The American West is home to some of the world's most dramatically elevated urban areas. From old silver-mining towns clinging to Colorado's Rocky Mountain peaks to sprawling desert cities on elevated plateaus, the United States has a remarkable number of high-altitude cities. Colorado alone accounts for more than half the top 20 — earning it the nickname "the highest state." Here is the complete ranking of the highest cities in the USA by elevation.
Check your elevation →Elevation comparison of US cities (not to scale)
Ranking: Top 20 Highest Cities in the USA
| Rank | City | State | Elevation | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leadville | Colorado | 3,094 m (10,152 ft) | ~2,700 |
| 2 | Breckenridge | Colorado | 2,926 m (9,600 ft) | ~5,000 |
| 3 | Telluride | Colorado | 2,659 m (8,725 ft) | ~2,500 |
| 4 | Aspen | Colorado | 2,415 m (7,923 ft) | ~7,400 |
| 5 | Santa Fe | New Mexico | 2,134 m (7,000 ft) | ~84,000 |
| 6 | Flagstaff | Arizona | 2,106 m (6,910 ft) | ~76,000 |
| 7 | Cheyenne | Wyoming | 1,857 m (6,093 ft) | ~65,000 |
| 8 | Colorado Springs | Colorado | 1,839 m (6,035 ft) | ~480,000 |
| 9 | Denver | Colorado | 1,609 m (5,280 ft) | ~750,000 |
| 10 | Albuquerque | New Mexico | 1,510 m (4,954 ft) | ~565,000 |
| 11 | Reno | Nevada | 1,374 m (4,505 ft) | ~265,000 |
| 12 | Salt Lake City | Utah | 1,288 m (4,226 ft) | ~200,000 |
| 13 | Billings | Montana | 924 m (3,031 ft) | ~117,000 |
| 14 | Boise | Idaho | 874 m (2,867 ft) | ~240,000 |
| 15 | El Paso | Texas | 1,140 m (3,740 ft) | ~680,000 |
| 16 | Tucson | Arizona | 728 m (2,389 ft) | ~545,000 |
| 17 | Las Vegas | Nevada | 620 m (2,034 ft) | ~650,000 |
| 18 | Phoenix | Arizona | 331 m (1,086 ft) | ~1,600,000 |
| 19 | Atlanta | Georgia | 320 m (1,050 ft) | ~500,000 |
| 20 | Dallas | Texas | 138 m (452 ft) | ~1,300,000 |
Elevation Comparison Chart
Leadville: America's Highest City
Leadville, Colorado is the highest incorporated city in the United States at 3,094 meters (10,152 ft). Sitting above the tree line in the heart of the Rockies, it was founded during the silver rush of the 1870s and 1880s — at its peak, it was Colorado's second-largest city with 40,000 residents. Today it has about 2,700 inhabitants and hosts the famous Leadville Trail 100, considered one of the world's toughest ultramarathons, and the Leadville 100 MTB mountain bike race.
At this altitude, oxygen levels are about 68% of sea level. Visitors frequently experience altitude sickness. The city holds the record for the highest baseball game ever played in the major leagues — a 1905 exhibition game between the Cubs and Giants.
Denver: The Mile High City
While Leadville holds the record, Denver is by far the most famous high-altitude US city. Its official elevation is exactly 1,609 meters (5,280 feet) — one mile — and a gold marker on the 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol building commemorates the precise spot. Denver is the largest city in the Rocky Mountain region with over 750,000 residents and a 3-million metro area.
Denver's altitude has tangible effects: alcohol hits harder, sunburn happens faster (UV intensity is 25% higher than at sea level), and athletes training here gain a competitive advantage when competing at lower elevations. The Denver Broncos' home stadium (5,280 ft) gives them a significant altitude advantage over visiting teams.
Santa Fe: America's Highest State Capital
Santa Fe, New Mexico at 2,134 m (7,000 ft) is the highest state capital in the United States and one of the oldest — founded by Spanish colonists in 1610. The city's historic adobe architecture, world-class art galleries, and unique high-desert culture make it one of the most visited cities in the Southwest. Its elevation gives it mild summers (rarely above 30°C) despite its southern location.
Why Colorado Has So Many High Cities
- Colorado has the highest mean elevation of any US state: 2,072 m (6,800 ft). Over half the state lies above 2,000 m.
- The state contains 58 of the USA's 96 mountains over 14,000 feet (4,267 m), known as "fourteeners" or "14ers".
- Many high Colorado cities began as mining towns during the 19th-century gold and silver rushes — Leadville, Breckenridge, Telluride, and Aspen all boomed as mining camps.
- Denver was founded in 1858 at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, serving as a supply hub for mountain mining camps.
- The Colorado Rockies baseball team plays their home games at Coors Field (1,580 m), which has a unique humidor system to store baseballs — at altitude, drier air causes balls to travel further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest city in the United States?
Leadville, Colorado is the highest incorporated city in the USA at 3,094 m (10,152 ft). Among major cities, Denver (1,609 m / 5,280 ft) is the highest, and Santa Fe, NM (2,134 m) is the highest state capital.
Why are so many high cities in Colorado?
Colorado has the highest mean elevation of any US state (2,072 m). It contains 58 of the USA's 96 mountains over 14,000 ft and many cities were founded as mining settlements in the mountains during the 19th-century gold and silver rushes.
Is Denver really exactly one mile high?
Yes — Denver sits at exactly 5,280 feet (1,609 m) above sea level. A gold marker on the 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol marks the precise elevation point. Hence the nickname "The Mile High City."
What is the lowest major city in the USA?
New Orleans, Louisiana is the lowest major US city with an average elevation of about −1.8 m (−6 ft) below sea level. Parts of the city reach −3 m. This is why Hurricane Katrina's flooding in 2005 was so catastrophic.
Does high altitude affect sports in Denver?
Yes significantly. The thinner air at 1,609 m means baseballs travel further, athletes tire more easily, and visiting teams often struggle to perform at full capacity in the first game or two. Denver's NFL team, the Broncos, is known to have a home altitude advantage.