Discover Colorado

Colorado spans 104,100 square miles and is well-known for its mountainous terrain and beautiful winter destinations, with the Rocky Mountains occupying much of its western portion.

It is nicknamed the Centennial State. Denver is the capital, hosting nearly 600,000 residents. The population of Colorado is approximately 5 million. Its state flower is the Rocky Mountain columbine.

Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, having been part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 as a U.S. Territory. It is named for the Spanish words of “colored red,” after explorers discovered the great river flowing through canyons of red stone. There are 4 major rivers flowing though Colorado: the Rio Grande, South Platte, Colorado and Arkansas.

Geography plays a large role in Colorado’s economic and recreational pastimes, featuring the highest average elevation in the country. More than 800 of Colorado’s mountain peaks tower above 10,000 feet. Mount Elbert is the highest at 14,433 feet above sea level. Pike’s Peak is the most famous point in Colorado at 14,110. Formerly known for mining exports, the state now focuses on technology, tourism and service industries for its main economic support.

Skiing, snowboarding, hunting and fishing are favorite recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. Sports enthusiasts can find something for every major season watching the Denver Broncos in football, Colorado Rockies baseball team, basketball sensations the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche hockey team and Colorado Rapids in soccer. All routinely successful franchises, they often tout their high altitude venues as an advantage over competitors.

Colorado residents take food seriously. It is one of the premier places in the country for great restaurants and beverages alike. Louis E. Ballast laid his claim to inventing the cheeseburger in Denver in 1935. The states strong agricultural base make fruit, vegetables, wild game and beef important parts of every meal. Ranking first in the nation in beer production, Colorado’s 92 breweries produce more than 23 million barrels every year.

Local attractions include the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs, which catches the eye of many visitors with its unique structure.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs through some of the most beautiful terrain in the mountain areas and is worth taking the time for a ride.

Mesa Verde cliff dwellings built by the Anasazi offer a mind-boggling and amazing look at early craftsmanship, with their mysterious story of disappearance one of the focal points of Mesa Verde State Park.

Famous sons and daughters of Colorado include actors Tim Allen, Douglas Fairbanks and Lon Chaney; boxer Jack Dempsey; astronaut M. Scott Carpenter; playwright Mary Coyle Chase and scientists Florence Sabin.