One of the world's largest flat-topped mountain is covered with an incredible 300 stream fed lakes. Lush alpine forests painted with colorful aspens; all just outside the town of Grand Junction.

The forest encompasses the San Luis Valley, which is the world's largest agricultural alpine valley, as well as one of the world's largest high deserts located around mountains.

A one of a kind wilderness area consisting of forested mountains, 14,000-foot peaks, scenic roads, geological formations, prehistoric communities and a narrow-gauge railroad.

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is one of the largest and most scenic sections of the National Forest System. Home to world-renowned ski resorts and the birthplace of designated Wilderness Areas, the forest has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast.

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to 1300.

Where in the country does the city’s mayor also own some of the state’s most popular microbreweries? Well, Denver, of course. Mayor John Hickenlooper was famous for owning Front Range brewpubs long before he got into politics. Denver is the only metropolis in this region and also happens to sit at exactly 5280ft – or 1 mile high (hence its nickname, ‘Mile High City’).

Images from one of the largest ski resorts in the United States. Vail Ski Resort opened on December 15th 1962. Lift tickets were $5 each. There was one gondola, two chairs and nine ski runs.