The mountainous area of Colorado is six times the size of Switzerland and contains 9,600 miles of fishing streams, 2,850 lakes, and over 1,000 peaks that are at least two miles high. Colorado contains 75% of the land area of the United States with an altitude over 10,000 feet.

The United States has 91 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, known as “fourteeners,” and 56 of them are in Colorado. This makes the state a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Colorado’s southwest corner borders Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, marking the unique “Four Corners” area—the only spot in the U.S. where four states meet. The state also features the Colorado Trail, a 500-mile hiking route from Durango to Denver that crosses eight mountain ranges, seven national forests, six wilderness areas, and five river systems.

Colorado Springs is home to the United States Air Force Academy, a prominent institution of military and academic excellence. Nearby, Pikes Peak—one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers—played a role in American history. In 1893, Katherine Lee Bates stood atop the peak and was inspired to write the words to “America the Beautiful,” capturing the essence of the country’s majestic landscapes.

Nicknamed the “Centennial State,” Colorado became a state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Its rich history, stunning geography, and cultural significance make it a symbol of the American West and a beloved destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

Top Destinations

The perfect time to get outdoors in Colorado is all the time. No matter the season, our mountains, wilderness areas, Colorado State Parks, national parks, scenic byways, lakes and rivers beckon those looking for unparalleled scenic beauty and perhaps a little adventure.