The state of Colorado is found in the Rocky Mountain Region of the southwestern United States. Split by the Continental Divide, half of the Colorado terrain is made up of rugged mountains, while the other half consists of the flat land of the Great Plains. Most of the Colorado population lives along the Front Range Corridor, which includes the large cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora. Outside of this region the state is sparsely populated, but contains many smaller cities famous for their skiing, resorts, and natural beauty, such as Vail and Aspen. Mountains and ski areas like Pikes Peak, Durango Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin are extremely popular during the winter months.
The Front Range Region lies in the central part of northern Colorado. Anchored by the cities of Fort Collins and Boulder, the Front Range contains bustling university towns in tranquil settings. The Front Range is also home to the Rocky Mountain National Park, its four hundred acres abounding with forests and lakes that are perfect for outdoor recreation.
Boulder lies within the Boulder Valley, a place where the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains meet. The area has plenty of notable geographic features like the Flatirons Mountains, Boulder Creek, and Kittredge Lake. Boulder is the home of University of Colorado at Boulder, the largest school in the state. The University contributes to about half of the ninety thousand residents living in Boulder; the culture in the city is heavily influenced by its presence and is known for being liberal-leaning. Boulder is also noted for its music scene, which ranges from live music performances, jazz, pop, and bluegrass music, to the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra. Nightlife and entertainment is very popular in Boulder, and Pearl Street is a famous pedestrian mall that offers unique artisan shops, restaurants, vendors, and street shows.
Louisville is a small municipality located in Boulder County. Louisville contains historic areas in a growing modern community. Main Street, the Jacoe Store, and the Tomeo House are a few historic sites dating back to the turn of the century. Memorial Square Park also features a swimming pool and art gallery.
Superior is a historic mining community in Boulder County. Superior is located five minutes from Boulder and thirty minutes from Denver. Community Park, Purple Park, and Grasso Park are just a few of the scenic spaces in Superior.
Longmont is a large city located fifteen minutes from Boulder. Longmont is a mostly quiet and residential community. Longboat contains plenty of park spaces and an exciting downtown area.
Breckenridge is a small historic town not far from Boulder. Breckenridge has hosted the Breckenridge Festival of Films every year since 1981. It is also a popular resort town, offering skiing in the winter, and in the summer boating on Lake Dillon and fly-fishing in the Blue River.
Estes Park is a popular summer resort town along the Big Thompson River and Lake Estes. Many visitors to the Rocky Mountain National Park flock to Estes Park for its lodgings and accommodations, retail shopping, and restaurant scene. The Trail Ridge Road runs from the city of Estes Park, through the Rocky Mountain National Park, to Grand Lake on the other side.
Fort Collins is a large city on the Cache La Poudre River on the Colorado Frontier. Fort Collins is a gateway city to the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Roosevelt National Forest, and is home to Colorado State University. Colorado State University contributes greatly to the culture of the city, with a local music and nightlife scene, and a large college-age demographic. Old Town is a restored historic district which also offers shopping, dining, outdoor concerts and other entertainment. More interesting things to see are the Fort Collins Lincoln Center - a performing arts venue, the Anheuser-Busch brewery, and the Fort Collins Museum.
Greeley is a large planned community on the Front Range of Colorado. It lush climate makes agriculture an important basis in the area. Some area attractions include the Centennial Village Museum, the University of Northern Colorado, and Fort Vasquez.
Loveland is a large city which is near Fort Collins. Loveland is known as a bedroom community for its surrounding cities and as a tourist thoroughfare. Loveland has a thriving artist community mostly known for sculpture, with three bronze foundries, an arts museum, and exhibitions and festivals throughout the year.
Windsor is a rapidly-expanding city located near Greeley, Fort Collins, and Loveland. Downtown Windsor contains some shopping and entertainment. Windsor Lake is popular for outdoor recreation.
