National Parks in Colorado – Explore the 4 Must-See Parks
Jump to a National Park Black Canyon Great Sand Dunes Rocky Mountain Mesa Verde 🏞️ National Parks in Colorado: Your Guide to the 4 Majestic Parks Category: Colorado National Parks, Fun Facts About Colorado | By: Open Road Colorado Last Updated: April 2025 Colorado is home to four official National Parks, each with its own unique landscape and outdoor experience. From jagged cliffs to ancient
Aquamarine: Colorado State Gemstone, Mines & Fun Facts
Aquamarine – Colorado State Gemstone Facts, Mines & History 💎 Aquamarine – The Official State Gemstone of Colorado By Open Road Colorado | Colorado Geology & Fun FactsUpdated April 2025 | Great for Students, Rockhounds & Gem Collectors 🏔️ What Is Aquamarine? Aquamarine is a semi-rare, blue to blue-green gemstone belonging to the beryl family, the same group that includes emerald. Its name means “water
Lark Bunting – Colorado State Bird Facts, Photos & Where to See It
Colorado State Bird – The Lark Bunting 🪶 Colorado State Bird – The Lark Bunting: A Prairie Icon of the Centennial State Quick Facts 📌 Common Name: Lark Bunting Scientific Name: Calamospiza melanocorys Designated: State Bird of Colorado in 1931 Habitat: Open grasslands, prairies, and shrublands Size: 5–7 inches long with an 11-inch wingspan Family: Emberizidae (American Sparrows) Best Seen: Eastern Plains of Colorado, especially
Central City, Colorado: Explore The Richest Square Mile on Earth | Top Things to Do
🏔️ Richest Square Mile on Earth – Central City, Colorado Central City, Colorado, located about 38 miles west of Denver, is famously known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859, Central City earned its title by becoming the wealthiest square mile in the United States due to its vast gold and silver deposits. By the late 1800s,
Mount Elbert: Tallest Mountain in Colorado – Hiking, Trails & Facts
Mount Elbert: Tallest Mountain in Colorado Mount Elbert, towering at an impressive elevation of 14,440 feet (4,401 meters), holds the title of the tallest mountain in Colorado and the second-highest peak in the contiguous United States. Located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, just southwest of Leadville, Mount Elbert is a favorite destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking the ultimate alpine
Hairstreak Butterfly – Colorado State Insect Guide & Facts
Colorado State Insect – The Hairstreak Butterfly Colorado State Insect – The Hairstreak Butterfly: Colorado’s Winged Jewel Quick Facts 📌 Common Name: Hairstreak Butterfly Scientific Name: Hypaurotis crysalus Designated: State Insect of Colorado in 1996 Appearance: Grayish underside, iridescent purplish-blue upper wings Habitat: Montane shrublands, oak scrub, and foothills Best Seen: Western Slope and Southern Colorado, especially near Gambel oak stands Wingspan: Approximately 1.5 inches
What Does Colorado Mean? – Origin, History & Fun Facts Explained
What Does Colorado Mean? – History, Origin & Fun Facts Have you ever wondered what Colorado means or where the state’s name comes from? Colorado’s name traces its roots back to the Spanish language, reflecting the state’s natural beauty and rich history. Derived from the Spanish word “colorado,” meaning “colored red,” the name was inspired by the vibrant red hues of the Colorado River, which
Native American Tribes in Colorado | History & Heritage Guide
Native Tribes in Colorado | Open Road Colorado 🪶 Native Tribes in Colorado: History, Culture & Lasting Legacy Long before Colorado became a state—and long before settlers arrived in covered wagons—the land we now call the Centennial State was home to a vibrant and diverse group of Indigenous peoples. These Native American tribes not only lived across the plains, valleys, and mountains of Colorado, but
Colorado Blue Spruce: Facts, Elevation, Lifespan
Colorado Blue Spruce – The Official State Tree of Colorado 🌲 Colorado Blue Spruce – The Official State Tree of Colorado By Open Road Colorado | Colorado Fun Facts & HistoryUpdated April 2025 | Perfect for Students, Nature Lovers & Colorado History Buffs! 🌿 Meet the Colorado Blue Spruce – Colorado’s Evergreen Icon Chosen as the official State Tree of Colorado in 1939, the Colorado
Grand Mesa: Largest Flat Top Mountain in the World – Explore Colorado
🏠 Home 🗺️ Colorado Travel Guides 🏔️ Grand Mesa 📚 Jump to Sections: 📖 About Grand Mesa 🏛️ Visitor Center & Access 🚗 Drive Times & Directions 🏕️ Campgrounds & Lodging 🥾 Hiking Trails & Scenic Drives 🐾 Wildlife & Safety 🏞️ Nearby Attractions ⛰️ Outdoor Adventure 📜 History & Culture ❓ FAQ 🏛️ Visitor Center, Park Fees & Best Times to Visit 🌟 Did
Colorado Abbreviation (CO) & State Nicknames Explained
Colorado Abbreviation & State Nicknames Explained 🏷️ Colorado Abbreviation & State Nicknames Explained By Open Road Colorado | Colorado History & Fun FactsUpdated April 2025 | Great for Students, Travelers & Postal Pros 🔠 What Is the Abbreviation for Colorado? The official two-letter abbreviation for the state of Colorado is “CO.” This abbreviation is standardized by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and is used
