How well do you know Colorado?
Colorado is famous for mountains, skiing and sunshine, but it also holds ancient cliff dwellings and giant sand dunes. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- Colorado has the highest average elevation of any US state, about 6,800 feet (2,070 m). Its lowest point, near the Kansas border, is still higher than the highest points of many eastern states.
- The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, in western Colorado, has walls so steep and deep that some parts receive only minutes of direct sunlight a day.
- Colorado's Royal Gorge Bridge, completed in 1929, stands about 955 feet above the Arkansas River. For decades it was the highest bridge in the world.
The Centennial State
Colorado sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, with an average elevation higher than any other US state. Its landscapes range from alpine peaks and canyons to high plains and deserts. Colorado combines outdoor adventure with rich history, from Ancestral Puebloan villages to mining towns and modern cities such as Denver.
Mountains and skiing
Colorado's high mountains and dry snow make it one of the top skiing destinations in the world. Resorts such as Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge attract visitors in winter, while summer brings hiking, mountain biking and river rafting.
Ancient cultures
Ancestral Puebloan people built villages and cliff dwellings in southwestern Colorado more than 700 years ago. Mesa Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves these structures and helps archaeologists understand how people farmed and lived in the region.
Mining history
Gold and silver discoveries in the 1800s drew thousands of people to Colorado. Towns such as Leadville, Cripple Creek and Silverton grew quickly, and historic mining buildings and railways remain popular attractions today.
Rivers of the West
Many major rivers begin in Colorado's mountains, including the Colorado, the Rio Grande, the Arkansas and the Platte. Water from Colorado's snowpack supports farms and cities across the western United States and even into Mexico.
Sunshine and altitude
Colorado is known for its many sunny days. The high altitude means thinner air and stronger sunlight, so visitors often need extra water and sunscreen. Some people feel altitude effects when they first arrive in mountain towns.
Denver, the Mile High City
Denver, Colorado's capital and largest city, sits about one mile above sea level at the edge of the Rocky Mountains. Its location makes mountain recreation easy to reach, and it has grown quickly into a major center for business, technology and outdoor industries. Red Rocks Amphitheatre nearby is a famous open-air concert venue carved among giant sandstone formations.