Georgetown is a historic town in the Front Range of Colorado. Along with the neighboring town of Silver Plume and the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park, it makes up the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic District. Georgetown was originally founded as a silver mining camp and is still very well preserved. The Georgetown Loop Railroad takes visitors on a sightseeing trip around the area.
The Denver Area is home to over two million Coloradans – about half of the population of the state. Flourishing metropolitan cities characterize the Denver Area, and the region is rapidly developing. Unique neighborhoods, historic areas, and a strong arts and culture scene make the Denver Area one of the most exciting regions in Colorado to visit.
Lakewood is one of the largest cities in Colorado, and one of the three most populous cities in the Denver area. The Lakewood area includes more than eighty parks such as Bear Creek Lake Park and Green Mountain Open Space Park. The Lakewood Cultural Center features a theatre and art galleries, while the Lakewood Heritage Center has a museum and several historic museums. The new Belmar downtown district is a pedestrian-friendly area with cultural attractions, shopping, and entertainment.
Denver is both the capital and the largest city in Colorado. Denver is an important business center as well as a travel destination. Along with many distinct neighborhoods, historic and trendy areas, Denver also has over two hundred parks. Beautiful parks like Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and City Park were all designed by German landscape architect Reinhard Schuetze. Mountain parks include the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre and the Winter Park Resort and Ski Area. Denver features cultural attractions such as the massive Performing Arts Complex, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and the Denver Art Museum. Denver also has four major sports teams: the Denver Broncos football team, Colorado Rockies baseball team, Colorado Avalanche hockey team, and the Denver Nuggets basketball team.
Littleton is a Denver suburb located in Arapahoe County; it is accessible from Denver by driving, light rail, and even Platt riverside hiking trail. The Littleton Historical Museum includes an authentic farm and homestead, schoolhouse, and other exhibits on fourteen acres of land. The Hudson Gardens botanical garden is open every day of the year and features plants from many Colorado areas. The Town Hall Arts Center provides theatre entertainment for the city.
Aurora is the third-largest city in Colorado, and is located in the Denver Metropolitan area. Aurora was founded as a military town with the Buckley and Lowry US Airfields and the Fitzsimons Army Hospital. Today Aurora is a leading technology and health science center, and the home of the University of Colorado. The Star K Ranch and Morrison Nature Center, two reservoirs, and miles of hiking and biking trails offer some outdoor recreation for the city. The Aurora History Museum and the Plains Conservation Center narrate the history of the area. The East End Arts District, Aurora Fox Performing Arts Center, and Aurora Symphony Orchestra are some of the cultural attractions of Aurora.
Henderson is a small unincorporated community in the Denver-Aurora area. Henderson is an island on the South Platte River. Henderson is mainly known as a farming town.
Glendale is an enclave of the city of Denver. Cherry Creek divides this small town in half. Many green spaces, including Four Mile Historic Park, Playa Del Carmen Park, and Infinity Park, contribute to the scenery of the area.
Sheridan is a small but developing community outside of Denver. The River Point area offers a park, trails, and scenery.
Castle Rock is located between the cities of Denver and Colorado Springs. The namesake Castle Rock is an area landmark, which offers public climbing access. Nearby Castlewood Canyon State Park and the Pike National Forest feature more recreational areas.
Englewood is a charming residential and college town near to all the amenities of Downtown Denver. Englewood is the home of the University of Denver, a private school. The city also contains two reservoirs, a recreation center, and a skate park.
The city of Golden, on the western edge of Denver, is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along Clear Creek. This historic mining town is full of unique attractions: Lookout Mountain features a Nature Center and the famous grave of Buffalo Bill; The Coors Brewery offers factory tours; and the Colorado School of Mines offers a Geology Museum in addition to its curriculum of engineering and science. Also visit a number of museums like the Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Pioneer Museum, and the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum.
Westminster is a large northern suburb of Denver with an extensive system of parks and open spaces. Although this residential town is very hip and modern, its broad history is preserved at the Bowles House Museum. The Westminster Promenade is a pedestrian area with shopping and dining, a movie theatre, and live entertainment. Another interesting attraction at the Westminster Promenade is Butterfly Pavilion, with over one thousand rare and endangered species of butterfly.
