76 Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about Colorado! Nestled in the western expanse of the United States, Colorado holds the 21st spot in terms of population and ranks as the 8th most extensive state among the 50 that compose the nation. On the historical timeline, Colorado achieved statehood on August 1, 1876, marking its entrance as the 38th state to join the union.
The state shares its borders with seven neighboring states: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Kansas, and Nebraska. A detailed list of all 50 states and their respective borders can be found for reference.
Known by the moniker “the Centennial State,” Colorado is distinguished by its 64 counties. The heartbeat of the state is felt in its capital city, Denver, while its postal abbreviation is CO. Beyond the surface facts, Colorado’s tapestry is woven with rich threads of history, diverse geography, vibrant communities, and a robust economy.
Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the layers that contribute to the unique identity of Colorado, exploring its past, topography, people, economic dynamics, and more.
76 Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about Colorado
1. Exploring Colorado’s Early Encounters The initial European footprints on Colorado soil date back to the 1500s, marked by the arrival of the Spanish explorers. Their presence laid the foundation for the state’s cultural tapestry, influencing its heritage in ways that echo through time.
2. A River’s Hue: The Origin of Colorado’s Name Colorado earned its name from the majestic Colorado River. In the Spanish language, “Colorado” translates to “colored red,” a fitting homage to the river’s distinct hue that courses through the state’s landscapes.This linguistic connection encapsulates the essence of Colorado’s geographical character.
3. A Skyward Marvel: The Royal Gorge Bridge Legacy Perched above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge proudly held the title of the world’s highest suspension bridge for over seven decades. With a staggering deck height of 955 feet, measured from the deck to the river’s surface below, this engineering marvel has etched its place in history. Beyond its structural grandeur, the bridge serves as the gateway to a 360-acre park. Within this expansive realm, both children and adults find delight in a diverse array of rides and shows, adding an extra layer of allure to this skyward spectacle.
4. Savoring Trademarked Delight: The Cheeseburger Legacy In the culinary annals, a tasty tidbit unfolds – the name “cheeseburger” achieved its trademark status courtesy of Louis Ballast, proprietor of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver. This flavorful piece of trivia traces back to the year 1935, forever intertwining the Mile-High City with the legal ownership of a term now synonymous with gastronomic pleasure.
5. Minting Marvels: Denver’s Coin-Striking Triumph Embark on a numismatic journey as we unveil a remarkable chapter in Denver’s history. The Denver Mint, in the fiscal year 2000, orchestrated a symphony of metallic creation, producing a staggering 15.4 billion coins. This numerical feat outshone the coin production records of any other U.S. Mint facility to date. The mint, reaching its centennial milestone of coin production in 2006, stands as a testament to Denver’s enduring contribution to the nation’s currency landscape.
6. Echoes of Centennial Heritage: Centennial, Colorado Nestled within the embrace of Colorado’s sprawling landscapes, Centennial not only bears its name but also mirrors the spirit of “The Centennial State.” Anchored in this vibrant locale is the renowned 17-mile House Farm Park, a sanctuary preserving a 19th-century farmhouse. Venture into its enchanting grounds, where red barns, a quaint milk shed, towering silo, and two fully-functional windmills paint a picturesque scene, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone era.
7. Denver: The Pinnacle City at Mile-High Altitudes Denver, the pulsating heart of Colorado, wears the dual crowns of being both the state’s capital and its most populous city. Acclaimed as the “Mile High City,” Denver’s elevation at precisely 5,280 feet above sea level adds a distinctive note to its character. This city not only breathes life into the state but also stands as a testament to altitude and achievement.
8. The Birthplace of Tire Control: Denver’s Contribution to Parking Compliance Unraveling an intriguing automotive tale, the inception of the tire clamp owes its gratitude to Denver. In 1944, the maestro behind this invention was none other than Frank Marugg, a concert violinist who harmonized the need for parking order. Fast forward to January 5, 1955, when the Denver police officially implemented the “boot,” transforming it into an effective tool for ensuring payment of outstanding tickets. In its initial twenty-five days, the city reaped over $18,000 in unpaid parking fines, etching Denver’s influence into the annals of vehicular law enforcement.
9. Geographical Symmetry: Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming’s Latitude and Longitude Boundaries Colorado stands in a unique triad alongside Utah and Wyoming as one of the three U.S. states whose boundaries are exclusively defined by lines of latitudes and longitudes. This distinctive geographical arrangement, evident on the map, sets Colorado apart as a state shaped by the precision of coordinates.
