State Bucket List: Colorado

Only an hour north of Denver, this gorgeous town inspired the atmosphere and design of Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. This peaceful village frequently finds its way onto lists of best places to live in the nation. If you are a beer drinker, enjoy some of the craft breweries in town, such as New Belgium and Odell.

(image via Citycommunications, CC)

Durango

This collection of artifacts from the railroad industry is a must-see for history buffs. The route, originally constructed to for the transportation of minerals, was opened in the 1880s.

(image via Milan Suvajac, CC)

Colorado Springs

This park in Colorado Springs looks out over miles of canyons and ravines. From here, you can see the Garden of the Gods, a sandstone formation just a few miles north of the park. Many nature lovers like to hike through the canyon's many trails.

(image via FrankFortePhoto, CC)

Pueblo

Along the Arkansas River lies the Pueblo Levee Mural Project, which holds the record for being the longest painting in the world. Working at night to avoid arrest, students from nearby universities began painting the stretch of graffiti in the 1970s. Now, it is a recognized landmark.

Divide

This ecological preserve allows guests to see wolves, coyotes, and foxes in their natural habitat. As you learn about their role in the ecosystem, you will hear from tour guides who are passionate about the animals. Many visitors particularly love the wolf howling aspect at the end of the tour.

(image via Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center)

Rocky Mountain National Park plays host to some of the most breathtaking views on the planet. One of its main talking points is the Continental Divide, whose trail stretches over five different states, making it a favorite of hikers and photographers alike. It's the separation point for rivers that flow toward the east and west coasts.

(image via txbowen, CC)

Denver

Dating back to the speakeasies of the Prohibition Era, Williams & Graham still maintains the elusiveness of the time period. This secret bar has a pretty constant line waiting outside and was recently added to the prestigious list of 50 best bars in the world.

(image via japkatemoss)

Mesa Verde

Constructed out of sandstone by the Puebloans, these cave dwellings are carved into the side of the ravine. An impressive testament to human will and creativity, this marvelous structure brings visitors from miles around. These ancestral Puebloan dwellings are the oldest standing buildings in North America.

(image via Andreas F. Borchert, CC)

Grand Junction

As you move out west, be sure to check out the Museums of Western Colorado, which leads guided digs for fossils in the area. The museum contains a wealth of information about life in the American West, particularly as it pertained to the mining industry.

(image via Museums of Western Colorado)

A former gold and silver mining town, Telluride now holds international acclaim for its year round skiing resort. Many celebrities escape the struggles of fame by riding these slopes. Telluride also hosts an annual international film festival that brings in artists from all over the world.

(image via grayskull, CC)