Colorado
Discover Colorado
Colorado is a state of wild contrasts. From the flat plains of the eastern portion of the state to some of the Rocky Mountains' highest peaks to the high desert and red rock country of the western reaches of the state, the landscape is incredibly varied, home to many diverse ecosystems and natural marvels, and supports a thriving hunting and outdoors culture that draws people from around the world. And yet, the contrasts in the natural landscape are nothing compared to the political and social contrasts you will find here. Like much of the rest of the American West, Colorado is a traditionally rural state with a frontier heritage and a very pro-business attitude. But here you will also find fiercely liberal communities in the college and resort towns that have been home to hippies and major countercultural figures. There's a wide range of outlooks and attitudes here in a state that lives up to its nickname — "Colorful Colorado".
Taste of Colorado...
Colorado is filled with a large variety of restaurants with different cuisines. You can find almost everything you would ever want to eat or drink. But what, exactly, is Colorado cuisine? There are several indigenous foods worth trying, sought out for their associations with this Rocky Mountain state. First, there is the cliché Denver omelette or Western omelette, an egg dish prepared with cheddar cheese, diced ham, onions, and green bell peppers. It probably originated on Western cattle drives, cooked up by cowboys, and most likely was not invented by a French gastronome as a "dénuer omelette," or a tasteless American omelette deprived of all class. Contrary to popular belief, you can get a Denver Omelette in Denver, but it will simply be one egg item out of many on the menu. This omelette doesn't inspire the hometown pride of, say, a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Also, there is the duffy roll, something like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a croissant. Along with Pasadena, California, and Louisville, Kentucky, Denver is one of three cities that claim to have invented that quintessential American food, the cheeseburger. Made with American cheese layered on top of a patty of ground beef, cooked on a griddle or grill, and placed on a bun with the usual sides of pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments, the cheeseburger is a fast food classic. In 1935, Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver received a trademark on the term, "cheeseburger.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Colorado into what it is today.
Composer Igor Stravinsky once rode a ski lift in Aspen in the summertime, while Prospector Alferd Packer dined on human flesh near Lake City. Inventor Nikola Tesla created artificial lightning hundreds of feet long in Colorado Springs, and Writer Oscar Wilde attended a fancy dinner party at the bottom of a Leadville silver mine. Outlaw Butch Cassidy robbed the bank in Telluride, while Lawman Doc Holliday and Showman Buffalo Bill were buried in Glenwood Springs and Denver, respectively. All are part of the quirky and sometimes colorful history of Colorado. Around 15,000 years ago, Native Americans migrated to Colorado, a nomadic group of hunter-gatherers distributed on the plains as well as the western plateaus. The first agricultural communities appeared on the Eastern Plains approximately 5,000 years ago. Circa 600 AD, the Ancient Pueblo Peoples began building elaborate communities in Southwestern Colorado in the Mesa Verde area. Other Native American groups, including the Arapaho, Apache, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Shoshone and Utes have called Colorado home. The Spanish were the first Europeans in the area. In 1541, Coronado led an expedition north through Colorado from Mexico in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola, where the streets were supposed to be paved with gold. In 1803, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte sold the United States a vast tract of land known as the "Louisiana Purchase," an area which included Colorado....
Location & Landscape
Colorado is split down the middle north to south by the Rocky Mountains. To the east is a region of high prairie, dry and wide open. To the west are rugged mountains arranged in various groups or ranges. (The largest single range in the state, the San Juan Mountains of the southwestern quarter, aren't actually part of the Rockies.) Meandering through the mountains is an imaginary line called the Continental Divide. This marks the flow of precipitation. Rain falling on the west of the Divide makes its way to the Pacific Ocean. Rain on the east makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. What may be surprising to visitors, however, is that, despite stereotypes, comparatively little of the state is actually mountainous. Perhaps a third of it is covered by hills or mountains, and even less is actually home to the soaring, jagged peaks for which the state is known. Colorado has 54 mountain peaks above 14,000 ft (4,267 m) of elevation.
