 Home to the truly magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park, much of Colorado is still rugged and wild. At Colorado's cultural heart is the large, modern city of Denver, the posh ski-resorts of Aspen and Vail and a scattering of small, historic gold-rush towns. Most of all, a holiday in Colorado is all about getting back to nature and enjoying the region's amazing mountain landscapes.
Capital
Colorado's capital is the historic Denver, a city with an attractive blend of original 19th-century architecture and ultra-modern commercial buildings.
Where is it and how do I get there?
Sharing its border with seven states, Colorado is located in America's mid-west. For Australians, the quickest way to reach Colorado is to fly to Los Angeles and take a connecting flight to Denver. Los Angeles is a 14 to 15 hour flight from the east coast of Australia. The flight time from Los Angeles to Denver is around 2 hours.
When to go, Weather
Colorado is a high desert plain which means conditions are usually sunny and dry and there are extreme temperature variations between seasons. Summer temperatures can climb into the low-thirties and at high altitudes, the sun's rays are stronger and brighter. Spring (March to May) is the most pleasant time for most outdoor activities like camping and hiking, while skiing holidays should be planned between late November and early April.
| Denver |
| Average High/Low Temperatures |
| Spring/Summer (March to August) |
18 – 31°C |
| Autumn/Winter (September to February) |
-3 – 15°C |
| Aspen |
| Average High/Low Temperatures |
| Spring/Summer (March to August) |
-1 – 26°C |
| Autumn/Winter (September to February) |
-16 – 14°C |
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Where to stay
Colorado is a popular holiday destination for American and international tourists so there's plenty of accommodation options available. You may want to spend some time roughing it in one of the well-maintained National Park campgrounds, then enjoy the comforts of one of Denver's well-appointed Victorian-style hotels or bed and breakfasts, or snuggle by the fire in a cosy log cabin in Aspen. Colorado is a family destination so kids are welcome. Many of the larger hotels and resorts will have special facilities for children. For something a little different, get a taste of the Wild West and spend a night at a 'Dude Ranch' - real working ranches (with real cowboys!) with special facilities and activities for guests.
Food and Drink
You'll have no trouble feeding a fussy family as Colorado is well stocked with restaurants, diners, cafes and fast-food joints offering every type of cuisine. Kids are sure to get a giggle when they hear about Colorado's most famous delicacy, 'Rocky Mountain Oysters'. In fact, they're not oysters at all but fried bull's testicles. Good luck getting anyone in your family to try them though!
Shopping
Colorado has a huge range of shopping opportunities. Boutique stores in affluent resort areas, like Aspen and Vail, offer designer clothing, jewellery, the latest ski equipment and other high-priced desirables. On the other hand, you'll come across roadside vendors and rustic antique and craft shops selling woodcarvings and Native American art. There's no lack of shopping centres, speciality stores, supermarkets and convenience stores in all the major cities and towns in Colorado
 Airport
Most visitors from Australia will arrive via Los Angeles and take a connecting flight to Denver. Denver International airport is a very large and busy airport. Facilities at the airport include a large selection of restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets, speciality and gift shops, banks, ATMs, post and Internet services.
Transfers from Airport
Denver International Airport is a 35 minute drive north-east of the city centre. The best way to get from the airport into downtown Denver is the Regional Transportation Department's (RTD) SkyRide service. SkyRide buses pick up passengers on Level 5 of both the East and West sides of the airport terminal and make several stops once inside the city. Taxis are also available outside the airport 24 hours a day.
Getting around for families
The most convenient way to get around Colorado is by car. You'll be able to travel between cities at your own pace and explore back roads in the mountains that might otherwise be inaccessible. I-70 crosses the state from east to west and I-25 runs north and south. Both interstates run through the capital city of Denver. Denver's Regional Transportation Department (RTD) has buses that connect Denver to surrounding areas such as Boulder and Colorado Springs. In addition to buses, RTD operates several light rail lines throughout Denver.
What to wear
If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities, bring loose, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking or hiking shoes. Hat and sunglasses are important when outdoors at any time of year. If you'll be visiting the snowfields in winter, warm, layered clothing is a must. Ski jackets, beanies, gloves and snow goggles are a very sensible investment.
 Population
Home to around 4.3 million people, Colorado is the 24th most populated state in the US.
Culture/Religion
The first people to inhabit Colorado were the Anasazi Indians who lived in cliff dwellings in the canyons of south-western Colorado. The Anasazi cultivated an advanced civilization, but during the 1300's their population began to decline and they abandoned their villages in the mid-west. The Anasazi culture eventually disintegrated and today the best examples of their lifestyle can be found in museums and historic sites throughout Colorado. Native Americans from various tribes still make Colorado their home today.
Time
Colorado is 17 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. Click here for more on time zones.
Currency
US Dollar. US$1 is equal to approximately AUD$1.40. For up-to-date currency conversion, click here.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in cafes, restaurants and better hotels. A tip of about 15% or more is expected. Taxi drivers, bartenders and hairdressers all depend on similar sized tips.
 Electricity
120 volts 60Hz. An adaptor is required to plug in Australian appliances in the US.
Health precautions
No vaccinations are required to enter the US.
Tap water
Tap water is treated and safe to drink.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Australian’s don’t require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the US.
HWK Travel Tips
It's important to remember that Colorado is up at a higher elevation than many people are used to. Kids, in particular, maybe sensitive to the effects of elevation changes. Mild headaches and stomach aches are common problems, so consult your doctor before you leave. It’s easy to get dehydrated when up in the mountains so always carry lots of water with you. Bring moisturising cream to combat the effects of dry air on the skin.
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