Mountain Range
Elk Range Area summits
Named peaks, snowpack stations, streamflow gauges and watersheds in the Elk Range Area. Built for climbers, hikers, anglers, paddlers, and anyone curious about how the range is faring this season.
Named summits
15
Highest peak
14,265ft
SNOTEL stations
20
USGS gauges
27
Open the Elk Range Area on the map
Every peak, gauge, and SNOTEL station overlaid on terrain.
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May
18
2026
Range overview
The Elk Range is a mountain range located in central Colorado, USA. It was named after the large elk population that once roamed the area. The range is part of the Rocky Mountains and includes several notable peaks such as Mount Sopris, Mount Elbert, and Capitol Peak. The highest peak in the range is Castle Peak, which stands at 14,265 feet above sea level. The Elk Range has significant hydrology, with several rivers including the Roaring Fork River and the Crystal River flowing through the area. The range is also home to several hot springs, including the popular Glenwood Hot Springs. The Elk Range is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. In addition, the area has a rich mining history, with the town of Aspen once being a prominent silver mining town. Today, the Elk Range is known for its stunning vistas and natural beauty.
Elk Range Area at a glance
Range-wide overview
The Elk Range Area in four data points -- summits, climate stations, and water-flow coverage.
Highest peak
Castle Peak
14,265 ft
Most prominent named summit in the range.
Average elevation
Across 15 summits
13,035 ft
Mean of every named peak Snoflo tracks here.
Climate stations
SNOTEL + USGS gauges
20 + 27
Real-time snowpack and streamflow coverage.
Watersheds drained
HUC sub-basins touched
3
Hydrologic sub-basins the range feeds.
Summit inventory
Elk Range Area named peaks
Every named summit Snoflo tracks in the Elk Range Area, sorted by elevation. Elevation is heat-mapped to highlight the alpine zone. Tap any peak for its full report.
| Peak | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Castle Peak | 14,265 ft |
| Maroon Bells | 14,156 ft |
| Capitol Peak | 14,130 ft |
| Snowmass Mountain | 14,092 ft |
| Conundrum Peak | 14,060 ft |
| North Maroon Peak | 14,019 ft |
| Cathedral Peak | 13,943 ft |
| Hayden Peak | 13,561 ft |
| Hunter Peak | 13,497 ft |
| Mount Daly | 13,305 ft |
| Mount Sopris | 12,953 ft |
| New York Peak | 12,811 ft |
| Crested Butte | 12,162 ft |
| Mount Lamborn | 11,397 ft |
| Pyramid Peak | 7,182 ft |
Climate signal
Snowpack & streamflow in the Elk Range Area
Live readings from every SNOTEL station and USGS streamgauge feeding the range's drainages.
SNOTEL snowpack
| Station | Snowpack | SWE | Elev |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman Tunnel | · | 0.2 in | 10,110ft |
| Independence Pass | · | 0.1 in | 10,600ft |
| Ivanhoe | 1.0 in | 0.1 in | 10,400ft |
| Kiln | · | · | 9,600ft |
| Nast Lake | · | · | 8,700ft |
| North Lost Trail | · | 0.1 in | 9,200ft |
| Schofield Pass | · | 0.2 in | 10,700ft |
| Carbondale 5.9 Ene, Co | · | · | 7,313ft |
| Basalt 5.8 E, Co | · | · | 7,119ft |
| Carbondale 4.6 Nne, Co | · | · | 6,535ft |
| Mc Clure Pass | · | · | 9,500ft |
| Overland Res. | · | · | 9,840ft |
| Hotchkiss 4.7 W, Co | · | · | 5,699ft |
| Hotchkiss 5wnw | · | · | 5,761ft |
| Butte | · | · | 10,160ft |
| Park Cone | · | 0.2 in | 9,600ft |
| Upper Taylor | · | · | 10,640ft |
| Crested Butte Coop | · | · | 8,875ft |
| Crested Butte 6.2 N, Co | · | · | 9,554ft |
| Gothic | · | · | 10,404ft |
USGS streamflow
| Gauge | Flow | Gage | Elev |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Creek Bl Grizzly Reservoir, Nr Aspen Co. | 7.03 cfs | 1.35ft | 10,520.0ft |
| Roaring Fork River Ab Lost Man C, Near Aspen Co. | · | 1.34ft | 10,528.0ft |
| Roaring Fork River Ab Difficult C Nr Aspen, Co. | 44.9 cfs | 1.45ft | 8,123.0ft |
| Roaring Fork River Near Aspen, Co. | 82.1 cfs | 1.18ft | 8,006.0ft |
| Hunter Creek Near Aspen, Co. | 7.9 cfs | 1.11ft | 8,634.0ft |
| Crystal River Ab Avalanche C, Near Redstone, Co. | 601.0 cfs | 2.28ft | 6,920.0ft |
| North Fork Fryingpan River Near Norrie, Co. | 29.20 cfs | 2.91ft | 8,341.0ft |
| Fryingpan River Near Thomasville, Co. | 153.00 cfs | 2.53ft | 8,216.0ft |
| Fryingpan River At Meredith, Co. | 201.00 cfs | 2.61ft | 7,779.0ft |
| Fryingpan River Near Ruedi, Co. | 119.0 cfs | 1.52ft | 7,478.0ft |
| Roaring Fork River Near Emma, Co | · | · | 7,868.0ft |
| Castle Creek At Aspen | · | · | 7,868.0ft |
| N.F. Gunnison R Blw Leroux Cr, Nr Hotchkiss, Co | 452.00 cfs | 8.21ft | 5,273.0ft |
| North Fork Gunnison River Below Paonia, Co | · | · | 5,770.0ft |
| Minnesota Creek Near Paonia, Co. | · | · | 5,770.0ft |
| Terror Creek At Mouth Near Bowie, Co | · | · | 5,770.0ft |
| Hubbard Creek At Highway 133 At Mouth Nr Bowie, Co | 4.19 cfs | 0.37ft | 5,869.0ft |
| North Fork Gunnison River Near Somerset, Co. | 655.0 cfs | 2.4ft | 6,081.0ft |
| Muddy Creek At Bardine, Co. | · | · | 7,466.0ft |
| E Fork Terror Cr Blw Cottonwood Stomp Nr Bowie, Co | · | · | 7,466.0ft |
Outdoor recreation
What to do in the Elk Range Area
Climbing, hiking, fishing, paddling, and more -- everything Snoflo tracks for the range.
