85 Interesting Facts about Colorado

Colorado is a state located in the western region of the United States. Known for its stunning mountain ranges, vast forests, and vibrant cities, Colorado is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The state’s geography is defined by the Rocky Mountains, which span across much of Colorado’s western region. The mountains offer a wide range of recreational activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Additionally, the state is home to several national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde National Park.

Colorado’s economy is diverse, with industries ranging from agriculture and mining to technology and aerospace. The state is home to several large corporations, including the telecommunications company Dish Network and the energy company Noble Energy. Additionally, Colorado has a thriving startup scene, with many entrepreneurs flocking to the state to launch new ventures. Colorado’s capital city is Denver, which is home to a diverse population of over 700,000 residents. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with many art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Additionally, Denver is home to several professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos football team and the Colorado Rockies baseball team.

Colorado autumn foliage

If you are interested to know more about Colorado, it’s surely a good idea to look at these 85 interesting facts about Colorado.

1. Colorado is nicknamed the “Centennial State” because it became a state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
2. Colorado is the 21st most populous state in the United States, with a population of over 5.7 million.
3. The state covers an area of 104,185 square miles, making it the 8th largest state in the country.
4. Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state in the United States.
5. The state is home to over 50 mountain peaks that are over 14,000 feet high, known as “14ers.”
6. The highest point in Colorado is Mount Elbert, which stands at 14,440 feet.
7. Colorado is the only state in the United States to have an official state song that was written by its state legislature.
8. The state’s official flag features a red C with a yellow circle inside, which represents the sun.
9. The Colorado River, which runs through seven states in the United States, takes its name from the state.
10. Colorado is known for its microbreweries and craft beer scene, with over 400 breweries in the state.
11. The state is home to several major ski resorts, including Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge.
12. The world’s first rodeo was held in Colorado in 1869.
13. Colorado is the only state in the United States to have three national parks.
14. The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado has the tallest sand dunes in North America.
15. The state is home to the largest natural hot springs pool in the world, located in Glenwood Springs.
16. Colorado is the birthplace of the cheeseburger, which was created at the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver in 1935.
17. The Denver Mint, which produces over 50 million coins each day, is the largest producer of coins in the world.
18. The state is known for its unique geological formations, including the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
19. Colorado is home to several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne.
20. The state has several notable ghost towns, including St. Elmo, which was a mining town in the late 1800s.
21. Colorado has a high number of sunny days each year, averaging over 300 days of sunshine.
22. The state is home to the Air Force Academy, which is located in Colorado Springs.
23. Colorado is the birthplace of the modern snowboard, which was invented by Sherman Poppen in the 1960s.
24. The state has several notable museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Nature and Science.
25. The highest suspension bridge in the United States, the Royal Gorge Bridge, is located in Colorado and spans across the Arkansas River.
26. Colorado is home to several major professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos football team and the Colorado Rockies baseball team.
27. The state’s official flower is the Rocky Mountain Columbine.
28. Colorado is the birthplace of several famous musicians, including John Denver and Glenn Miller.
29. The state is home to several universities, including the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
30. Colorado is a major producer of lamb and beef, with the state’s ranchers raising over 4 million head of cattle.
31. The state has a diverse climate, with the eastern plains experiencing a semi-arid climate and the mountains experiencing a subarctic climate.
32. The state’s official insect is the Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly.
33. The city of Boulder, Colorado has been ranked as one of the happiest cities in the United States.
34. The state is home to several notable national monuments, including the Colorado National Monument and the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
35. Colorado is one of only two states in the United States that has legalized marijuana for recreational use.
36. The state has a thriving film industry, with several major movies and TV shows being filmed in Colorado each year.
37. The state is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and white-water rafting.
38. The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile-long hiking trail that runs from Denver to Durango.
39. The state’s official gemstone is aquamarine.
40. The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, located just outside of Denver, is a natural outdoor venue that has hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in music.
41. The state has a high concentration of tech startups, particularly in the Denver and Boulder areas.
42. The city of Denver is home to the second-largest performing arts center in the United States, the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
43. The state is home to several notable historic sites, including the Mesa Verde National Park, which contains ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people.
44. Colorado is one of the top states in the United States for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power.
45. The state is home to several major reservoirs and lakes, including the Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Dillon Reservoir.
46. The state’s official animal is the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
47. The state’s official tree is the Colorado Blue Spruce.
48. The state has a large Hispanic population, particularly in the southern part of the state.
49. Colorado is home to several notable aerospace companies, including Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace.
50. The state is known for its scenic byways, including the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and the San Juan Skyway.
51. The state’s official fish is the greenback cutthroat trout.
52. The Denver Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, with over 2 million visitors each year.
53. The state has a high concentration of breweries and wineries, particularly in the western part of the state.
54. Colorado is known for its colorful autumn foliage, particularly in the mountain areas.
55. The state’s official grass is the blue grama grass.
56. The state has several notable natural landmarks, including the Maroon Bells and the Garden of Eden.
57. The city of Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic Training Center.
58. The state is known for its strong environmental policies, particularly with regard to conservation and renewable energy.
59. The state’s official bird is the Lark Bunting.
60. Colorado is home to several notable art museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum.
61. The state has a high concentration of outdoor gear manufacturers, including companies like Patagonia and The North Face.
62. The state’s official reptile is the Western Painted Turtle.
63. The Colorado State Capitol building in Denver features a dome made of pure gold.
64. The state is home to several notable hot springs resorts, including the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and the Ouray Hot Springs Pool.
65. Colorado is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly in the cities of Denver and Boulder.
66. The state’s official fossil is the Stegosaurus.
67. The state has a high concentration of craft distilleries, particularly in the Denver and Boulder areas.
68. The state has a diverse landscape, including the Rocky Mountains, high desert regions, and the Great Plains.
69. Colorado is home to several notable ski resorts, including Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.
70. The state’s official insect is the Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly.
71. The city of Boulder has been ranked as one of the most educated cities in the United States.
72. The state is known for its hot springs, with over 30 hot springs resorts located throughout the state.
73. Colorado is home to several notable national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
74. Colorado is known for its rich mining history, particularly in the mountain areas. It is known for its mining of gold, silver, and other precious metals.
75. The state has a high concentration of outdoor festivals and events, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Great American Beer Festival.
76. The state’s official dance is the square dance.
77. The city of Boulder has been named the “foodiest town in America” by Bon Appétit magazine.
78. The state has several notable historic sites related to the American West, including Bent’s Old Fort and the Kit Carson Home and Museum.
79. The state’s official song is “Where the Columbines Grow.”
80. Colorado is home to several notable higher education institutions, including the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
81. Colorado is known for its high-altitude training opportunities, particularly for endurance athletes.
82. The city of Boulder is home to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which conducts research on weather and climate.
83. The state’s official folk dance is the square dance.
84. Colorado is home to several notable rodeos, including the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver.
85. The state’s official soil is the Seitz soil series.
86. Colorado is known for its unique geologic formations, including the Garden of the Gods and the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
87. The state has a high concentration of outdoor recreation opportunities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, and fishing.
88. Colorado is home to several notable film festivals, including the Telluride Film Festival and the Aspen Filmfest.

Colorado is a state with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Its rugged mountains, beautiful forests, and unique geologic formations have made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Its cities, such as Denver and Boulder, are known for their thriving cultural scenes and world-class dining. With a strong economy, diverse population, and commitment to environmental conservation, Colorado continues to be a great place to live, work, and visit. Whether you’re skiing down the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, hiking through a national park, or exploring the streets of Denver, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the beautiful state of Colorado.