Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Colorado

1. State Motto: "Nothing Without Providence" (Nil sine numine).
2. State Bird: Lark Bunting.
3. State Mammal: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
4. State Flag: Features a large red "C" with a golden circle in the center, representing sunshine, with blue and white stripes symbolizing the sky and snow.
5. Total Area: 104,094 square miles, making it the 8th largest state in the U.S.
6. Colorado is home to 58 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, known as "Fourteeners."
7. The state is nicknamed the "Centennial State" because it became a state in 1876, 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
8. The highest paved road in North America is Mount Evans Scenic Byway, reaching 14,130 feet.
9. Denver International Airport (DIA) is the largest airport in the U.S. by land area.
10. Colorado is one of only two landlocked states in the U.S. that has all four seasons distinctly.
11. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
12. Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.
13. The Ancestral Puebloans built cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park over 800 years ago.
14. The Royal Gorge Bridge near Cañon City is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.
15. Colorado is the only state in history to turn down hosting the Olympics (1976 Winter Games) after voters rejected funding for the event.

Geography of Colorado

Colorado's geography is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, high plains, and desert lands. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Mount Elbert (14,440 feet), the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
• Lowest Point: Arikaree River at 3,317 feet above sea level.
• Mountain Ranges: The Rocky Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Major Regions:
  • Front Range: Includes Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.
  • Western Slope: Known for its high desert and stunning canyons.
  • Eastern Plains: Flatlands used for agriculture and ranching.

A Brief History of Colorado

Colorado's history is rich with Native American heritage, gold rush settlements, and outdoor exploration:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho.
• Gold was discovered in 1858, sparking the Colorado Gold Rush.
• Became the 38th state of the U.S. on August 1, 1876.

Top 10 Things to Do in Colorado

1. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
2. Explore the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
3. Ski or snowboard in Aspen, Vail, or Breckenridge.
4. Take a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway.
5. Tour the U.S. Mint in Denver.
6. Go hiking or mountain climbing on one of Colorado's "Fourteeners."
7. Explore Mesa Verde National Park.
8. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a concert or hike.
9. Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
10. Relax in the Glenwood Hot Springs.

Top 10 Destinations in Colorado

1. Denver
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
3. Colorado Springs
4. Aspen
5. Boulder

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Colorado, visit the state’s official tourism site: Colorado.com