Colorado is located in the western region of the USA. Colorado has a good number of natural marvels and is also the home of North America’s highest peaks. Colorado is home to a diversity of ecosystems due to its size and it boasts the overall highest elevation the US. Colorado has no official breakdown of regions. Usually, natives simplify the breakdown as Western Slope, Eastern Slope and Denver. The Western Slope comprises of all cities to the west of the range crest. The Eastern Slope comprise of all east of the crest. There are many great ski resorts in Colorado. Aspen is one of the more popular ski resorts and is known for liberal politics and celebrities. Breckinridge is considered the most popular ski resort in the country. Vail has the largest single mountain ski slope in Northern America.
Colorado is split from north to south, right down the middle, by the Rocky Mountains; wide and dry open, high prairies to the east of the mountains, and rugged mountains to the west. The Continental Divide is the imaginary line that meanders through the mountains. Rain that falls to the west of the Continental Divide flows to the Pacific Ocean, while rain that falls to the west flows to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Colorado has a total of 54 mountain peaks; the tallest being Mount Elbert. A major industry of Colorado is tourism, with hunting, fishing, camping/hiking and skiing as large sources of state income. About 20% of Colorado population speaks Spanish, having a large Latino population in Denver, San Luis Valley and Pueblo.
You can get into Denver by plane through the Denver International Airport. This is actually the 9th busiest airport in the whole world. Other airports in Aspen, Colorado Springs, Cortez, Durango, Eagle, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Hayden, Montrose and Telluride also service Colorado. You can also get on Amtrak than runs the California Zephyr and Southwest Chief.
When in Colorado, there are many attractions too see. There are historical trails, national historic sites, national monuments, national scenic trails, national forests, and state and city parks. You can also visit popular attractions like the Denver Mint, Denver Art Museum, South Park (beautiful mountain scenery), and Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Pool and Spa, just to name a few. There are also a lot that you can do, if you are a more active tourist. You can try fishing, gaming, hiking, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, snowboarding/skiing, and wildlife viewing. There are also events and festivals like the Colorado State Fair, Cherry Creek Arts Festival and Taste of Colorado to name a few.
Tourist new to Colorado need to remember a few safety tips. Because of the aridity of the air in Colorado, dehydration can be a serious concern. So be sure to carry a bottle of water around with you, and to stay hydrated often. Wear nonslip sneakers or boots and several layers of clothing. Hypothermia is also a serious problem in Colorado. Because of the high elevation in Colorado, there are those who might get altitude sickness is a problem for new tourists. High altitude is also the reason for more intense UV rays exposure, so wear sunscreen. Just be sure to always be safe and enjoy your visit to Colorado.