Colorado is an unforgettable place to visit and experience lifetime memories. The range of four-season activities, scenery, recreation, wildlife viewing, shopping and dining is unparalleled. 

STATE FACTS

Colorado is the ROCKY MOUNTAINS--they run through the state, not only forming the Continental Divide but creating some of the most remarkable scenery in the world. Colorado is much, much more than mountains! It is ancient, elaborate Anasazi cliff dwellings, high plains where the American cowboy came of age, all-season resorts that range from down-home to jet-set, and glittering cities where luxurious lodging, superb cuisine and sophisticated entertainment are a way of life.

Colorado is the CENTENNIAL STATE, its growth immortalized by James Michener. History lives here--in plains towns that once hosted wagon trains, in revitalized historic districts, in farms and guest ranches, in working narrow gauge trains, and mine tours. Colorado is millions of acres of the great outdoors, with recreational possibilities so varied and numerous they attract visitors from all over the world. Colorado is an inspiring, stunning, beautiful getaway for those who prefer leisure, convenience and luxury, as well as more adventurous pursuits.

There are 25 Colorado Scenic Byways, 11 of which are Nationally Designated by the Federal Government. Colorado has the distinction of the most number of Nationally Designated Scenic Byways in the entire United States.

Colorado was and is home to Indians, mountain men, cowboys, businessmen, athletes, actors, and artists. Enjoy the incredible range of COLORADO.

THE LAND

Geologically, Colorado is actually 3 distinct lands:

The west and southwest is MESA country;
The central part of the state is the ROCKY MOUNTAINS, reaching to 14,500' above sea level at the peak of Mt Elbert;
And, the east is the high plains, characterized by gently rolling grasslands.

Colorado boasts 54 peaks over 14,000' in elevation and more than 1,000 two-mile high mountains. In fact, 75% of the area in the United States over 10,000 feet is in Colorado. And, within our 104,247 square miles of the world are the head-waters of 4 of the West's major river systems: The Arkansas, Colorado, Platte, and Rio Grande.

HISTORY

Colorado's first settlers entered the region over 15,000 years ago. Native hunters and gatherers followed enormous game herds as they migrated across the plains and through the mountains. Distinct native cultures developed over the centuries, some becoming skilled farmers and builders, others continuing to follow game and leading nomadic lives.

The agricultural Anasazi people reached their highest level of development between A.D. 1000 and 13000, exemplified by their spectacular cliff dwellings in Southwest Colorado. Other nomadic natives like the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne Indian tribes, followed herds of buffalo and elk throughout the region when the first Europeans arrived in the 17th century.

Spanish explorers came to the area in the 1600s in search of gold and fortune. They failed to find what they were after, but their settlements produced a rich Hispanic tradition which still exists throughout the Southwestern part of the state. The Spaniards were followed by a wave of fur trappers who established posts and settlements in the 1830s and 1840s.

And then it happened....in 1858, gold was discovered in a creek near present-day Denver and the rush was on! By early spring of 1869, thousands of fortune hunters flooded across the plains. Most went home empty handed, but the hardy ones pushed on into the Rocky Mountains and some of them established fortunes. Over the next half century, millions upon millions of dollars worth of gold and silver were taken from mines in legendary places such as Central City, Cripple Creek, Georgetown, Leadville, Creed, and Telluride.

During the 1860s, schools were established, theaters flourished, ore settlements were built, and brick and frame houses took the place of log cabins. Indians began to resist the intrusion of settlers into their territory and their way of life. In the 1870s, increased mining activity brought wave after wave of settlers from all walks of life. Railways were completed to the territory. The rich agricultural potential of the state was soon tapped as sprawling cattle ranches and cultivated fields replaced the Indians and the bison. Indian resistance continued to escalate, but the Army and sheet numbers of settlers prevailed, and tribes were ultimately relegated to reservations on the Western Slope and outside of Colorado.

Statehood came on August 1, 1876, earning Colorado the nickname "Centennial State" in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Growth continued on a grand scale, financed by the state's vast mineral wealth. Mining flourished deep in the mountains thanks to many narrow expanded railroad lines. Agriculture expanded with the constructing of irrigation systems and the development of dry farming techniques. Cattle and sheep ranched procured new wealth. Fortunes were made and lost, giving rise to some of the state's most colorful legends, surrounding such people as Horace and Baby Doe Tabor in "the unsinkable" Molly Brown.

