For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Colorado
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park): Known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning hiking trails, scenic drives, and a chance to experience the majestic beauty of the Rockies.
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs): Famous for its dramatic red sandstone rock formations, Garden of the Gods is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park offers incredible views of the towering rocks set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Mesa Verde National Park (Cortez): Mesa Verde is famous for its well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can explore these ancient homes carved into the rock and learn about the region’s rich archaeological history.
Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs): One of Colorado’s most famous mountains, Pikes Peak offers a scenic drive or cog railway to its 14,115-foot summit. It’s known for its stunning views and is the inspiration behind the song America the Beautiful.
Vail Ski Resort (Vail): Vail is one of the largest and most famous ski resorts in the U.S. Known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, it also offers summer activities like hiking and mountain biking, making it a year-round destination.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Morrison): This natural amphitheater is world-famous for its incredible acoustics and stunning setting amidst towering red rock formations. It hosts concerts and events, attracting music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Great Sand Dunes National Park (Alamosa): Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers visitors a chance to hike, sled, and sandboard on the massive dunes. The park’s surreal landscape makes it a unique destination in Colorado.
Denver Art Museum (Denver): The Denver Art Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of Native American art and contemporary pieces. Its bold architecture and diverse exhibitions make it a cultural hub in the heart of Denver.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Montrose): Known for its steep, dramatic cliffs and narrow gorges, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers stunning overlooks and hiking trails. The park is famous for its striking landscape and challenging rock climbing routes.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Durango): This historic steam-powered train takes passengers on a scenic ride through the rugged San Juan Mountains. The railroad, which dates back to the 1880s, offers breathtaking views of Colorado’s wild landscapes.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Colorado.
Colorado has the world’s largest flat-top mountain: The Grand Mesa, located in western Colorado, is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, spanning over 500 square miles.
Colorado has no natural lakes: While Colorado is home to many beautiful lakes, all of them are man-made. Natural lakes are almost nonexistent due to the state’s high altitude and geology.
Colorado is home to a UFO Watchtower: Located near the town of Hooper, the UFO Watchtower is a quirky roadside attraction where people claim to have seen UFOs and other strange phenomena. It’s a popular spot for alien enthusiasts.
The Cheeseburger was invented in Colorado: The cheeseburger is said to have been invented in Denver in the 1930s. A restaurant called the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In was the first to officially put a slice of cheese on a hamburger.
Colorado has more microbreweries per capita than any other state: With hundreds of craft breweries across the state, Colorado is known as the Napa Valley of Beer. The craft beer culture is a major part of Colorado’s identity.
The town of Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the U.S.: At an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville holds the record for being the highest city in the country. Its elevation makes it a popular destination for high-altitude training.
Denver is exactly one mile above sea level: Known as the Mile-High City, Denver sits exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. There’s even a marker on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to indicate the one-mile elevation point.
Colorado has more “14ers” than any other state: A “14er” is a mountain that rises above 14,000 feet in elevation. Colorado has 58 of these towering peaks, more than any other state in the U.S., making it a paradise for hikers and climbers.
You can find a castle made of beer cans: Bishop Castle, located near Rye, Colorado, is a strange and impressive structure built by one man, Jim Bishop. It’s made from a variety of materials, including beer cans, and stands as a bizarre roadside attraction.
The first license plate was issued in Colorado: In 1908, Colorado became the first state to issue a license plate for cars, making it a pioneer in automobile regulations.
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Colorado.
Famous Men
Tim Allen (1953–): Born in Denver, Colorado, Tim Allen is a comedian and actor best known for his roles in Home Improvement and as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story. He has been a prominent figure in television and film for decades.
Trey Parker (1969–): Born in Conifer, Colorado, Trey Parker is a co-creator of the animated TV series South Park, which became a cultural phenomenon for its irreverent humor. He is also known for his work on the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon.
Douglas Fairbanks (1883–1939): Born in Denver, Colorado, Douglas Fairbanks was a silent film actor and producer, known for his swashbuckling roles in films like The Mark of Zorro and Robin Hood. He was one of the founding members of United Artists.
Scott Carpenter (1925–2013): Born in Boulder, Colorado, Scott Carpenter was one of NASA’s original seven astronauts. He became the second American to orbit the Earth aboard Aurora 7 in 1962, contributing to early space exploration.
Jack Dempsey (1895–1983): Born in Manassa, Colorado, Jack Dempsey was a world heavyweight boxing champion and one of the most popular fighters of the early 20th century. Known as “The Manassa Mauler,” he held the title from 1919 to 1926.
Famous Women
Kristen Schaal (1978–): Born in Longmont, Colorado, Kristen Schaal is a comedian and actress known for her roles on Bob’s Burgers and The Last Man on Earth. She is recognized for her quirky sense of humor and voice work.
Madeleine Albright (1937–2022): Raised in Denver, Colorado, Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State, serving under President Bill Clinton. She is remembered for her diplomacy and contributions to international relations.
Amy Adams (1974–): Born in Vicenza, Italy, but raised in Castle Rock, Colorado, Amy Adams is an award-winning actress known for her roles in films like Enchanted, Arrival, and American Hustle. She has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards.
Florence Rena Sabin (1871–1953): Born in Central City, Colorado, Florence Sabin was a pioneering medical scientist and the first woman to become a full professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She made significant contributions to the field of immunology.
Tabor Childs (1927–2018): Born in Denver, Colorado, Tabor Childs was an American track and field athlete and Olympian. She represented the U.S. in sprinting events and was a role model for women in sports.
Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/ Admission to the Union