Colorado
The Centennial State
Climate
Cool and dry with lots of sunshine. The high mountains get heavy snow in winter, while the plains have warm summers and cold winters. Weather can change quickly with the altitude.
Main industries
Known for cattle ranching, wheat farming, mining, aerospace, technology, and craft beer.
Top places for tourists
The Rocky Mountains for skiing and hiking, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the red rock towers of Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs.
Places of interest
Colorado has the highest average elevation of any state. Denver is called the Mile-High City because it sits exactly one mile above sea level.
A little history
Named for the Colorado River, the state grew during the gold and silver rushes and became the 38th state in 1876, one hundred years after the country was founded.
Fun fact
Colorado has more than fifty mountain peaks that rise above 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), the most of any state.