Colorado is a state known for its stunning landscapes and diverse culture. Many people may know about its mountains and outdoor activities, but there are also some surprising facts that set it apart. These unusual tidbits highlight the uniqueness of Colorado and make it an interesting place to explore.
From unusual history to quirky traditions, Colorado has plenty of strange facts to discover. This article will take a closer look at ten of these fascinating details that showcase the state's character. It invites readers to dive into Colorado's unexpected stories and learn something new about this memorable state.
1) The official state pet is the rescue animal.
In 2021, Colorado made an interesting choice. The state declared the rescue animal as its official state pet. This decision highlights the importance of adopting pets in need of homes.
Rescue animals come from shelters or rescue organizations. Many of them wait for families to adopt them. By choosing this as the state pet, Colorado encourages people to support animal adoption.
This choice shows that Colorado values compassion and kindness. It also helps raise awareness about the many animals needing care. Every year, thousands of pets enter shelters in the state.
By promoting rescue animals, Colorado hopes to inspire more adoptions. It reminds residents to consider adopting when looking for a pet. Many wonderful animals wait in shelters, ready to become great companions.
Colorado is home to the world's largest hot springs pool.
In Colorado, visitors can find the largest hot springs pool in the world. It is located in Glenwood Springs. This pool is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The pool covers about two acres. It holds millions of gallons of naturally heated water. The temperature of the water usually ranges from 90°F to 104°F.
People enjoy the relaxing and soothing effects of the hot springs. It is a great place to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures. Many families visit for fun time together.
The surrounding scenery is also stunning. Visitors can see mountains and beautiful landscapes while they soak. This unique spot attracts many people every year.
The hot springs have been a gathering place for centuries. Many believe that the mineral-rich waters have healing properties. This adds to the appeal for those looking for relaxation and wellness.
Glenwood Springs is not just about the hot springs. The area offers hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities. It makes for a complete vacation destination.
3) The highest paved road in North America is in Colorado.
The highest paved road in North America is located in Colorado. It is known as Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This road reaches an elevation of 14,130 feet.
Visitors can drive this stunning route from late May to mid-October. The drive is about 14 miles long and offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
The road starts at Echo Lake and winds up to the summit of Mount Evans. There are several places to stop along the way. These spots allow drivers to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
Mount Evans is part of the Arapaho National Forest. This area is home to unique wildlife, including mountain goats and various bird species.
Driving on this road is popular for those who love nature and adventure. It provides a chance to experience Colorado's beauty at a high altitude. Exploring this road can be a memorable experience for visitors.
4) The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park inspired Stephen King’s ‘The Shining.'
The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, is famous for its connection to Stephen King. In 1974, King stayed there, and his experience helped him write ‘The Shining.'
The hotel’s grand and eerie atmosphere inspired the fictional Overlook Hotel in the story. King found the empty hallways and the vast mountain views captivating yet unsettling.
Due to its history and location, many visitors report strange occurrences and ghostly sightings. This adds to the charm and spooky reputation of the hotel.
The Stanley Hotel is now a popular spot for fans of horror and Stephen King. Many come to take ghost tours or enjoy events inspired by his works. It remains a unique part of Colorado's rich history.
5) Colorado has the highest mean altitude of any state.
Colorado is known for its impressive mountains and high landscapes. It has the highest mean altitude of any state in the U.S. This means that, on average, the state's elevation is higher than that of other states.
The mean elevation of Colorado is around 6,800 feet above sea level. This high altitude can affect weather patterns and the types of plants and animals found there.
Many famous mountains are located in Colorado, including Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert. Mount Elbert is the tallest peak in the Rockies, reaching 14,440 feet.
Visitors often notice the thin air when they arrive. It can make physical activities like hiking a bit more challenging. Those who are not used to the altitude may need time to adjust.
Colorado’s high altitude also makes it a great place for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Many ski resorts attract visitors from all over.
The unique altitude contributes to the beauty and adventure in this vibrant state.
6) Colfax Avenue in Denver is the longest continuous street in the U.S.
Colfax Avenue stretches for about 26 miles. It runs from the eastern edge of Denver all the way to the city of Aurora. This makes it the longest continuous street in the country.
Many people know Colfax as a busy and vibrant street. It has a mix of shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Walking along Colfax, one can see the heart of Denver's culture.
Colfax has been important to Denver since its early days. It originally served as a vital route for travelers and goods. Today, it remains a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Along the way, Colfax connects various neighborhoods. Each area has its own charm and character. This street truly reflects the diversity of Denver.