Yule Marble: Colorado State Rock, Value, History & Quarry Info
Yule Marble – Colorado State Rock Facts, History & Value 🪨 Yule Marble – The Official State Rock of Colorado By Open Road Colorado | Colorado History & Fun FactsUpdated April 2025 | Great for Students, Educators, and Travelers ⛰️ What Is Yule Marble? Yule Marble is a brilliant white metamorphosed limestone found only in the Yule Creek Valley near Marble, Colorado, at an elevation
Colorado River Headwaters – History & Travel Guide
🌊 Colorado River Headwaters: Where the Mighty River Begins Explore the birthplace of one of North America’s most legendary rivers—right here in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 📍 Where Does the Colorado River Begin? The Colorado River begins at La Poudre Pass Lake, an alpine lake nestled on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, just north of Grand Lake, Colorado. At over
Discover Colorado’s Official State Cactus: The Claret Cup Cactus
Discover Colorado’s Official State Cactus: The Claret Cup Cactus Meet the Claret Cup Cactus 🌵 Did you know Colorado has an official state cactus? The Claret Cup Cactus, also called the King Cup Cactus, proudly represents the state. Its scientific name is Echinocereus triglochidiatus—a great example of botanical terminology for students learning Latin-based plant names. Fun Facts and Appearance 🎨 This cactus grows in tight
Palisade Peach – Unofficial State Fruit of Colorado
Palisade Peach – Colorado’s Sweetest Summer Tradition | Open Road Colorado 🍑 Palisade Peach – Colorado’s Sweetest Summer Tradition / Fun Facts About Colorado / By Open Road Colorado Move over Georgia—Colorado has its own juicy claim to fame! The official state fruit of Colorado is the mouthwatering Palisade Peach, grown in the sun-drenched orchards of the Western Slope. These legendary peaches are so iconic
Colorado State Capitol – History, Tours & Past Governors in Denver
🏛️ Colorado State Capitol – History, Location & Fun Facts Category: Colorado History, Fun Facts About Colorado | By: Open Road Colorado Last Updated: April 2025 📜 The History of Colorado’s Capitol Building Before Denver became the political heart of Colorado, the state’s first Capitol was located in Old Colorado City, near today’s Colorado Springs. This historical site briefly served as the territorial capital during
Arkansas River – Longest River, Map, and Recreation
Arkansas River – The Longest River in Colorado | Open Road Colorado 🌊 Arkansas River – The Longest River in Colorado (Ultimate Guide) Category: Fun Facts About Colorado Author: Open Road Colorado 🚗🏞️ Updated: April 2025 Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes 🏔️ Introduction: What is the Longest River in Colorado? When it comes to Colorado’s impressive waterways, the Arkansas River claims the title of the
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Colorado State Animal Guide
🐏 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Colorado’s Official State Animal Introduction – About the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep has been Colorado’s official state animal since 1961, selected for its strong presence in high-altitude environments and its visibility in mountain regions. You’ll often see these animals along highways such as I-70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel, which sits at 11,158 feet and
Mount Evans Road: Highest Paved Road in North America – Explore Colorado
Mount Evans Road: The Highest Paved Road in North America The highest paved road in North America is the scenic and iconic Mount Evans Road, also known as Colorado State Highway 5. This breathtaking route leads to the summit of Mount Evans, one of Colorado’s towering Fourteeners, with an impressive elevation of 14,271 feet (4,350 meters) above sea level. Driving to the summit of Mount
Colorado Quarter: History, Design & 50 State Quarters Program (2006)
Colorado Quarter – History, Design & 50 State Quarters Program Overview The Colorado Quarter was released on June 14, 2006, as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program, which celebrated each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This quarter, commemorating Colorado’s admission to the Union in 1876, beautifully highlights the state’s rugged landscapes and historical legacy. The Colorado Quarter’s
Discover Colorado’s Official State Cactus: The Claret Cup Cactus
Discover Colorado’s Official State Cactus: The Claret Cup Cactus Meet the Claret Cup Cactus 🌵 Did you know Colorado has an official state cactus? The Claret Cup Cactus, also called the King Cup Cactus, proudly represents the state. Its scientific name is Echinocereus triglochidiatus—a great example of botanical terminology for students learning Latin-based plant names. Fun Facts and Appearance 🎨 This cactus grows in tight
How Big is Colorado? Size, Shape & Fun Geography Facts
