Interesting Facts About Colorado

Colorado is a beautiful state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. It is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. But there is much more to this incredible state than meets the eye. Here are 30 interesting facts about Colorado that you may not know.

Geography

1. Colorado is the 8th largest state in the United States by area, measuring 104,094 square miles.
2. It is the only state in the United States with four distinct mountain ranges: the Sangre de Cristo, the Front Range, the Park Range, and the San Juan Mountains.
3. Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state in the United States, with an average elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level.
4. The highest point in Colorado is Mount Elbert, at an elevation of 14,440 feet.
5. The lowest point in Colorado is the Arikaree River, at an elevation of 3,317 feet.

History

6. Colorado was admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876, becoming the 38th state in the United States.
7. The state was named after the Colorado River, which was named by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
8. Colorado is known as the “Centennial State” because it was founded one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
9. Colorado was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
10. Colorado was the first state to make marijuana legal for recreational use in 2012.

Economy

11. Colorado has the 5th largest economy in the United States, with a GDP of $370 billion in 2020.
12. Colorado is the 10th most populous state in the United States, with a population of 5.8 million people as of 2020.
13. Colorado is home to two of the most well-known ski resorts in the world, Vail and Aspen.
14. Colorado is the nation’s largest producer of beer, accounting for nearly 21% of the nation’s beer production.
15. Colorado is the second largest producer of cattle in the United States, producing over 5 million head of cattle in 2019.

Natural Wonders

16. Colorado is home to four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
17. There are over 500 mountain peaks that are over 10,000 feet in elevation in Colorado.
18. Colorado is home to over 50 fourteeners, mountains that are over 14,000 feet in elevation.
19. Colorado is home to the largest flat-top mountain in the world, Grand Mesa.
20. Colorado is home to the deepest river gorge in the United States, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Climate

21. Colorado is known for its sunny climate and 300 days of sunshine each year.
22. The average high temperature in Colorado is 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
23. Colorado is the second driest state in the United States, receiving an average of 15 inches of precipitation per year.
24. The largest snowstorm in Colorado history was in 2003, when the state received over 60 inches of snow in a single storm.

Culture

25. Denver, the capital of Colorado, is the largest city in the state with a population of over 700,000 people.
26. Colorado is home to the oldest professional rodeo in the world, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, which started in 1897.
27. Colorado is home to the world’s first legal marijuana dispensary, which opened in 2014.
28. The state is home to the National Western Stock Show, the largest livestock show in the world.
29. Colorado is home to the world’s first legal hemp farm, located in the San Luis Valley.
30. Colorado is home to the world’s first legal hemp farm, located in the San Luis Valley.

Conclusion

Colorado is an incredible state with a fascinating history, geography, and culture. From its towering mountain peaks to its vibrant cities, this state has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a laid-back lifestyle, Colorado has something for you. With these 30 interesting facts about Colorado, you can learn more about this great state.