Colorado is acclaimed by visitors and residents alike for its natural beauty.
Colorado, which entered the Union in 1876 as the 38th state of the U.S., is famous for the natural beauty of its landscape. Colorado includes some of the most spectacular stretches of the Rocky Mountains. Its terrain also features alpine forests, plains, high plateaus, canyon lands, desert wilderness and wild rivers, all of which contribute to the state's beauty.
National Parks
Colorado's natural beauty is on display at 15 nationally designed parks, monuments, historic sites and recreation areas. The most prominent is Rocky Mountain National Park, which showcases the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the park's grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak. Straddling the Continental Divide, the park is set amid national forestland and is home to wildlife such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and bobcats.
Geological Marvels
Visually striking examples of rock formations including ancient sedimentary outcrops of red, purple and white sandstones are on display at sites such as the Garden of the Gods, a public park in Colorado Springs. This area also features such spectacular geologic wonders as sheer faults and fossils, including dinosaur fossils. Waterfalls cascading down steep canyon walls can be seen at Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. Other geological marvels that contribute to Colorado's beauty include canyons, gorges, sand dunes and caves.
Arts and Entertainment
Befitting a state with so much natural beauty, even Colorado's arts and entertainment venues contribute to its appeal. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater features a naturally occurring, acoustically pristine stage that has hosted music concerts since its opening in 1906. Located in a transitional geological zone where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, the park boasts visually spectacular vistas. The Denver Art Museum contains an impressive collection of American Indian art and the scenic town of Steamboat Springs is home to many artists and craftworkers.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Colorado has achieved worldwide fame for the stunning beauty of its skiing and snowboarding resort destinations. The most prominent is Vail, located in the central Rocky Mountains and the largest ski resort in the U.S. Typically blanketed with more than 30 feet of powder snow annually, Vail is noted for awe-inspiring natural scenery as well as its skiing and snowboarding. Other Colorado resorts noted for their natural beauty and their setting amid historic towns are Breckenridge and Telluride.
Tags: natural beauty, Rocky Mountains, also features, Colorado Springs, most prominent