10. High Above: The Eisenhower Tunnel’s Skyward Feat Picture the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado like a giant tube through the mountains. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, it’s not just any tunnel – it’s one of the highest tunnels for cars in the whole world. That means it’s way up there in the mountains, a real engineering marvel that helps people travel through the high-altitude landscapes of Colorado.
11. Centennial State: Colorado’s Special Name Ever wonder why Colorado is called the “Centennial State”? Well, it’s not just a random nickname. This state joined the United States more than a hundred years after the country declared its independence. So, when you hear “Centennial State,” it’s like a history nugget telling you Colorado became part of the U.S. after a whole century of its birth. Cool, right? You can share this interesting tidbit with your friends and family, adding a fun fact to your knowledge bank about Colorado.
12. Rivers and Power: The Colorado River’s Big Job Imagine a river starting high up in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. That’s the Colorado River, and it’s like a superhero for at least 35 million people in the United States and Mexico. It gives them water to drink and even helps make electricity through its powerful currents.
13. Gold Fever in Colorado: The Rush for Treasure In the late 1850s, something exciting happened in Colorado – a gold rush! People were in search of treasure, and they found it in a place called Englewood in 1858. This event changed Colorado’s story, bringing dreams of wealth and opportunities to those who sought it.
14. Colorado’s First Leader: William Gilpin Takes Charge Back in 1861, when Colorado was just starting out, a person named William Gilpin became its first leader, kind of like a captain steering a ship. He played a big role in guiding Colorado through its early years as a new state.
15. Land Rules: Colorado’s Big Government-Owned Areas Guess what? More than a third of Colorado belongs to the United States government. They take care of important things like mining, grazing (for animals), and logging in these areas to keep everything in balance.
16. Sky-High Excellence: United States Air Force Academy Colorado is not only known for its nature wonders but also for the United States Air Force Academy. It’s like a special school that trains people for flying and protecting the country. A cool place for future heroes!
17. Big City, Big Mountain: Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak If you go to Colorado Springs, you’ll find the biggest city in the state. It’s also right at the base of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in the U.S. Imagine living a mile above sea level – that’s how high Colorado Springs is!
18. Biking Bliss in Aurora: Pedaling Fun for Everyone Now, if you like biking, Aurora is the place to be. It’s super bike-friendly with more than 60 miles of paths and routes. You can pedal your way through the city, reaching cool spots like the Aurora Reservoir and Southlands Mall. No wonder Aurora is one of the healthiest and most active towns around!
19. Up in the Sky: Why Colorado is Special Colorado is like the king of heights in the United States. It’s the only state that sits entirely above 1000 meters – that’s really high up! That’s why it’s proudly called the highest state in the whole nation.
20. Rocky Mountains’ Crown: Meet Mount Elbert Imagine the tallest point in Colorado. That’s Mount Elbert, standing way up at 14,440 feet in Lake County. It’s not just the highest in Colorado; it’s the boss of all the Rocky Mountains!
21. Where People Live: Rocky Mountains’ East Side Most folks in Colorado, about 70% of them, call the eastern part of the Rocky Mountains home. It’s like living in a beautiful mountain painting!
22. Shiny Discovery: How Leadville Sparkled Back in 1879, something shiny was found in Leadville – silver! That discovery kicked off a Silver Boom, making Leadville a special place in Colorado’s history.
23. Water and Smiles: Colorado Springs’ Secret Weapon In Colorado Springs, a study found something cool about the water – it had fluoride, and that made people have fewer cavities. So, now they use fluoride to keep our teeth healthy.
24. Birthday Coincidence: Colorado’s Statehood Surprise Guess what? Colorado became a state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the United States declared its independence in 1776. It’s like a big birthday celebration for the state!
25. Dino Hotel Fun: Lakewood’s Jurassic Gem In Lakewood, besides its cozy streets, there’s a super cool Dinosaur Hotel. It’s packed with dinosaur stuff like statues and bones, celebrating the area’s history of finding the first Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus bones.
26. Votes for Everyone: Colorado’s Early Equality Move Colorado was ahead of the game. In 1893, they let women vote. It’s like saying, “Everyone gets a say!”
27. Lowest Point: Arikaree River’s Descent Even though Colorado is all about mountains, it has a low point too – 3,317 feet, where the Arikaree River flows out of Yuma County, Colorado into Cheyenne County, Kansas.
