Travel the USA (Visit Colorado)

It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the sixth state to visit is none other than Colorado, abbreviated as CO. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, Colorado is one of the most fascinating states to see!

Visit state # 6– Colorado

Colorado is the sixth of the U.S. states alphabetically, though it was the 38th to join the union in 1876. This fabulous Mountain state borders Wyoming and Nebraska to the north, Nebraska, and Kansas to the east, Oklahoma and New Mexico to the south, and Utah to the west. Roughly half of the state lies in the Rocky Mountains. The famed Colorado River rises in the Rocky Mountains and generally flows west to south. Colorado is also known for its diverse topography, including the Colorado Plateau, a physiographic province of the Intermontane Plateaus region, and for the Colorado desert, which is part of the Sonoran Desert. These and other features stand as proof that Colorado has a wide variety of fascinating biomes.

The Rocky Mountains were formed 80 million to 44 million years ago and contain the highest peaks in central North America, with Mount Elbert being the highest point in the state at an elevation of 14,439 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) features dramatic snow-capped peaks, close to 150 pristine lakes, and bountiful wildlife. RMNP is home to 300 miles of hiking trails within 415 square miles of protected mountain land. Throughout RMNP and Estes Park, folks can witness moose, bears, elk, bighorn, sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, coyotes, marmots, pika, and numerous birds in their natural habitats. Many people are surprised to learn that the park has a section dedicated to butterflies, with 140 species fluttering in the high elevations. Whether you’re there for an adventurous hike, photo-op, or chance to soak in the scenery, you will not be disappointed. Be sure to visit www.nps.gov for links to plan your visit to RMNP and to gain exclusive tips for viewing animals at this premier wildlife-watching destination.

Estes Park, just 90 minutes from Denver, sits at the eastern base of Rocky Mountain National Park and features Trail Ridge Road, which weaves past rugged peaks, vast forests, and dramatic tundra. The region is known for its outdoor adventures and pristine beauty. There are dog-friendly parks and trails, riverfront cabin rentals with hot tubs and wood fireplaces, romantic getaways, downtown shopping in the quintessential mountain town, rock climbing, flyfishing, horseback riding, and other fun stuff.

Colorado boasts a large variety of amazing towns and cities. Telluride is a former Victorian mining town set in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The town is a popular ski and golf getaway and boasts historic district houses such as Sheridan Opera House, built-in 1913, and serving as a performing arts venue. Another notable building is the Telluride Historical Museum, showcasing local history in a converted hospital that was built in 1896. Peak times to visit the town are in the mid-summer and in winter from mid-November to early April. These dates coincide with popular festivals and world-class skiing. Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is also highly visitable and dates to the Old West era. Larimer Square is the city’s oldest block and is rich in 19th-century buildings. There are also great museums to see, including the Denver Art Museum, known for great works such as Waterloo Bridge and Le Bassin des Nympheas by Claude Monet. In addition to European art, see a spectacular variety of global works to include African, American, and Asian art, as well as modern and contemporary works. The museum also hosts interesting exhibits throughout the year; thus, there is something great for everyone to explore.

Up next: Connecticut