1. When the sun rises in Colorado, the beautiful landscape begins to emerge from the backdrop of dawn
Great Sand Dunes National Park
2. From the golden eastern plains
3. To the majestic mountains
Maroon Bells, Aspen
4. And the dirt paths winding through the hills, with morning snow glistening in the distance
Washington Gulch Hike, Crested Butte, Colorado Rockies
5. The cities come alive behind these resplendent rocky formations
Independence Monument
6. Or from a different angle, you might forget that the cities even exist at all
Colorado National Monument Park
7. The land varies so greatly, from the rock-covered hills…
Cripple Creek
8. …To the most vivid of green trees in the spring
View fro the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad from Alamosa to La Veta.
9. And all of the flaming colors of the forest in the fall
10. Castles sprout from the ground in the distance
Garden of the Gods
11. And heavenly rays shine down from above
Garden of the Gods
12. There are gorgeous swirling sand dunes to the south
Great Sand Dunes
13. And many relics from civilizations long gone
Hovenweep
14. The wildlife like to protect their stomping grounds
Mt. Evans Colorado, Mountain Goats
15. And even the animals are full of the vibrant colors this state is known for
Lizard, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
16. But none of those are as stunning as the flowers that spring in late summer. Deep purples…
Conundrum Valley, near Aspen
17. And bright, sunlit yellows,
Gunnison National Forest Colorado
18. Or the familiar green of the aspen trees
Aspens near Marble, CO
19. While in summer you can relax along the flowing rivers
Roaring Fork River
20. Or bask in the beauty of Lizard Lake
Lizard Lake
21. The waters run through the towns
Clear Creek in Golden
22. And nestle against a mountain backdrop.
Silverthorne
23. Even the storm clouds find a way to be uniquely beautiful
West of I25, near Highway 52
24. And can project the most brilliant colors across the plains
Sunset over the Colorado Plains
25. Or cast shadows across the dunes of sand
Great Sand Dunes
26. And create majestic views fit for a god
Garden of the Gods
27. They even bring the colors more to life
Dallas Divide near Ridgway
28. But as the sun goes down in the west
Conundrum hot springs
29. The mountain seem to come ablaze with fire
Snowmass Mountain
30. The ice crystals start to glow
Colorado National Monument
31. The trees fade to black against a blazing background
32. And no matter what you’re doing, you can’t help but stop and stare in awe
Sunset watching on a Dirt Bike out in Eastern Colorado
33. And realize that this truly is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Loch Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