By 1890, more then 413,000 determined people called Colorado home. The state's tremendous wealth in natural resources, along with its expanding agriculture industry, have helped Colorado grow into the largest commercial center of the Rocky Mountain West.

COLORADO OUTDOORS

You'll find plenty of room to roam in Colorado's GREAT outdoors...with 23.5 million acres of protected state and federal land. The total includes 658,000 acres of national parks, monuments, historic forests, and two national grasslands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Don't forget to pack your cameras, because Colorado's 900 species of watchable wildlife are EVERYWHERE.

On land: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, deer, antelope, moose, and bear.
In the air: quail, dove, pheasants, geese, cranes, and eagles.
Underwater: walleye, crappie, bass, and unlimited supplies of trout.

Outdoor activity is a way of life in our state. Colorado golf courses are both challenging and spectacularly beautiful. Many are laid out among the pine and aspen trees of mountain valleys. Some fairways wind between towering rocks and still other follow the meandering river or stream nearby. Many are championship caliber and all are known to improve your drive by more than a few yards.

River rafting is one our specialties. Experienced professional outfitters will give you a leisurely float trip down a gently flowing river, or guide through thrilling whitewater rapids at the bottom of the canyon. Mile after mile of rivers and rapids you'll see many different sights such as: Zoom Flume, Tiger Wall, Split Mountain, Echo Park, and Needle's Eye, just to name a few. The ride can take you through a mountain scene to a desert canyon...you may even see Indian petroglyphs dance across a sheer rock wall or an eagle soaring in circles overhead.

Born in the snows of the Continental Divide, more than 100 rivers in Colorado are gaining a reputation world-over as the premier paddling waters for rafters and kayakers of all levels. Outfitters will guide on a day-trip, overnight, or an entire vacation.

Riding our plateau country, mountain trials, and prairie routes on horseback helps retrace the tracks of Indians, pioneers and early settlers. Experience Colorado at its best with spectacular sunsets and meals cooked over an open fire. Spend an afternoon or night hiking a trail. Stables and ranches across the state offer mounted trips year round.

Whether panning in a stream for gold for a thrill of early gold miners, rock climbing, bird watching, or relax in a natural hot springs year-round...Colorado offers it all!

CUISINE

Given its diverse history, Colorado dining is an adventure in itself. Taste the influence of Hispanic settlers, Indians, Irish miners, Chinese railroad workers and French, German, Swiss, and other European immigrants. The unique brand and heritage is known in Colorado...their traditions are here!

Throughout the state, you will find Southwestern specialties including chili, barbecue, and Mexican dishes--each as individual as the chef. Regional favorites are fresh trout and the infamous Rocky Mountain Oysters. There is no sweeter cantaloupe than Rocky Ford, no juicer peaches than from Palisade, lucious corn from Olathe...home grown beef from the Northeast Colorado...or a variety of wild game including buffalo, elk, venison, rabbit, pheasant, quail, and even rattlesnake.

CLIMATE

Colorado's climate, for the most part is mild and semi-arid. East of the Rocky Mountains receives an average of 15-16 inches of precipitation per year. Denver records more annual hours of sunshine than Miami Beach or San Diego. Warm "Indian summers" often last into the winter months.

For summer touring, light clothing is advisable for outdoor wear. It is generally very warm along the Front Range and even into the foothills and mountains. However, in the evenings, the temperature cools down and might require a light jacket or sweater.

ALTITUDE

Though few people experience it, when traveling to Colorado you should be aware that the altitude sickness can occur. If visitors have a problem, it usually occurs at higher elevations where the air contains less oxygen such as in the mountains. You should watch for flu-like systems, including headache, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. To prevent altitude sickness, you should avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and narcotic pain medications during your first few days in Colorado and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. It is recommended that you spend your first day at a lower altitude.

TEMPERATURES

TIME ZONE

Colorado is on Mountain Standard Time Zone from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday of April and then Mountain Daylight Savings Time the rest of the year.

TAXES

The Colorado state taxes and use tax is 3%. In addition to state sales and use tax, the Department of Revenue also collects local state tax on behalf of more than 175 cities and counties. The combined state and local state tax rate for most Colorado cities ranges from 4% to 8%. In some areas, additional user taxes will be applicable.

COLORADO WELCOME CENTERS

As you enter Colorado, there are 8 Welcome Centers at the entry points to assist in locating information about Colorado. FREE maps are available at each location.