Colorado Information

The traditional home of numerous Native American peoples for thousands of years including Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute, Colorado was first discovered by Europeans when Spanish explorers passed through in 1541. Over the next 300 years areas comprising Colorado were claimed in turn by the Spanish, French, Mexican and American governments. The region finally came under American control through a series of purchases, conflicts and treaties and was incorporated into the Union as the thirty-eighth state in 1876, and hence was nicknamed ‘the Centennial State.’

Not all the natural and historical wonders are found within the national parks so be sure to check the other parks and monuments throughout the state, such as Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Southwestern Colorado, and Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site in the Southeast, or go whitewater rafting in Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Ski the beautifully groomed runs or go off-piste in the winter playgrounds of Aspen and Snowmass, experience the outdoor lifestyle of Boulder, or enjoy everything a big city has to offer in Denver with the option of taking a day trip of hiking, skiing or fishing in the nearby Rockies.

For those looking for adventure its all here in Colorado - fishing, skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, hiking … the options are endless. This is truly a state that encompasses everything the outdoors has to offer, a playground of fun and adventure for anyone looking for excitement, solitude or just pure invigoration.