Colorado travel guide

Colorado is a state that encompasses most of the Southern Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains.The climate of Colorado is quite complex compared to most of the United States. Unlike in other states, southern Colorado is not necessarily warmer than northern Colorado. Mountains and surrounding valleys greatly affect local climate.Colorado’s scenic beauty comes alive in every corner of the state and throughout all seasons. Vacationers flock to Colorado to ride scenic byways, soak in the history of the Old West, ski Vail and enjoy great summer activities like whitewater rafting in Durango.The capital, Denver, is the gateway to numerous ski resorts and is home to many museums, parks, gardens and a restored Victorian square.
Some of Colorado’s most iconic natural beauty lies outside its national parks, and in its many national monuments, national forests and state parks. Other areas of federally protected scenic beauty in Colorado include: National Recreation Trails, National Recreation Areas, National Grasslands, National Wildlife Refuges and National Wilderness Areas. The Bureau of Land Management also has extensive public land holdings. All major airlines fly into Denver International Airport as it is the major hub for the region, and in fact the ninth busiest airport in the world.Amtrakruns the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Chicago, stopping in Denver, Winter Park, Grandby, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction.