Source of the South Platte River: High in the Colorado Rockies

Birthplace of a Plains Lifeline

The South Platte River originates in the Mosquito Range of the central Colorado Rockies, along the Continental Divide.

Precise Location

• Headwaters: Confluence of Middle Fork and South Fork.
• South Fork Source: East slopes of Mount Democrat (4,273 m / 14,018 ft) and Quandary Peak (4,265 m / 13,993 ft).
• Middle Fork Source: Near Hoosier Pass (Continental Divide).
• Confluence: Near Fairplay (historic mining town), forming the main stem.
• Reference Point: ~75 miles (120 km) SW of Denver.

Journey

Flows east through Eleven Mile Canyon, Spinney Mountain & Antero Reservoirs, into South Park (high basin), through Cheesman & Strontia Springs Reservoirs, exits foothills at Waterton Canyon, crosses Denver metro, then northeast across plains to join North Platte at North Platte, Nebraska, forming the Platte River.

Critical for Front Range water supply, agriculture, and riparian ecology.