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Every state can lay claim to a few “only here” honors, but in Colorado the list is longer, taller, wider, and higher than just about anywhere else. Following is a collection of “Only in Colorado” experiences that capture the collective attention and adventurous spirit of Colorado visitors.
Travel the highest suspension bridge in the World – At a height of 1,053 feet, the highest suspension bridge in the world spans the Royal Gorge near Cañon City, affording visitors a view of one of the most awe-inspiring feats of engineering. Royal Gorge Park features the world's highest skycoaster, the world's steepest incline railway – The Royal Gorge Route Railroad – and the world's longest Aerial Tram. For the most avid adventurers, there are also bungee jumps from the bridge.
Soak in the country’s largest natural hot spring – Visitors head to Glenwood Springs to settle into the largest natural hot spring in the U.S. The Glenwood Springs hot springs pool measures two blocks long and is conveniently located across the street from the historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite stop of President Teddy Roosevelt.
For a ‘Rail’ Good Time – Pike's Peak Railway in Manitou Springs, Colorado is the world's highest cog railroad, the highest Colorado railroad, and the highest train in the United States. In operation for 115 years, the railroad takes passengers to the 14,110 foot summit of Pike’s Peak, the inspiration for “America the Beautiful.”
Sports on the Cutting Edge – Imported from New Zealand, “River Sledging” combines whitewater rafting, swimming and surfing. Aspen is the only place in the country where visitors can enjoy this new adrenaline-pumping sport.
Climb the Tallest Sand Dunes in North America – Sand dunes at more than 8,000 feet above sea level? Chart a course toward the Southern Rockies to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado’s newest national park where a deep sea once covered the landscape. The great dunes are the collected remnants of the seabed’s century-old sediment.
Ice Climb in Ouray – America’s ice climbing capital, Ouray’s ice walls soar more than 100 feet high around Box Canyon, making it a singular – and spectacular – setting for ice climbers to showcase their skill. In January, the world’s best ice climbers converge for the Ouray Ice Festival.
Dig Archeology – Mesa Verde National Park is the largest archeological preserve in the U.S. Containing the largest cliff dwellings in North America, Mesa Verde showcases more than 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan history. The park offers three ranger-guided tours, including one of Cliff Palace, the park’s largest cliff dwelling.
Stand Still to See Four States – At the Four Corners Monument, visitors can stand in four states at one time. A unique man-made topographical feature, the Monument marks the exact spot where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado connect.
Suds and Sustainability – The New Belgium Brewery, the first ever wind-powered brewery in the United States, is also the largest private solar installation in U.S. In 1999, New Belgium became the largest private consumer of wind-power electricity when the company made a 10-year commitment to buy all of its electricity through the first city-sponsored wind program in Colorado.
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure
and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful
cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape
boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes
and reservoirs, nine national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top
14,000 feet.