The Northwest Region of Colorado is diversely landscaped with mountains and plateaus, forests, and agricultural areas. Some of the most famous ski resorts in Colorado – Aspen, Winter Park, Beaver Creek, Vail, and Keystone – are located within this region.
Aspen is one of the most famous ski resort towns in the world. Aspen has a historic charm and character, mixed with many modern and upscale amenities such as luxury homes and condos and high-end shopping and restaurants. Aspen sits in the Roaring Fork Valley and is bordered by the Roaring Fork River on one side, with mountains surrounding the other three sides. In the winter, skiing areas like Buttermilk, the Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass are filled with tourists and celebrity guests. Aspen is also popular in the summer, when its scenery offers mountain biking and hiking, golfing, and white water rafting.
Snowmass Village contains the Snowmass Ski Area, the largest in the Aspen area. In the winter, cross-country skiing and dog sledding between Snowmass Village and Aspen are popular activities. In the summer, horseback riding, golfing, and fishing take place in Snowmass Village.
The town of Carbondale is found downstream from Aspen, at the convergence of the Crystal River. Mount Sopris is the highest point in the area. Carbondale has a thriving artist and culture community, and a growing nightlife scene in its downtown historical district.
Grand Junction stretches across the Grand Valley on the Western Slope of Colorado. The name Grand Junction comes from the location of the city at the joining of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. The city is surrounded by the Little Bookcliffs to the north, Grand Mesa to the east, Western Slope agricultural area to the south, and the Colorado National Monument to the east.
Silverthorne is a quiet city just a short drive from the ski areas of Summit County. Silverthorne is surrounded by the Eagles Nest Wilderness area and the nearby Buffalo Mountain and Red Mountain.
Winter Park contains the popular Winter Park Ski Resort. Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Snow Mountain Ranch are two other attractions in Winter Park.
Keystone is a resort and ski area that comprises three separate mountains. The Keystone Resort has winter and summer activities, including night skiing, ice skating, horseback riding, hiking and biking, and fishing.
Avon is a small ski resort town in the Eagle River Valley. Its population of six thousand nearly doubles during ski season. Beaver Creek Resort is located two miles south of Avon.
Steamboat Springs, in northern Colorado, is located in the upper Yampa River Valley. Steamboat Springs contains both the Steamboat Ski Resort and the smaller Howelsen Ski Area. Steamboat Springs is known for its cowboy culture, natural springs, and hot air balloon rides.
Dillon is a small town of less than one thousand residents. Picturesque Lake Dillon offers sailing and excellent fishing.
Vail is one of the most famous skiing towns in Colorado, located in the valley of the Rocky Mountains. World-class ski resorts, lodges, and condos cater to the tourist population, and Vail features exciting annual events such as music and dance festivals, sporting events, and seasonal celebrations.
Glenwood Springs is a historic resort destination where the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers meet. Its most famous attraction is the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which is full of salty minerals. The Yampa Hot Springs, or Vapor Caves, are also popular. The Glenwood Caverns contains an Adventure Park and natural crystalline rock formations.
The town of Frisco is within driving distance of four major ski resorts: Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. Sentinel Island is accessible from the Frisco Bay Marina. The Frisco Main Street is a popular entertainment location for the area.
The Northeast Region of Colorado is known for its scenic wide-open spaces of prairie and farmlands. There is a historic pioneer history in the small towns of the area. Some of the most popular activities are hunting and fishing.
Burlington is a small city in eastern Colorado. As the first stop on the Colorado portion of I-70, Burlington features a State Welcome Center with plenty of information on the state and its many cities and attractions. The Kit Carson County Carousel is a unique National Historic Landmark to visit in Burlington. The Old Town Museum is a tribute to the history of Colorado.