Mountain activities
1. Hiking: The Elk Range area offers a plethora of hiking trails for all skill levels. One popular trail is the Maroon Bells Scenic Trail, which provides stunning views of the iconic Maroon Bells peaks. Another favorite is the Conundrum Hot Springs Trail, which leads to natural hot springs for a relaxing soak.
2. Rock Climbing: The Elk Range mountains are a rock climber's paradise, with countless routes for climbers of all abilities. Independence Pass is a popular spot for rock climbing, offering challenging routes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Fishing: The Elk Range area is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and streams that are perfect for fishing. The Fryingpan River is a favorite among anglers, known for its abundance of trout and scenic beauty. The Crystal River is another popular spot for fishing, offering opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
4. Camping: Camping in the Elk Range area allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the mountains. There are campgrounds scattered throughout the region, as well as backcountry camping options for those seeking a more remote experience. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a popular destination for backcountry camping, offering stunning views and pristine wilderness.
5. Mountain Biking: The Elk Range mountains offer a variety of mountain biking trails, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging singletrack routes. The Government Trail is a popular choice for mountain bikers, offering a mix of technical terrain and scenic views. The Aspen Snowmass Bike Park is another favorite among riders, with lift-accessed trails for all skill levels.
6. Wildlife Viewing: The Elk Range area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, moose, deer, and bears. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on guided tours or simply explore the mountains on their own to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Maroon Bells area is a particularly good spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see elk and other animals throughout the year.
2. Rock Climbing: The Elk Range mountains are a rock climber's paradise, with countless routes for climbers of all abilities. Independence Pass is a popular spot for rock climbing, offering challenging routes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Fishing: The Elk Range area is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and streams that are perfect for fishing. The Fryingpan River is a favorite among anglers, known for its abundance of trout and scenic beauty. The Crystal River is another popular spot for fishing, offering opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.
4. Camping: Camping in the Elk Range area allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the mountains. There are campgrounds scattered throughout the region, as well as backcountry camping options for those seeking a more remote experience. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a popular destination for backcountry camping, offering stunning views and pristine wilderness.
5. Mountain Biking: The Elk Range mountains offer a variety of mountain biking trails, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging singletrack routes. The Government Trail is a popular choice for mountain bikers, offering a mix of technical terrain and scenic views. The Aspen Snowmass Bike Park is another favorite among riders, with lift-accessed trails for all skill levels.
6. Wildlife Viewing: The Elk Range area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, moose, deer, and bears. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on guided tours or simply explore the mountains on their own to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Maroon Bells area is a particularly good spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see elk and other animals throughout the year.
FAQ
About the Elk Range Area
How many named peaks are in the Elk Range Area?
Snoflo tracks 15 named summits in the Elk Range Area. The highest is Castle Peak at 14,265 feet.
Where does the elevation data come from?
Peak elevations are pulled from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and Snoflo's named-summit registry. Snowpack readings come from the NRCS SNOTEL network; streamflow from USGS gauges in the range's drainages.
Are these all walk-up summits?
No. The list ranges from drive-up overlooks to technical alpine objectives. Tap any peak for its full report, route notes, and trip-planning data. Always check weather, avalanche, and trip-report sources before heading out.
How often is the data updated?
Peak elevation is static reference data. Snowpack and streamflow readings refresh continuously from the NRCS and USGS public feeds throughout the day.
Can I get alerts for stations in this range?
Yes. Save any SNOTEL station or USGS gauge as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a threshold (snowpack inches, discharge cfs), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
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