Climate
Those who've never been to Colorado might imagine a frigid, snowy state. However, Denver's 300 sunny days a year and overall mild temperatures are a point of pride among Coloradoans. Due to the Rocky Mountains which split the state in half, climate differs greatly from east to west, low to high. The weather changes rapidly and unpredictably, so be prepared for anything if you're traveling in most seasons. Colorado is also an exceptionally dry state, and has suffered through droughts in 2012-14 and 2018-19. Drink lots of water and watch for dehydration. Winter is generally cold, though the weather is drastically different depending on elevation. While the mountains are likely to experience frequent snow storms, guaranteeing lots of fresh powder for skiing, they become less and less frequent as one travels down on the Eastern slopes.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMany major airlines fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the ten busiest airports in the world. The Adventure Cycling Association sponsors five long distance bicycle routes that pass through Colorado: If you want to travel the state, then you will need to rent a vehicle. Prices are the same as across the United States. The state is roughly quarted by two major Interstates, the north-south running I-25 and the east-west running I-70. (I-76 also enters the state in the Northeast from Nebraska). Surrounding the greater Denver area is a beltway consisting of the Northwest Parkway (tollway), C-470, E-470 (tollway)]. The Northwest Parkway is a 75-mile per hour toll road that seamlessly connects I-25 at E-470 in the north metro Denver area, with U.S. 36 and State highway 128 in Broomfield. Outside of the Front Range, the rest of the state is traversed by small highways and county roads....
Regions
Explore AreasThere is no universally agreed-upon breakdown of regions in Colorado. You'll often hear natives speak of a very simple structure comprised of the Eastern Slope (meaning everything east of the crest of…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
If you want to travel the state, then you will need to rent a vehicle. Prices are the same as across the United States. The state is roughly quarted by two major Interstates, the north-south running I-25 and the east-west running I-70. (I-76 also enters the state in the Northeast from Nebraska). Surrounding the greater Denver area is a beltway consisting of the Northwest Parkway (tollway), C-470, E-470 (tollway)]. The Northwest Parkway is a 75-mile per hour toll road that seamlessly connects I-25 at E-470 in the north metro Denver area, with U.S. 36 and State highway 128 in Broomfield. Outside of the Front Range, the rest of the state is traversed by small highways and county roads. The major cities of the greater Denver area (Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Broomfield) are linked by bus and train transportation using RTD. The cost is very reasonable and the busses run regular schedules. Taxis and shuttle services are also available throughout the state.
Money & Budget
Any visitor who's seen Denver's numerous marijuana dispensaries can see that Colorado has permissive laws regarding cannabis. As of 2017, it is legal for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors to purchase 28 grams of marijuana (1 ounce). Consumption is only legal within private residences with the owner's permission, but not in places open to the public, such as cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. Marijuana is also not allowed at Denver Airport. Consumption is permitted in a manner similar to alcohol, with equivalent offenses prescribed for driving under the influence. Drug tourists should still exercise caution and discretion.
Language & Talk
English is the principal language of Colorado, while 20% of the residents also speak Spanish. As a major international tourist destination, speakers of many languages can be found in Colorado. English is normally spoken in Colorado with a standard American accent. Many major airlines fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the ten busiest airports in the world. The Adventure Cycling Association sponsors five long distance bicycle routes that pass through Colorado: If you want to travel the state, then you will need to rent a vehicle. Prices are the same as across the United States. The state is roughly quarted by two major Interstates, the north-south running I-25 and the east-west running I-70. (I-76 also enters the state in the Northeast from Nebraska).
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Colorado usually sits in the top-tier of the safest states when it comes to crime, and most towns and suburbs are very safe. However, the state is not immune to gun violence and assaults. Denver, for example, is safe, but has seen an uptick in insecurity. Some places like Aurora and Colorado Springs have made headlines because of mass shootings. Dehydration is a serious concern. The aridity of the air is deceptive--you will perspire and exhale moisture from your mouth and nose without even realizing it. If you're going to hike anywhere in Colorado, take plenty of water (at least one gallon per person, per day), decent nonslip boots or sneakers, as well as layers of clothing. Always hike with a waterproof jacket--more people die of hypothermia in Colorado in the summer simply by being caught unaware. Let people know where you are going and when you expect to get back. Be careful and watch for lightning while hiking, especially in the high country.