7) The word ‘Colorado' means ‘colored red' in Spanish.
The name “Colorado” comes from the Spanish word for “colored red.” It reflects the red sandstone and earth found in the region.
When Spanish explorers arrived, they used this term to describe the landscape. The red hue of the soil and rocks was quite striking.
Colorado is known for its vibrant sunsets, which often add to the red tones in the sky. These natural colors have inspired many artists and photographers.
Today, the name captures the state's beautiful scenery. From the red cliffs to the rocky mountains, the word Colorado truly fits.
8) Denver’s Capitol Building Dome is Plated with Real Gold
The Colorado State Capitol in Denver features a stunning dome that is plated with real gold. This unique design choice adds a touch of elegance to the building.
The dome's gold plating was first added in 1908. It requires maintenance to keep it shining bright. Every so often, workers clean and restore the gold to ensure it stays in good condition.
The gold comes from the nearby Cripple Creek gold mines. This connection to local history makes the dome even more special.
Visitors can see the dome from many parts of the city. Its golden glow is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
The dome stands as a symbol of Colorado's rich history and resources. It reminds everyone of the state's mining legacy and architectural beauty.
9) The Great Sand Dunes National Park has the tallest dunes in North America.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The tallest dune, known as Star Dune, reaches about 750 feet high.
These dunes were created by wind and water over thousands of years. They are located in the San Luis Valley, surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Visitors can hike up the dunes for a great view. Climbing the dunes can be challenging but very rewarding.
The park also offers activities like sandboarding and sledding. People of all ages enjoy sliding down the soft, sandy slopes.
Wildlife is abundant in the area. Visitors may see animals like deer, coyotes, and unique birds.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is truly a unique spot for nature lovers and adventurers. It combines stunning landscapes with diverse outdoor fun.
10) Colorado is one of the top beer-producing states in the U.S.
Colorado has a rich brewing culture. It ranks among the best states for beer production in the country. Many craft breweries call Colorado home.
Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins are major brewing cities. These areas are known for their local beers and unique flavors. People often enjoy touring breweries and tasting various styles.
The state hosts events like the Great American Beer Festival. This festival attracts beer lovers from all over. It showcases thousands of beers from many different breweries.
Colorado's high elevation and pure water make it an ideal place for brewing. The state’s climate also supports a variety of ingredients. This leads to innovative and tasty beer creations.
Craft beer is a big part of Colorado's economy. Many people work in breweries or related businesses. This creates a vibrant community that celebrates beer.
Geographical Quirks
Colorado has many unique geographical features that surprise visitors. Two notable ones are the Four Corners Monument and the Continental Divide. These spots reveal interesting facts about the state’s layout and borders.
The Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states meet. At this point, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah all share a border.
Visitors can stand in four states at the same time, which is a fun photo opportunity. The monument features a stone marker with a star design. People often travel a long way to visit this unique landmark.
Nearby, there are vendors selling handmade crafts, making the experience even more enjoyable. The area is scenic, with views of the surrounding desert landscape.
The Continental Divide
The Continental Divide runs through Colorado, acting as a natural boundary for water drainage. This divide separates water that flows to the Pacific Ocean from water that flows to the Atlantic Ocean.
In Colorado, the Divide is marked by several mountain ranges, including the Rocky Mountains. There are many hiking trails along this route, allowing adventurers to explore its beauty.
One well-known spot is Grays Peak, which is one of the highest points in the U.S. The views from the top are breathtaking. Each side of the Divide has its unique ecosystems and wildlife, adding to Colorado’s rich natural diversity.
Unique Historical Tidbits
Colorado's history is filled with interesting stories and notable figures. Some of these tales may surprise you and reveal unexpected aspects of the state's rich past.
The 1,000-Year-Old Tree
In 2019, scientists discovered a tree in Colorado that is over 1,000 years old. This ancient tree, a bristlecone pine, stands tall in the Rocky Mountains.
These trees are known for their ability to survive harsh conditions. They grow at high elevations and have twisted, gnarled trunks.
The discovery of such a long-living tree helps researchers study climate change. It also shows how resilient nature can be, adapting over centuries to survive.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Molly Brown was a well-known socialite from Colorado. She gained fame for surviving the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Nicknamed “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” she became a symbol of bravery.
Born in Missouri, she moved to Leadville, Colorado, where she met her husband. He struck it rich in mining, allowing her to live a more comfortable life.
After the Titanic disaster, Molly worked to help others. She took an active role in charities and women's rights. Her legacy lives on today, highlighting her remarkable spirit and determination.