🏔️ How Big is Colorado? (Spoiler: Bigger Than You Think) Everything about Colorado feels massive—from our towering 14ers to wide-open skies—but have you ever stopped to wonder just how big the state really is? 📏 Total Size of Colorado: 104,185 Square Miles Colorado spans 104,185 square miles, making it the 8th largest state in the United States. It stretches roughly 380 miles wide and 280
Colorado State Capitol – History, Tours & Past Governors in Denver
🏛️ Colorado State Capitol – History, Location & Fun Facts Category: Colorado History, Fun Facts About Colorado | By: Open Road Colorado Last Updated: April 2025 📜 The History of Colorado’s Capitol Building Before Denver became the political heart of Colorado, the state’s first Capitol was located in Old Colorado City, near today’s Colorado Springs. This historical site briefly served as the territorial capital during
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Colorado State Animal Guide
🐏 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Colorado’s Official State Animal Introduction – About the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep has been Colorado’s official state animal since 1961, selected for its strong presence in high-altitude environments and its visibility in mountain regions. You’ll often see these animals along highways such as I-70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel, which sits at 11,158 feet and
Official Sport Of Colorado – Pack Burro Racing
🏃♂️🐴 Pack Burro Racing – The Official Sport of Colorado You’ve heard of football, baseball, and maybe even curling—but in Colorado, we do things a little differently. Our official state sport? Pack. Burro. Racing. Yes, you read that right. 🎽 What Is Pack Burro Racing? Pack Burro Racing is a uniquely Colorado tradition where runners race alongside a burro (a small donkey)—not ride it. Racers
When Did Colorado Become a State? | Statehood in 1876
Colorado Statehood: When Colorado Became a State in 1876 📅 When Did Colorado Become a State? Discover the Road to Statehood in 1876 From gold rush dreams to joining the Union—how Colorado earned its stars and stripes. 🎉 Colorado Became the 38th State on August 1, 1876 Colorado officially joined the United States on August 1, 1876, becoming the 38th state. Because this happened exactly
Yule Marble: Colorado State Rock, Value, History & Quarry Info
Yule Marble – Colorado State Rock Facts, History & Value 🪨 Yule Marble – The Official State Rock of Colorado By Open Road Colorado | Colorado History & Fun FactsUpdated April 2025 | Great for Students, Educators, and Travelers ⛰️ What Is Yule Marble? Yule Marble is a brilliant white metamorphosed limestone found only in the Yule Creek Valley near Marble, Colorado, at an elevation
Palisade Peach – Unofficial State Fruit of Colorado
Palisade Peach – Colorado’s Sweetest Summer Tradition | Open Road Colorado 🍑 Palisade Peach – Colorado’s Sweetest Summer Tradition / Fun Facts About Colorado / By Open Road Colorado Move over Georgia—Colorado has its own juicy claim to fame! The official state fruit of Colorado is the mouthwatering Palisade Peach, grown in the sun-drenched orchards of the Western Slope. These legendary peaches are so iconic
Central City, Colorado: Explore The Richest Square Mile on Earth | Top Things to Do
🏔️ Richest Square Mile on Earth – Central City, Colorado Central City, Colorado, located about 38 miles west of Denver, is famously known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859, Central City earned its title by becoming the wealthiest square mile in the United States due to its vast gold and silver deposits. By the late 1800s,
Pikes Peak Gold Rush: Colorado’s Historic Gold Discovery & Ghost Towns
Pikes Peak Gold Rush: Colorado’s Historic Gold Discovery The Pikes Peak Gold Rush was a pivotal event in Colorado and American history, drawing thousands of fortune seekers to the region in search of gold. Beginning in 1858, the discovery of gold in the Colorado Territory led to the rapid growth of boomtowns such as Central City, Idaho Springs, and Black Hawk. The gold rush shaped
National Parks in Colorado – Explore the 4 Must-See Parks
Jump to a National Park Black Canyon Great Sand Dunes Rocky Mountain Mesa Verde 🏞️ National Parks in Colorado: Your Guide to the 4 Majestic Parks Category: Colorado National Parks, Fun Facts About Colorado | By: Open Road Colorado Last Updated: April 2025 Colorado is home to four official National Parks, each with its own unique landscape and outdoor experience. From jagged cliffs to ancient
Denver: Biggest City in Colorado – Fun Things to Do & More
Denver: The Biggest City in Colorado Denver, Colorado, known as the “Mile High City,” is the biggest city in Colorado by population and serves as the state’s vibrant capital. With a population of approximately 733,114 residents and a bustling metropolitan area that includes the surrounding suburbs, Denver is the central economic, cultural, and transportation hub for the region. Denver offers a unique blend of urban
You must be logged in to post a comment.