a special place where these two incredible trails share the same path for a while. It's a reminder of the vast and wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