28. Big Peaks Alert: Colorado’s Mountain Kings Colorado loves big mountains. They call any peak that’s at least 14,000 feet high a “fourteener.” And guess what? Colorado has a whopping 58 of them – more than any other state!
29. Two Sides of the Land: East vs. West in Colorado Picture Colorado as a big playground. One-third of it, on the western side, is called the Western Slope. Even though it’s huge, not many people live there – only 10% of the state’s folks.
30. Water’s Journey: East to West, Ocean to Ocean Imagine the water falling in Colorado. If it falls on the west side, it heads to the Pacific Ocean. But if it falls on the east, it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s like a watery dance across the state!
31. Blue Mesa Reservoir: Colorado’s Grand Water Haven In the heart of Colorado, you’ll find the majestic Blue Mesa Reservoir, the biggest lake entirely within the state. Imagine it as a colossal water playground covering a whopping 9180 acres, making it a natural gem that showcases Colorado’s breathtaking beauty.
32. Exploring Beneath the Surface Dive into the secrets of Blue Mesa Reservoir, where beneath its expansive surface lies a world of aquatic wonders. With a surface area that spans 9180 acres, this reservoir is not just a body of water; it’s a sprawling canvas that paints a picture of Colorado’s natural beauty, waiting to be explored and admired by all.
33. Colorado Springs: Sunny and High Up Colorado Springs is like a sunshine paradise with more than 300 sunny days. It’s super high up, over 6,000 feet above sea level, making it one of the tallest cities in the U.S.
34. Tesla’s Place: A Memorial Park Mystery Once upon a time, the genius Nikola Tesla had a cool lab. Now, there’s a park where it used to be, somewhere near Union Printers Home and the Colorado School for the Deaf. There’s a big marker there, showing where Tesla’s lab might have been.
35. Garden of the Gods: Rocks and Beer Ideas In 1859, two guys named Melancthon Sayre Beach and Rufus Cable saw amazing red rocks. One thought it’d be a great beer garden, and the other liked the idea. So, they called it “Garden of the Gods.”
36. Healing Waters: Magic Springs in Colorado Springs Colorado Springs isn’t just about sunshine; it has springs with special water. Back in the 1890s, sick people went to Manitou’s springs for relief. It didn’t cure them, but it helped them feel better and get better quicker.
37. Aurora’s Story: From Fletcher to Aurora In the 1880s, a guy named Donald Fletcher wanted to make a town a big deal. But when silver prices crashed in 1893, he left the town in debt. They changed the name to Aurora and started fresh.
38. Norma O. Walker: Aurora’s First Female Mayor In 1965, Aurora got its first female mayor, Norma O. Walker. She led the city for two years and was the only female mayor until 2016. She made history!
39. World Youth Day in Aurora: A Big Party with the Pope Aurora hosted the eighth World Youth Day at Cherry Creek State Park. Pope John Paul II came, and around 500,000 young people joined the fun for five days.
40. Boulder: The Happiest City Boulder isn’t just a city; it’s the happiest one in the U.S., thanks to Today Show and National Geographic. People there feel super good and happy.
41. Flatirons in Boulder: Climbing Fun Boulder has big rocks called Flatirons. The third one is 1,400 feet tall, and people climb it in cool ways, like on roller skates or without hands or clothes.
42. Biking Love in Boulder: Paths Before Streets Boulder really loves bikes. Sometimes, they clear bike paths before the streets, making sure cyclists have a smooth ride.
43. Centennial’s Start: A New City Born in 2001 Centennial isn’t an old city; it was born on February 7, 2001. Locals got together and made it happen, creating Centennial for everyone to enjoy.
44. IKEA’s Big Sign: Centennial’s Landmark In Centennial, there’s a huge sign that belongs to IKEA. It’s 92 feet tall and can be seen from Interstate 25. It’s like a big guidepost for people looking for affordable home stuff and maybe some tasty Swedish meatballs.
45. Clean Air Commitment: Colorado’s Strict Car Rules Colorado cares a lot about clean air. They have super strict rules for cars to limit pollution, more than many other states. It’s like Colorado’s way of saying, “Let’s keep our air fresh and clean!”
46. No Thanks to Olympics: Colorado’s Different Choice When the Winter Olympics wanted to come to Colorado, people here said, “No, thanks!” Why? They thought the state wasn’t ready, and there might be problems with the environment. It’s a unique story that shows how Colorado looks out for its special places and resources.
