Colorado was the 39th state to enter into union in 1876. The capital city is Denver, also known as the mile high city. The population of Colorado is 4,939.456, and the combination of land & water is 104,093,570 square miles. The state flower is called the Rocky Mountain Columbine, state tree is the Colorado Blue Spruce and the state animal is the Mountain Bighorn Sheep. In addition to having the highest elevation (above sea level) in America, Colorado is also known for the highest peaks and it’s snow covered mountains. In fact 53 of those snow covered peaks are more than 14,000 feet high. And don’t forget about the sunshine in Colorado where you can expect at least 300 days of any year to be sunny. Rocky Mountain National Park is picturesque, and it extends more than 3,000 miles to Central New Mexico as well as Northwest Alaska. This area is known for it’s hundreds of campsites, (camper and tent) special kids activities, fishing, climbing mountaineering, wildlife viewing and several extended stay lodging accommodations, such as extended stay motels. So if you enjoy the seclusion of wooded forests, this state is for you!
The two most popular ski resort cities in Colorado are Vail, which is rated #1 in America and Aspen. Both are known for their elegant extended stay mountain lodging accommodations such as Upscale luxury Hotels, Bed & Breakfast houses and exclusive resorts. Vail’s elevation is 8,120 feet, and Aspen’s elevation is 7,945 feet. Both resorts receive between 300 and 400 inches of snowfall each season, and both resorts offer lodging accommodation’s at a 7,000 ft. elevation. If your family is looking for excellent scenery while snow boarding, skiing or taking in the gorgeous view, these resorts are perfect. Remember to make hotel or motel reservations well in advance.
Mt. Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado and second highest in America, peaking at 14,433 feet. Hundreds of thousands of visitors attempt to climb or hike Mt. Elbert each year. They say the only danger is the weather, but it’s very easy to reach the summit, some say it can be achieved within eight hours from top to bottom. Although there is camping throughout the mountain, most of the climbers starting at sunrise choose to stay at the Nordic Inn Bed & Breakfast which is located just a few blocks from the main mountain climbing starting point. Another thrilling adventure is Pikes peak, (14,110 ft) and is the second most famous mountain for tourism in Colorado, attracting 300,000 visitors per year. Among many of the activities available, you can drive, hike or attend the annual International Raceway. The scenery is breathtaking. When you have reached the timberline, the summit is just around the corner. Restaurants, gift shops, oxygen bars and a lot of exploring await you!
Canon City is home to the highest suspension bridge in the world called the Royal Gorge Bridge. It is 1,053 feet above the Arkansas river and it’s 1,260 feet long and 18 feet wide. In addition to walking across the bridge for optimized scenery, you and your family can enjoy the view from all angles using various modes of transportation offered. These include the Aerial Tram, the Incline Railway, the Royal Rush Sky Coaster and mule team wagon rides. They also have a petting zoo, and shows at the Gazebo, the Pavilion and the Plaza Theater. Extended stay motels & hotels, as well as short stay accommodations are available at the Bighorn Mountain Top Lodge. Amenities include a rustic fireplace, three bedrooms, two baths, a spacious kitchen and laundry facilities. Another famous attraction is the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve which are located outside the town of Alamosa. The sand dunes peak at 8,000 ft and are spread over more than 149,512 acres of landscape, in addition they are the tallest sand dunes in America. The climate in Colorado can change drastically, so packing summer wear and winter wear is recommended.