COLORADO
Colorado is a western state in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States of America. The highest peaks of the the North American Rockies are here, (Mt. Elbert, 14,440 ft/4,4041 m), as well as a number of other natural marvels. The state also boasts the highest overall elevation in the continental United States and is home to many diverse ecosystems for its size.
The beautiful scenery of the Rockies and the state’s cool, pleasant summer climate have made Colorado a favorite of tourists. Aspen is a world famous ski resort. Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, Vail, and Colorado Springs, are also popular resorts. And for any fan of the movie “Jurassic Park,” Colorado shares Dinosaur National Monument with Utah. It has thousands of dinosaur bones from the Jurassic period. And one can also see prehistoric cliff dwellings built by the Anasazi, an early Indian tribe, in Mesa Verde National Park.
Capital: Denver
Best time to visit:
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver experiences relatively mild weather throughout the year. Summer is the most popular time to visit for family vacations and conventions, and is often characterized by warm afternoons and cool evenings.
Fall can be an ideal time to enjoy pleasant temperatures and colorful aspens. Winter brings cooler temperatures and snow, as well as lower prices and fewer crowds. Spring sees blooming flowers and temperatures similar to fall, perfect for outdoor activities.
High season: June to August; low season: November to March; shoulder season: April to May, September to October
Minimum days required: 5 days
Places of Interest:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Pikes Peak
Garden of the Gods
Mesa Verde National Park
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Royal Gorge bridge
Maroon Bells
Climate:
Denver experiences four mild seasons, with an arid climate. Summers bring warm weather and low humidity, offering comfortable afternoons and evenings.
The spring and fall are pleasant, perfect for an afternoon hike or a day of leaf peeping. Aspen fall foliage is at its peak from mid-September until mid-October. Winter temperatures can get fairly cold, with highs averaging 48 degrees.
Snow may fall, especially in March, but it rarely stays on the ground for very long. Chinooks, or mountain winds that gain heat as they lose elevation, help warm up the winters, occasionally raising the daily temperature to 60 degrees. The city receives an average of 18 inches of precipitation annually.
Currency: US Dollar
Things to carry:
Pack sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF rating, because it’s easy to get a nasty sunburn even during the winter if you aren’t protected. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap provides extra protection from the sun’s glare and UV rays.
Daytime temperatures can reach the 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit during Colorado’s summer, so pack plenty of shorts and lightweight shirts.
You’ll still need to pack at least one sweater or light jacket, as evenings and early mornings throughout the state can be cool throughout the summer. Downpours that begin without warning and last about 20 minutes, so pack a raincoat or foldable poncho to protect yourself from an unexpected drenching often punctuate Colorado’s summers. You’ll also want to have a pair of sunglasses or clip-on lenses on hand to protect your eyes from the intense glare and UV rays of Colorado’s summer sun.
Cotton and denim clothing can soak through to your skin when wet, so Fodor’s recommends packing cold-weather clothing made from wool or synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and insulated. This relieves you of wearing bulky clothing during a cold snap while keeping you dry and comfortable. Pack at least two pairs of thermal underwear. Layering clothing gives you the most protection against Colorado’s winter extremes, trapping warmth close to your body.
How to get there:
Air
All major airlines fly into Denver International Airport (code: DEN) as it is the major hub for the region, and in fact the ninth busiest airport in the world.