The western US state of Colorado Colorado is known for its mountains, forests, high plains, mesas, canyons, plateaus, rivers and desert lands.

The state takes in most of the southern Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains.

It was named for the Colorado River, which early Spanish explorers named the Río Colorado for the ruddy silt the river carried from the mountains.

Colorado is bordered by Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Utah.

Denver

With 300 days of sunshine a year and bustling city streets framed by Rocky Mountain backdrop, the mile-high city of Denver offers a cosmopolitan city break.

Recently named as one of the 12 destinations to watch in ABTA's Travel Trends 2019 report, visitors can stroll along the 16th Street Mall to catching a show at the spectacular Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

www.denver.org

Durango

Situated in the southwest of the state, Durango honours its Western heritage with the historic 1880s Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad one of its highlights.

This offers visitors the chance to journey on an authentic steam train through mountain and forest scenery.

There is also horseback riding in the San Juan Mountains, white-water rafting on the Animas River, skiing at Purgatory Resort or experiencing mining in action with a gold mine tour at Silverton.

www.durango.org

Glenwood Springs

The natural thermal springs at Glenwood Springs has attracted visitors for the apparently healing properties of its water along with its hiking trails.

www.visitglenwood.com

Loveland

Loveland is situated an hour north of Denver with boutique shopping, craft breweries and outdoor pursuits.

Arts and culture lies at the core of what attracts visitors to Loveland, including the Benson Sculpture Garden, which displays sculptures by international artists and the 4th Street Gallery, showcases different exhibitions every three months.

The annual Loveland Sweetheart Festival – Love, Locks and Lights (8 and 9 February 2019, is held just ahead of Valentine's Day.

www.visitlovelandco.org

Ouray

Located at the base of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray offers scenic roads, with visitors able to drive or cycle the Million Dollar Highway, or head to Box Canyon Falls, where the water cascades 285ft.

Ouray is also known for its hot spring pools.

www.ouraycolorado.com

Useful links

​ www.colorado.com