Sterling is the largest city in northeastern Colorado and is a regional center for education, health care, and business. Overland Trail, part of the Oregon Trail, passed through Sterling in the 1800s; this history is narrated through the Overland Trail Museum and the Overland Trail Recreation Area. North Sterling State Park features a manmade lake and three camping areas.
The Southeast Region is where the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains converge. Southeast Colorado was the first region in the state to be settled by gold miners in the 1500s. Its rich history offers much to explore in addition to the striking natural scenery of the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes.
Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in the State of Colorado, with about six hundred thousand people in its metropolitan area. Colorado Springs is located one hour south of Denver. The city lies at the bottom of Pikes Peak, a famous landmark on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. Originally nicknamed Little London and settled during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in the late 1800s, today Colorado Springs is a modern urban area with an economy focused on military, high technology, and tourism. Colorado Springs is the home of the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Olympic Training Center. Some other Colorado Springs attractions are the Pioneer Museum, the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center, and the American Numismatic Museum.
Manitou Springs is near to Colorado Springs and the two cities are sometimes referred to as “The Springs”. Manitou Springs is known as a health retreat because of the minerals contained in the water of its mineral springs and the clear mountain air.
Alamosa, a small farming and ranching town, is named for the Alamosa River. Alamosa is in the center of the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. The most popular attraction in Alamosa is the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park, which features high sand dunes and mountains that are popular for hiking, skiing, camping, picnics, and wildlife viewing.
Salida is popular for the Monarch Ski Area, which besides skiing features whitewater rafting and kayaking along the Arkansas River.
Canon City is centrally located in Fremont County. The Arkansas River spans the city and is a popular destination for Whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities.
Pueblo is the third-largest city in Colorado and is a major agriculture, economic, and technology center. Pueblo is one of the largest steel-and renewable energy-producing cities in the United States. The Pueblo river walk, known as the Historic Arkansas River Project, is a scenic and popular area. Downtown Pueblo features the Buell Children’s Museum and the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. There are several parks including Lake Pueblo State Park, City Park, and the Greenway and Nature Center.
Pagosa Springs is located slightly north of the Colorado-New Mexico border on the western slope of the Continental Divide. The city of is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness Area in the upper San Juan Basin. Pagosa Springs is known for its therapeutic, sulfur-rich Hot Springs, and the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area.
The Southwest Region of Colorado contains the stunning San Juan Mountains. Many unique towns of all sizes can be found in this region. The Southwest Region is strongly influenced by its Native American heritage.
Gunnison is a scenic and charming small town just south of Crested Butte. Gunnison National Park and the Gunnison River feature outdoor recreation including a whitewater rafting park, fishing, and parasailing.
Lamar is located along the Arkansas River in southeast Colorado. This city contains one of the Colorado Welcome Centers. Some area attractions include the Great Plains Reservoir, Big Timbers Museum, and a public golf course.
The town of Cortez is situated between the Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park in southwestern Colorado. The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Cortez Cultural Center, and the Cortez Downtown Culture Walk showcase the history of the area, which includes its original inhabitants, the Ancestral Pueblo Indians. Cortez is also a major trade center and travel destination, due to its location near the Four Corners intersection of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
Telluride is an isolated small town surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Bridal Veil Falls, and San Miguel River. The two routes to enter Telluride, Imogene Pass and Black Bear Pass, are scenic and challenging off-roading pathways.
Durango is located in the Animas River Valley of southwest Colorado. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains and containing three rivers, Durango is a delight for outdoor lovers. Camping, golf, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking are all popular; the Weminuche Wilderness Area, Durango Mountain Resort, and Vallecito Reservoir are some of the recreational areas in the Durango. The most popular attraction in the city is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which travels along forty-five scenic miles through the San Juan Mountains to the historic mining town of Silverton.
Montrose is the western gateway to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, the Blue Mesa Reservoir, and Curecanti National Recreation area. Montrose is an agricultural hub and there are several local wineries. Also visit historic attractions like the Museum of the Mountain West, Montrose County Historical Museum, and the Ute Indian Museum and Ouray Memorial Park.
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