MAIN Travel North America USA Colorado

The earliest settlers in the area we know as Colorado were the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, and the Pawnee Indian tribes. The area later came under the influence of Spain when 16th century explorers discovered the territory which was formally claimed by Spain in 1706.

The U.S.A. acquired the area piecemeal – the eastern part of the Colorado Territory was obtained with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The rest was not added until the middle of the 19th century at the end of the Mexican-American War.

Along with its rich and varied history, Colorado boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet – attracting mountain climbers, back packers and adventure travelers hoping to experience their own "Rocky Mountain high" at world famous Colorado ski resorts and at natural wonders in Colorado Springs, Aspen & Denver.

Adding to the natural beauty of the Rockies, additional Colorado tourist attractions include natural hot springs, Mesa Verde National Park, and Dinosaur National Monument.

Kid-friendly Colorado

Family fun in Denver includes a trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, one of the biggest natural history museums in the nation. With limited time, head straight for the museum's most popular exhibits, the Hall of Life and/or the Space Odyssey, both featuring hands-on interactive exhibits.

The Denver Zoo is also high on the list of places to go with kids in tow, featuring close encounters with more than 4,000 animals on 80 acres in City Park, including a train and bus shuttle to help you see it all. For a really sweet treat, kids also won't want to miss a visit Hammond's Candy Factory Tour offering friendly guides and a tour of the candy making process, plus free candy samples at the end of the tour.

In Colorado Springs, top kids entertainment (adults enjoy it, too) is provided by the Ghost Town Museum with a fun look back at the Old West with authentic-looking displays including 19th century shops, a saloon, and activities such as panning for gold. In nearby Cascade CO, families can also get an early start on the holidays with a visit to the North Pole, a Christmas-themed amusement park including a trip to Santa's house!

More about Colorado travel around the Web:

The Official Site for Colorado Travel and Tourism - An eyeful of color and information awaits with an excellent guide to getting there and getting around, suggested itineraries, special looks at ski areas, hotels, hot springs, nature trails and more.

Denver Tourism Guide - The Mile High City travel guide featuring major tourist attractions, dining, hotels, shopping highlights, maps and pictures, event calendar.

Experience Colorado Springs - The state's most popular destination combined with a trip to Pike's Peak including vacation package information & maps, pictures, restaurant & hotel guides, event calendar.

Hello Colorado Springs - Flashy online magazine featuring guides to the area's major tourists attractions, hotels & dining along with local topics of interest, pictures, video clips.

Southwest Colorado Travel Region - Home to the Grand Mesa and Mesa Verde National Park, rugged mining ghost towns in the San Juan Mountains, with a calendar of events and related links by region.

Aspen Travel | Lonely Planet World Guide - The insider's guide to the major skiing attraction for the rich and famous (the "botoxed beautiful") with down to earth info on where to go and what to see, suggested hotels, restaurants, weather info and more.

Colorado Summer Vacation Calendar:

Colorado Fall Foliage | Christmas in Colorado

Moving to Colorado | Colorado Ski Resorts