47. Grand Mesa: Colorado’s Giant Flat Mountain Colorado is home to the world’s biggest flat-topped mountain – the Grand Mesa. Picture a massive area of 500 square miles. It’s like a huge nature wonder in the western part of Colorado that shows off the state’s amazing landscapes.
48. Spicy Party in Pueblo: Chillie and Frijoles Festival Pueblo loves spicy stuff, especially green chilies. They throw a huge party called the Chillie and Frijoles Festival for three days. There’s music, art, and chili cooking contests. It’s a fun celebration that brings together families, visitors, and locals to enjoy the Midwest and southwestern vibes.
49. Magic Castle in Westminster: The Big Red Castle In Westminster, there’s a castle that looks like it’s from a fairytale – The Big Red Castle, also known as The Pillar Fire. It mixes old and new designs in a cool way. Tourists love it, and it adds a touch of magic to Westminster’s scenery.
50. Denver’s Super Big Airport: Denver International Airport Denver International Airport is not just big; it’s the biggest in the whole United States, covering 33,531 acres. It even has the longest runway in the country! Lots of people pass through here, making it a busy place – the sixth busiest in the U.S. and the 18th busiest in the whole world!
51. Arvada’s Cool History: Gold and Celery Capital Arvada has a cool past. It saw the first gold discovery in Colorado in 1850 and used to be known as “The Celery Capital.” Now, it’s a mix of history and modern stuff, with great places to eat, shop, and live, just a short drive from Denver.
52. Four Corners Fun: Where States Meet Imagine standing in four states at the same time – that’s the Four Corners. It’s where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all come together. A special spot where you can be in four places at once! It’s like a geography magic trick.
53. Colorado’s Super Element: Molybdenum Magic Colorado isn’t just about mountains; it’s also a big deal in making something called molybdenum. This special thing, with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42, is vital for lots of stuff. Thanks to Colorado, the United States is the second-biggest maker of this element after China. And get this – molybdenum can handle crazy high heat because it has the sixth-highest melting point of all the elements. So, not only does Colorado have awesome nature, but it’s also making some cool stuff that can take the heat!
54. Driving in the Sky: Mount Evans Scenic Byway Colorado has a special road called the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and it’s not your regular road – it’s the highest paved road in all of North America. Picture driving so high up, it’s like touching the sky!
55. Snowy Fun: Colorado’s Skiing Paradise Colorado isn’t just about pretty mountains; it’s a go-to place for something awesome – fresh, powdery snow. This snowy paradise isn’t just for looking at; it brings in millions of skiers and snowboarders every year. And guess what? All that snow excitement brings in billions of dollars too. It’s like turning snow into a winter wonderland of cash!
56. Art Adventure in Fort Collins: Pianos About Town If you love art, Fort Collins is the place to be. It’s not just a city; it’s like an art gallery with shops and boutiques everywhere. Now, here’s the cool part – they have this thing called Pianos About Town. Local artists get to paint pianos, and these artsy pianos are scattered around town for everyone to enjoy. It’s like a colorful melody making Fort Collins an extra special spot for art lovers.
57. Colorado’s Hot Springs: Nature’s Jacuzzi Ever heard of nature’s jacuzzi? Colorado has it in the form of natural hot springs. These warm pools are scattered across the state, providing a perfect relaxation spot surrounded by scenic landscapes. It’s like soaking in warmth while enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
58. Sweet Colorado Peaches: A Tasty Tradition In Colorado, there’s something special called Palisade peaches – they’re super famous and delicious. It all started in 1882 when someone planted the first peach tree, and since then, these peaches have become a big deal. Not just in Colorado, people love them so much that they get sent all over the U.S. and even to other countries!
59. Surprising Treat: Rocky Mountain Oysters If you’re feeling a bit adventurous in Colorado, you might want to try something called Rocky Mountain Oysters. Now, don’t let the name fool you – they’re not seafood; they’re a unique animal dish. You can eat them with spicy sauce or pickles. And guess what? They’re not just an adventure for your taste buds; they’re also really good for you, full of protein and vitamins. It’s like a tasty surprise in Colorado’s food scene!
60. Colorado’s Unique Tastes: Unofficial Food Flair In Colorado, we don’t officially pick a favorite food, but we do have some cool edible symbols. Trout takes the spotlight, and if you want something simple and classy, we’ve got you covered with delicious lamb and beef.
