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Physical Map of Colorado - Geographical Features of Colorado

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Colorado showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Colorado physical features.

Colorado Physical Map

Physical Features of Colorado

Colorado is defined by its dramatic mountainous terrain, high plateaus, and expansive plains. The Rocky Mountains dominate the western and central parts of the state, featuring some of the highest peaks in North America. East of the mountains, the land transitions into the Great Plains with gently rolling terrain. Colorado is also known for deep canyons, high deserts, and alpine forests. Major rivers such as the Colorado and Arkansas originate here, carving through rugged landscapes and supporting diverse ecosystems.

Major Landforms in Colorado

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Rocky MountainsMountain rangeCentralHigh rugged alpine peaks
Great PlainsPlainEastFlat to rolling grasslands
Colorado PlateauPlateauWestHigh desert plateau region
San Luis ValleyValleySouthLarge high elevation basin
Front RangeMountain rangeCentralEastern Rockies section
Gunnison BasinBasinWestRiver carved basin
Uncompahgre PlateauPlateauWestElevated rugged plateau
Black CanyonCanyonWestSteep narrow canyon walls
Park RangeMountain rangeNorthForested mountain ridge
High PlainsPlainEastDry elevated plains

Major Mountain Ranges in Colorado

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Front RangeCentralGrays Peak14,278 ft
Sawatch RangeCentralMount Elbert14,440 ft
San Juan MountainsSouthwestUncompahgre Peak14,321 ft
Sangre de Cristo RangeSouthBlanca Peak14,351 ft
Park RangeNorthMount Zirkel12,182 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Colorado

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Colorado RiverRiverWestOriginates in Rocky Mountains
Arkansas RiverRiverCentralFlows across state eastward
Rio GrandeRiverSouthFlows into Gulf of Mexico
South Platte RiverRiverNorthMajor northern waterway
Yampa RiverRiverNorthwestFree flowing river system
Blue Mesa ReservoirLakeWestLargest lake in Colorado
Grand LakeLakeNorthLargest natural lake
Lake GranbyLakeNorthMajor reservoir system
Chatfield ReservoirLakeCentralFlood control reservoir
Horsetooth ReservoirLakeNorthRecreation water source

Elevation and Terrain in Colorado

Colorado has one of the highest average elevations in the United States, with much of the state situated above 5,000 feet. Mount Elbert is the highest point, while the lowest elevation lies along the eastern plains. The terrain includes towering mountains, high plateaus, and expansive plains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointMount Elbert – 14,440 ft
Lowest PointArikaree River – 3,317 ft
Average Elevation6,800 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, plateaus, plains

Colorado Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateColorado
Total Area104,094 sq mi
Land Area103,642 sq mi
Water Area452 sq mi
Highest PointMount Elbert
Lowest PointArikaree River
Longest RiverArkansas River
Largest LakeBlue Mesa Reservoir
Major LandformsRocky Mountains, Great Plains
Main Water BodiesColorado River, Rio Grande
Terrain TypeHigh elevation varied terrain
CoastlineNo coastline