Sawatch Range

The Sawatch Range is a high mountain range in central Colorado, United States, that contains several of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains, including Mount Elbert (4,401 metres). It forms a prominent north-south spine in the state and hosts extensive alpine terrain.

Hiking, backcountry climbing and alpine day trips are the principal visitor activities; there are multiple long trails and routes that access high summits and ridgelines. Several peaks exceed 4,200 metres and the area includes well-known driving crossings such as Independence Pass for scenic access and trailheads.

The range was shaped by tectonic uplift and alpine glaciation; during the 19th and early 20th centuries parts of the range were the focus of mining and associated settlement. Over time recreational use and conservation have become primary functions of much of the high country.

The Sawatch Range lies in west-central Colorado, crossing counties such as Chaffee and Lake; nearby mountain towns include Leadville, Buena Vista and Aspen which serve as common access points for the range.

• High peaks: The range contains many of Colorado's highest summits, including the highest in the Rocky Mountains.
• Mountain pass access: Independence Pass (U.S. Route 82) crosses the range, reaching alpine elevations and closing seasonally in winter due to snow.

What to See #

• Mount Elbert: At 4,401 metres (14,440 ft) it is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains and dominates the range.
• Mount Massive: Second only to Mount Elbert in the range, standing at about 4,398 metres (14,428 ft) and forming part of the high crest of the Sawatch.
• Collegiate Peaks: A central cluster of high summits within the range often called the Collegiate Peaks, named after American universities and including several of Colorado's highest mountains.