One of the biggest destinations for fun in the snow, Colorado is one of the best places for both the adventurist and the nature lover. Best known for some of the biggest elevations in the Rocky Mountain Range, Colorado is a visual paradise and home to 4 million people. Most of the residents live in the western part of the state while the plains-filled Eastern area is sparsely populated. Metropolitan areas are burgeoning and has experience an 8.4 % increase in new residents.
The Rocky Mountains stretch from British Columbia and end in Mexico, but the larger elevations in the western portion of Colorado are the most popular destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Each of the state's 25 major ski resorts including Telluride, Vail and Aspen attract residents and tourists alike to its snow filled mountains. These ski resorts are popular vacations for both celebrities and dignitaries alike. In the summer months, outdoor activities are still abundant and a exciting. For the amateur or veteran camper, there are hiking trails, towering sand dunes, endless prairies, glaciated valleys and roaring rivers. Fly fishing, kayaking and swimming for the water enthusiasts; hot air balloons and rock climbing for the weekend warriors.
Colorado's cultural sector has something for every interest. Residents can enjoy Broadway plays at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, explore dinosaurs, life in the Old West and learn about Native American history. Half of Colorado's residents live in the Denver metropolitan area, the capital city. Denver is nicknamed the mile high city, since its elevation (5,280 feet) is equal to one mile. Denver is home to several professional sports teams including the Colorado Rockies (baseball), the Denver Nuggets (basketball), and the Denver Broncos (football).
The city is home to many federal facilities including the Denver Mint, which is the single largest coin producer in the world, providing coins for circulation, commemorative and mint sets. Other important federal facilities include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and NORAD.
