Visit Colorado by Peter McHie

One of the defining features of Colorado are its Rocky Mountains. Of the 100 highest peaks with a topographical prominence of at least 500 meters in the Rocky Mountains, 78 (including the 30 highest) are located in Colorado.

Colorado has 158 named rivers and more than 5,000 streams. A total of 17 rivers have a drainage basin of more than 3,900 square miles, which is more than three times the size of Rhode Island.

There are more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs in Colorado. The largest that’s completely in state is the Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Navajo Reservoir only has a little bit in Colorado, but combined with the majority in New Mexico, it’s the largest lake.

Weather

The biggest surprise for visitors to Denver is the climate. The arid conditions bring only 8 to 15 inches of annual precipitation and locals wake up to more than 300 days of sunshine a year. That’s more annual hours of sun than Miami and San Diego.

Winters are mild with an average daily high temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and days reaching 60 degrees are not uncommon. Snow doesn't stay on the ground long in Denver so golf courses and outdoor cafes are able to stay open all year.

In summer, Denver enjoys low relative humidity, making for beautiful, sun-filled days and cool, comfortable evenings. The average daily high temperature in August is a mild 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The mild weather is due in part to the city's altitude: 5,280 feet above sea level, or exactly a mile high.

Estes Park

Known as the base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park, the mountain village of Estes Park offers all the modern amenities you need with the mountain flare and hometown hospitality you’re looking for. Estes Park has a reputation for unique wilderness activities, which means you’ll find the local experts, the right gear and the guided excursions to get both the novice and the pro out exploring. In the summer and fall, camping, hiking, cycling, rock climbing and water sports, such as stand-up paddle boarding and whitewater rafting, are available in Estes Park and nearby areas.

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Telluride

Telluride is tucked into a box canyon surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, and is just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long. Because of its significant role in the history of the American West, Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. The town's colorful Victorian-era homes, clapboard storefronts and historic buildings now mix with boutiques, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and much more. Perched above Telluride at 9,500 feet, Mountain Village complements the historic mining town with European-style architecture, modern amenities, ski-in/ski-out hotels and sweeping views of the surrounding peak. Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a spectacular, 13-minute ride on a free gondola — the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in North America.

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Experience all this and more by visiting Colorado!

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