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Denver, Colorado: Mile High, Watch Your Step

Over the past 100 years, three different steps leading up to the State Capitol have been declared "one mile above sea level." Take your pick: 13th, 15th, or 18th step from the bottom. Each has been marked.

Address:
Lincoln St., Denver, CO
Directions:
In the steps leading up to the west entrance of the Colorado State Capitol building. I-25 exit 210A. Turn east onto Colfax Ave. and drive a little over a mile. As you pass Civic Center Park on the right, turn right onto Broadway, then left onto 14th Ave., then left onto Lincoln St. The Capitol will be on the right. Good luck finding a place to park.
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Visitor Tips and News About Mile High, Watch Your Step

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Mile Step.

Mile High, Watch Your Step

Just visited the state house; nice tour which includes the rotunda and the outside walkway, with great views. The governor's waiting room includes the original horse on the giant chair.

The reason for three altitude markers is improving technology to measure it. Or maybe the 600,000 tons of granite is sinking into the ground.

[Roger Crook, 10/09/2017]

One Mile Above Sea Level marker on step.

Mile High, Watch Your Step

There are indeed three steps labeled a mile above sea level. One is carved into the step itself, while two others have plaques dated 1969 (I think, it's hard to read) and 2003.

[Erin Hague, 08/22/2010]

Since 1909, three different steps leading up to the State Capitol in Denver have been measured and declared "one mile above sea level." Official markers indicate the honored tiers as 13th, 15th, and 18th step from the bottom. Global Warming promises to compel future generations to mark higher and higher steps...


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In the region:
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