Colorado
This state’s spectacular landscape has been a magnet for entrepreneurs, fortune hunters, artists, writers, romantics, and adventurers for two centuries. Because of this, Colorado today is home to a diverse population that commemorates the arts, the food and the heritage of many cultures. In the bustling cities of Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction, you’ll encounter an abundance of culture that will fill you with inspiration and wonder. Among the plains, mountains, and mesas, you’ll experience Colorado’s Western heritage, embodied in preserved fur trapper forts, iconic narrow-gauge railroads, raucous rodeos, mining relics, cliff dwellings and the amiable communities of the San Luis Valley – the oldest in the state.
While some activities are certainly ideal for specific seasons, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do year-round. From mountain biking on a mild winter day in Denver, to skiing the last remaining snow bank in early July; this state is full of delightful surprises.
As the eighth-largest state in the United States, Colorado has a lot to cover. There are more activities, events, vacation opportunities, and fun things to do in Colorado than you can imagine: hot air balloon rides, jeep, ATV, motorcycle or bicycle rental or tours, snowmobile, sleigh rides, dog sledding, fly fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout, sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, boating, kayaking or canoeing (rentals, equipment, instruction, guided tours and floats), or get wet and wild whitewater rafting, tubing, skiing, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing (check out the ski areas, rentals and tours), horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, upland bird hunting, big game hunting for deer, elk, moose, antelope, bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, and big horn sheep.
At an altitude of 5,280 feet, Denver's proximity to the Rocky Mountains offers visitors an abundance of recreation options. In less than two hours, skiers and snowboarders based in Denver can enjoy a day on the slopes of one of Colorado's famed ski resorts. Denver's temperate climate also offers golfers year-round opportunities to improve their swing. With more than 60 public courses in the Denver metro area, there is something for every golfer from the beginner to the pro.
Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular activities in the metro area as well. Denver has the largest city park system in the nation, and thousands of acres of open space are located around the city. The foothills of the Rockies provide challenging trails for experienced hikers and bikers and scenic leisurely strolls for those not in search of an adrenaline rush.
Denver actively supports the arts and is home to a full-range of cultural attractions. The Denver Center for Performing Arts Complex is one of the best in the country and has a venue for national touring companies, in addition to locally produced plays and attractions. Boettcher Concert Hall is home to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and features world-class performers in both classical and popular productions. The city hosts many smaller community centers, which offer endless cultural opportunities as well. During the summer, the city takes advantage of Colorado's wonderful balmy evenings by hosting performances in its beautiful outdoor theaters, parks, and gardens. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a favorite outdoor concert site for performers and audiences alike.
Colorado is well represented in the professional sports arena, and Colorado fans are renowned for their enthusiastic support of baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. Visitors will relish cheering for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Rapids along with the local fans in one of Denver's state of the art sporting facilities. Coloradans are proud of their college teams too. Many excellent choices of college sporting events can be found within the metro area.