Spectacular Landscape & Outdoors

COLORADO’S DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE

Geologically, Colorado is actually 3 distinct lands: The west and southwest is MESA country; The central part of the state is the ROCKY MOUNTAINS, reaching to 14,500′ above sea level at the peak of Mt Elbert; And, the east is the high plains, characterized by gently rolling grasslands. Colorado boasts 54 peaks over 14,000′ in elevation and more than 1,000 two-mile high mountains. In fact, 75% of the area in the United States over 10,000 feet is in Colorado. And, within our 104,247 square miles of the world are the head-waters of 4 of the West’s major river systems: The Arkansas, Colorado, Platte, and Rio Grande.

COLORADO’S GREAT OUTDOORS

You’ll find plenty of room to roam in Colorado’s GREAT outdoors…with 23.5 million acres of protected state and federal land. The total includes 658,000 acres of national parks, monuments, historic forests, and two national grasslands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Don’t forget to pack your cameras, because Colorado’s 900 species of watchable wildlife are EVERYWHERE.

On land: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, deer, antelope, moose, and bear. In the air: quail, dove, pheasants, geese, cranes, and eagles. Underwater: walleye, crappie, bass, and unlimited supplies of trout.

Outdoor activity is a way of life in our state. Colorado golf courses are both challenging and spectacularly beautiful. Many are laid out among the pine and aspen trees of mountain valleys. Some fairways wind between towering rocks and still other follow the meandering river or stream nearby. Many are championship caliber and all are known to improve your drive by more than a few yards.

River rafting is one our specialties. Experienced professional outfitters will give you a leisurely float trip down a gently flowing river, or guide through thrilling whitewater rapids at the bottom of the canyon. Mile after mile of rivers and rapids you’ll see many different sights such as: Zoom Flume, Tiger Wall, Split Mountain, Echo Park, and Needle’s Eye, just to name a few. The ride can take you through a mountain scene to a desert canyon…you may even see Indian petroglyphs dance across a sheer rock wall or an eagle soaring in circles overhead.

Born in the snows of the Continental Divide, more than 100 rivers in Colorado are gaining a reputation world-over as the premier paddling waters for rafters and kayakers of all levels. Outfitters will guide on a day-trip, overnight, or an entire vacation.

Riding our plateau country, mountain trials, and prairie routes on horseback helps retrace the tracks of Indians, pioneers and early settlers. Experience Colorado at its best with spectacular sunsets and meals cooked over an open fire. Spend an afternoon or night hiking a trail. Stables and ranches across the state offer mounted trips year round.

Whether panning in a stream for gold for a thrill of early gold miners, rock climbing, bird watching, or relax in a natural hot springs year-round…Colorado offers it all!