61. Crispy Breakfast History: The First Shredded Wheat Imagine this: the first shredded wheat ever was made right here in Colorado! Thanks to a clever guy named Henry Perky, who came up with a machine to make it. Denver even had the first factory to whip up this crunchy goodness. Now, you can find shredded wheat all over the country, all starting from a clever idea in Colorado.
62. Tasty Colorado Lamb: A Flavorful Favorite In Colorado, there’s something special on the menu – Colorado lamb. It’s not just any meal; it’s known for being delicious, with a great texture and rich flavor. And here’s the best part – it’s all-natural, with no artificial hormones. When you’re in Colorado, trying out their lamb is like savoring a unique and tasty treat!
63. Rocky Mountain Getaway: Nature’s Beauty in Colorado If you’re up for stunning scenery, head to Rocky Mountain National Park in the middle of Colorado. With Grand Lake on one side and Estes Park on the other, it’s like a nature paradise. And get this, around 3 million people visit this amazing park every year, making it one of the most popular national parks in the USA.
64. Mesa Verde: Colorado’s Ancient Wonder Now, if you’re into ancient history, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is the place to be. It’s like a treasure chest of old stuff from the ancestral Pueblo community, who lived there for a whopping 700 years! Established in 1906, it’s like a time capsule with cliff dwellings and cool archaeological sites. It’s a bit like stepping back in time right in the middle of Colorado.
65. Hanging Lake: Nature’s Marvel in White River National Forest If you’re up for a scenic adventure, check out Hanging Lake. It’s like a hidden oasis in the White River National Forest. Sure, the trail is a bit challenging – steep and rocky – but trust me, the views and waterfalls make it totally worth it.
67. Colfax Avenue: Colorado’s Long Entertainment Street Imagine a street that goes on for about 26.5 miles – that’s Colfax Avenue. It runs from Golden Lakewood to Aurora, and it’s not just a street; it’s a bustling place with loads of history and amazing food. It’s like the ultimate entertainment boulevard in Colorado.
68. Glenwood Springs: Where Hot Springs and Fun Collide Glenwood Springs is like the cool hangout spot in Colorado, known as the Land of Water. It’s where the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers meet, and it’s famous for its awesome hot springs. So, if you’re into hot springs and outdoor fun, this is the place to be.
69. Leadville: Mountain Views and Fresh Air In Lake County, you’ll find Leadville, a city with a view. Surrounded by towering peaks, it’s got that mountain charm. The air feels different here, and the scenery is just incredible. It’s like a little mountain oasis.
70. Rocky Ford: Where Melons Take the Spotlight Head southeast of Pueblo, and you’ll hit Rocky Ford – not just a town but a fruity haven. They’re famous for shipping out some delicious cantaloupes and watermelons nationwide. And they throw a cool annual fair celebrating their diverse culture and awesome agriculture.
70. SuperMax Prison: The Ultra-Secure Joint Ever heard of the “Alcatraz of the Rockies”? That’s SuperMax Prison in Florence. It’s where they keep the big-name criminals like El Chapo. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, it’s like the Fort Knox of prisons.
71. Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Riding High to the Summit Picture this: a train that climbs up Pikes Peak, one of the coolest mountains around. Well, that’s the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Starting in Manitou Springs, it’s a wild ride up to the tippy-top – 14,110 feet high. It’s like a train to the sky!
72. Garden of the Gods: A Nature Haven in Colorado Springs Discover the magic of Garden of the Gods, a public park in Colorado Springs. Donated by the Perkins family, it’s a charming spot that gives you a fantastic view of Colorado’s beauty. It’s like a touch of nature’s wonder.
73. Durango and the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway: Riding Through History Take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, a historic train operational since 1882. Initially hauling gold and silver, it turned into a scenic joyride, letting you soak in the beauty of Colorado’s mountains.
74. Great Sand Dunes National Park: Nature’s Playground in Southern Colorado Down in Alamosa, Southern Colorado, you’ll find the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It’s a mix of tall sand dunes, mountains, and meadows – home to the tallest sand dunes in the USA. Plus, there’s a cool waterfall and lots of wildlife to check out.
75. Mount Evans: High-Altitude Adventure in Clear Creek County Head to Clear Creek County for Mount Evans, a rocky mountain peak accessible by the highest paved road in North America. It’s a scenic drive where you might spot some wildlife, and once you’re at the top, the view is simply spectacular.
