Thirtynine Mile Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thirtynine Mile Mountain |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,553 ft (3,521 m) |
| Prominence | 2,088 ft (636 m) |
| Isolation | 10.61 mi (17.08 km) |
| Listing | Colorado prominent summits |
| Geography | |
 Thirtynine Mile Mountain
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Park County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | Front Range, South Park Hills |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' map Thirtynine Mile Mountain, Colorado |
| Geology | |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Central Colorado volcanic field |
Thirtynine Mile Mountain is a very tall peak found in the central part of Colorado, U.S.. It stands proudly in the Front Range of the Pike National Forest. This mountain reaches an elevation of 11,553 ft (3,521 m), making it one of the notable summits in the region.
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About Thirtynine Mile Mountain
Thirtynine Mile Mountain is a significant landmark in Park County, Colorado. It is part of the larger Front Range mountain system. This range is a major part of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The mountain's name comes from its location, though the exact reason for "Thirtynine Mile" is a bit of a mystery.
Where Is It Located?
Thirtynine Mile Mountain is situated in the beautiful state of Colorado. It is specifically found within Park County, which is known for its wide-open spaces and stunning mountain views. The mountain is also part of the Pike National Forest. This forest is a huge area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It offers many outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
How Tall Is It?
The summit of Thirtynine Mile Mountain reaches an impressive height of 11,553 feet (about 3,521 meters). To give you an idea, that's taller than many famous skyscrapers! This makes it one of the "prominent summits" in Colorado. A prominent summit is a mountain that stands out significantly from the land around it.
What Makes It Special?
Thirtynine Mile Mountain is more than just a tall peak. It is part of an ancient area called the Central Colorado volcanic field. This means that long, long ago, this region was very active with volcanoes. Over millions of years, these volcanoes became inactive. The mountains we see today are the result of these ancient geological processes.
Ancient Volcanoes
The Central Colorado volcanic field was active many millions of years ago. It was a place where magma, or molten rock, rose from deep within the Earth. This magma sometimes erupted as lava, forming volcanoes. Over time, these volcanoes wore down. However, the hard rock that formed inside them, like the core of a volcano, often remained. This is why we can still see evidence of this volcanic past in the landscape around Thirtynine Mile Mountain.
Natural Beauty
The area around Thirtynine Mile Mountain is full of natural beauty. It is home to various types of trees, plants, and wildlife. The Pike National Forest provides a habitat for animals like deer, elk, and many bird species. Visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air and the peaceful surroundings. The views from the higher parts of the mountain are truly breathtaking.
