Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Denver, Colorado
1609 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-10.5°C
Temperature Drop
83.4kPa
Air Pressure
82.3%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation1609 meters
Everest Comparison18.2% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionColorado
Highest PointGreen Mountain (2020 meters)
Notable Landmarks
State Capitol Building
1613 meterselevation
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
1951 meterselevation
Lookout Mountain
2206 meterselevation
City Park
1598 meterselevation
Denver Botanic Gardens
1615 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Denver sits at the convergence of two distinct geological provinces: the High Plains to the east and the Rocky Mountain Front Range to the west. The city's famous 'Mile High' elevation (5,280 feet/1,609 meters) marks the transition between these regions along the 105th meridian. The landscape rises dramatically from east to west, climbing from the South Platte River valley (1,580m) through a series of terraces and benches formed by ancient river deposits. The western edge of the city includes the dramatic hogbacks and foothills of the Front Range, composed of uplifted Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The underlying geology includes complex layers of alluvial deposits from the South Platte River system and the ancestral Rocky Mountains, creating a diverse subsurface environment that influences groundwater movement and surface stability.
Climate Impact
Denver's high elevation creates a unique climate regime characterized by large diurnal temperature variations and distinct seasonal patterns. The thin atmosphere at 1,609 meters results in intense solar radiation and rapid temperature changes, with daily fluctuations often exceeding 15°C. The city's position east of the Continental Divide creates a rain shadow effect, while its elevation makes it susceptible to dramatic weather changes when Arctic air masses descend from the north. Chinook winds, warming as they descend from the mountains, can raise winter temperatures by up to 20°C in a matter of hours. The elevation gradient from east to west influences precipitation patterns, with western neighborhoods receiving about 75mm more annual precipitation than eastern areas. During summer, afternoon thunderstorms frequently develop as moisture-laden air rises against the foothills, creating a predictable daily weather pattern known locally as 'the Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone.'
Historical Context
Denver's relationship with elevation has been central to its identity since its founding during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1858. The city's original settlement at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River (1,580m) was chosen for its accessibility to both mountain mining districts and eastern supply routes. The designation of the State Capitol steps at exactly one mile high (5,280 feet) in 1909 became a defining feature of the city's identity. The development of Denver's park system in the early 1900s took advantage of elevation changes, with mountain parks like Red Rocks and Lookout Mountain providing dramatic viewpoints and recreational opportunities. The construction of the Moffat Tunnel in 1928 overcame the elevation challenges that had previously made railroad access to the mountains difficult. Denver's water supply system, developed throughout the 20th century, utilizes elevation differences for gravity-fed distribution from mountain reservoirs. Modern development continues to be shaped by elevation considerations, with the Front Range Urban Corridor's growth pattern following the relatively flat terrain along the mountain front while preserving views of the dramatic elevation change to the west.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Denver's Elevation
What is the elevation of Denver?
Denver has an elevation of 1609 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Denver's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Denver (1609 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Denver?
The highest point in Denver is Green Mountain (2020 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
