
🏔️ 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 miles long, giving you plenty of room to hike, ski, raft, explore, and even get lost in the best way.
🗺️ Colorado vs. the World
To visualize that:
- It’s nearly the same size as New Zealand
- It’s larger than 118 countries, including:
- Greece 🇬🇷
- South Korea 🇰🇷
- Iceland 🇮🇸
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Hungary 🇭🇺
🌍 Where Colorado Ranks in the U.S.
Rank | State | Area (mi²) |
---|---|---|
1st | Alaska | 663,267 |
2nd | Texas | 268,596 |
3rd | California | 163,695 |
8th | Colorado | 104,185 |
🎓 Student Section: Is Colorado a Square?
Let’s break down some common geography questions students (and curious adults) often ask about Colorado:
❓ Is Colorado a square?
Not quite! Colorado is often called a square state, but it’s actually more like a rectangle—and even that isn’t perfect. Due to the curvature of the Earth and early surveying quirks, the borders aren’t exactly straight.
❓ Is Colorado perfectly square or rectangular?
No. While it appears rectangular on maps, the southern border slightly curves because of Earth’s shape. Some borders also have minor jogs when checked with GPS.
❓ How did Colorado get its shape?
Congress defined Colorado’s shape when it became a territory in 1861, and again when it became a state in 1876. It was one of the first states outlined entirely by lines of latitude and longitude:
- Latitude: 37°N to 41°N
- Longitude: 102°W to 109°W
❓ Does any other state look like Colorado?
Yes—Wyoming. It’s also a nearly rectangular state and shares a border with Colorado to the north.
🌄 Why Size and Shape Matter
Colorado’s large, nearly rectangular footprint gives it incredible diversity in landscapes and access to public lands, including:
- 4 National Parks
- 42 State Parks
- Over 24 million acres of public land
- Dozens of scenic byways and mountain passes
You can explore snowy peaks, red rock canyons, alpine lakes, and desert dunes all without leaving the state.
✈️ Travel Tip: Crossing Colorado Takes Time
Driving from corner to corner across Colorado can take 6–9 hours, depending on your route and how many scenic stops you make (you’ll want to make a lot).
📸 Have You Explored the Corners of Colorado?
Tag your road trip or classroom geography photos—especially if you’ve hit all four corners of the state!
- Instagram: @OpenRoadColorado
- Facebook: Open Road Colorado
- X (Twitter): @OpenRoadCO
Use the hashtag #OpenRoadColorado and let us know how far you’ve traveled!
🔗 Official Resources and Government Links
Share Size of Colorado on Social -
More Fun Facts About Colorado

Where is Colorado? Location, Geography & Fun Facts
Where is Colorado? Location, Geography, and Fun Facts Colorado is a state located in the western region of the United States, known for its breathtaking Rocky Mountain landscapes, vibrant cities, and outdoor adventures. Colorado is bordered by Wyoming to the

Colorado State Motto – Nil Sine Numine
Colorado State Motto: “Nil Sine Numine” – What It Means and Why It Matters Discover the meaning, mystery, and historical roots of Colorado’s powerful Latin motto, “Nil Sine Numine.” 📜 What Is Colorado’s State Motto? If you’ve ever looked closely

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

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

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 ⛰️
More Fun Facts About 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 &

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

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

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

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