Located in the western region of the United States, Colorado is a state known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant cities. Home to several mountain ranges, including the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, the state’s cities offer unique cultural experiences, from world-class museums to thriving food and nightlife scenes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Colorado’s top tourist attractions, parks, and bars, as well as its most impressive museums and buildings. We’ll also provide information on taxi fares, the metro system, and the average salary in Colorado.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions
Rocky Mountain National Park: Located in north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts more than 350 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Garden of the Gods: This stunning natural wonder is located in Colorado Springs, and is famous for its towering red rock formations. Visitors can hike, bike, or even rock climb in the park, or simply enjoy the stunning views.
Mesa Verde National Park: Home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world, Mesa Verde National Park offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the ancient Pueblo people. Visitors can tour the cliff dwellings, hike through the park’s rugged terrain, and learn about the area’s rich history.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Located in southern Colorado, this park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Visitors can hike or sled down the dunes, or explore the surrounding mountains and wetlands.
Denver Art Museum: One of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago, the Denver Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 70,000 works of art from around the world. Visitors can explore the museum’s diverse exhibits, attend lectures and events, and participate in hands-on activities.
Top 5 Parks in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park: As previously mentioned, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the best hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado. Visitors can also camp, fish, and view wildlife in the park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: In addition to its stunning sand dunes, this park is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Known for its steep cliffs and deep canyons, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park offers incredible views and challenging hiking trails.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Located near Aspen, this wilderness area offers some of the most scenic hiking in Colorado, with views of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes.
Mesa Verde National Park: As previously mentioned, Mesa Verde is home to ancient cliff dwellings and a rich history.
Top 10 Bars in Colorado
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey: This Denver distillery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning whiskey, as well as a cozy bar with a selection of craft cocktails.
Williams & Graham: Located in Denver’s Highland neighborhood, this speakeasy-style bar offers a wide range of craft cocktails and small plates in a dimly-lit, intimate setting.
The Sink: A Boulder institution since 1923, The Sink is a popular spot for college students and locals alike. The bar offers a wide range of beers on tap, as well as burgers and other pub fare.
The Cruise Room: Located in the historic Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver, the Cruise Room is a classic cocktail bar with an Art Deco vibe. The bar originally opened in 1933, the day after Prohibition was repealed, and still boasts its original decor and ambiance.
The Gold Pan Saloon: Located in the historic mining town of Breckenridge, the Gold Pan Saloon has been serving drinks since 1879. The bar offers a wide range of beers, spirits, and cocktails, as well as live music and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
Most Spectacular Buildings and Museums:
Denver Union Station: This historic train station has been beautifully restored and transformed into a modern transportation hub, with restaurants, shops, and a boutique hotel. Visitors can also enjoy free public art exhibits and events in the station’s Great Hall.
Colorado State Capitol: Modeled after the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., the Colorado State Capitol is an impressive example of Neoclassical architecture. Visitors can take a free tour of the building, including the dome, which offers stunning views of the city.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Located in City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers exhibits on a wide range of topics, from prehistoric animals to outer space. Visitors can also enjoy IMAX movies, planetarium shows, and interactive exhibits.
Clyfford Still Museum: Dedicated to the work of abstract expressionist Clyfford Still, this museum in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood offers a unique glimpse into the artist’s life and creative process. Visitors can see more than 3,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
History Colorado Center: Located in downtown Denver, the History Colorado Center offers interactive exhibits and programs on the state’s history, culture, and natural resources. Visitors can explore everything from Native American culture to the state’s mining and agriculture industries.
Transportation and Cost of Living
Taxis in Colorado vary in price depending on the company and location, but the average fare for a 5-mile trip in Denver is around $15-20. Colorado does not have a metro system, but the state does have a network of regional buses and light rail lines in the Denver area. The average salary in Colorado is around $60,000 per year, with variations depending on location and industry.
Conclusion
Colorado is a truly unique destination, offering something for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to art lovers. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural attractions, and vibrant cities, Colorado is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable vacation experience. Whether you’re exploring the state’s famous national parks, sipping craft cocktails in one of its top bars, or marveling at its impressive architecture and museums, you’re sure to fall in love with all that Colorado has to offer.