76. The Million Dollar Highway: Scenic Marvels Between Silverton, Durango, and Ouray If you’re up for a scenic road trip, take a drive on The Million Dollar Highway. It’s a stunning 25-mile stretch connecting Silverton, Durango, and Ouray in western Colorado. People say it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
Also check: 71 Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about California
Colorado Flag: Symbolic Design and Historical Significance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Three horizontal stripes: white in the middle, blue at the edges. A red letter “C” with a gold disc at the center representing the mining industry and the state flower, the columbine. |
| Symbolism | The blue stripes depict the sky, while the white band symbolizes the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The letter “C” denotes Colorado, columbine, and the centennial of the US. |
| Adoption Date | June 5, 1911 (with revisions until March 31, 1964). |
| Technical Details | The flag has a 2:3 ratio, with the gold disc’s diameter matching the width of the white stripe. The red letter “C” occupies two-thirds of the flag width. |
| History | No official flag during statehood approval; locals used the state seal on a blue background. In 1907, the first official flag was designed but never gained popularity. The current design emerged in 1911, proposed by Andrew Carlisle Carson. |
| Protocols | Flag lowered on three holidays: September 11, Memorial Day, and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Governor can order half-staff. Flag must be at the right and under the national flag. Schools and government buildings must have suitable flagpoles for both flags. |
| Applications | Colorado allows creative flag use, appearing in clothing, outdoor furniture, sports team uniforms, and even state highway markers. |
Colorado Quick Facts and State Symbols: A Comprehensive Overview
| State Size | Total (Land + Water): 104,094 sq miles; Land Only: 103,718 sq miles |
|---|---|
| State Insect | Colorado hairstreak butterfly |
| Gemstone | Aquamarine |
| Longitude | 102°03’W to 109°03’W |
| Governor | Jared Polis (D) |
| Cactus | Claret cup cactus |
| Lowest Point | Arikaree River at the Kansas border – 3,317 ft (1011 m) |
| Mean Elevation | 6,800 feet above sea level |
| Famous People | Dutch Clark (Pro Football player), Rich Gossage (Baseball player), AnnaSophia Robb (Actress) |
| Pet | Colorado shelter pets |
| State Fish | Greenback cutthroat trout |
| Nobel Prize Winners | Edward Tatum (Physiology or Medicine, 1958), Willard F. Libby (Chemistry, 1960), John L. Hall (Physics, 2005) |
| State Fossil | Stegosaurus |
| Statehood | August 1, 1876 |
| Website | www.colorado.gov |
| % Water | 0.36% |
| State Nickname | Centennial State |
| Length | 280 miles (450 km) |
| State Bird | Lark bunting |
| Demonym | Coloradan |
| State Motto | Nil sine numine (Nothing without the Deity) |
| Bordering States | Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming |
| Latitude | 37°N to 41°N |
| Lieutenant Governor | Dianne Primavera (D) |
| State Capital | Denver |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| State rank by date of formation | 38th |
| State rank by area | 8th |
| Official Language | None |
| Number of Counties | 64 |
| State Tree | Colorado blue spruce |
| State mammal | Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep |
| State rank by population | 21st |
| State Size | Total (Land + Water): 104,094 sq miles; Land Only: 103,718 sq miles |
| State Fossil | Stegosaurus |
| State rank by area | 8th |
| State Size | Total (Land + Water): 104,094 sq miles; Land Only: 103,718 sq miles |
| State Insect | Colorado hairstreak butterfly |
| State Fish | Greenback cutthroat trout |
| State Capital | Denver |
| Highest Point | Mount Elbert in Lake County |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| State rank by population | 21st |
| State Tree | Colorado blue spruce |
| Table last updated | November 11, 2023 |
Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about Colorado FAQs
How did Colorado get its name?
Colorado is named after the Colorado River, translating to “colored red” in Spanish, a nod to the river’s distinctive hue.
What record did the Denver Mint achieve in 2000?
In the fiscal year 2000, the Denver Mint set a record by producing a staggering 15.4 billion coins.
What makes the Eisenhower Tunnel unique?
The Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado is one of the world’s highest tunnels for cars, providing a passage through high-altitude landscapes.
Why is Denver called the “Mile High City”?
Denver is precisely 5,280 feet above sea level, earning its nickname as the “Mile High City.
What is unique about Centennial, Colorado?
Centennial mirrors the spirit of “The Centennial State” and is home to the historic 17-Mile House Farm Park.
