Where Is Colorado? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States
Colorado is a beautiful state that just gets even prettier wherever you go. From the Rocky Mountains to the bustling cities of Denver and Boulder, the state will take your breath away. The landscape is diverse and broad with a mountainous region and a desert — in the same state. The Centennial State has it all.
But the question remains, do people know where Colorado is? Do people know about its neighboring states? Sure, they know about Colorado and the skiing town of Aspen. So, if you are wondering where Colorado is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Colorado’s bordering states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Colorado, and other facts about the Centennial State.
Where Is Colorado Located on the Map?
Colorado is located in the western United States, a region known as the American west or the Mountain States region. With an area of 104,094 square miles, it is 8th in the nation in terms of size, making it one of the biggest states in the country. But where is Colorado on the map? Let’s take a look below.
When Did Colorado Officially Join the US?
Much of Colorado belonged to the Spanish and then Mexico took over the state when Mexico claimed their independence from Spain. After the Mexican-American War, Mexico lost over 55% of its territory, which included many states like California, Nevada, Arizona, and yes, you guessed it, Colorado. The U.S. now had a lot of land to divy up into territories and states. There was a northeastern part of Colorado that wasn’t part of Spain or Mexico that remained part of an unorganized territory. This changed when surrounding areas started becoming states and left this sliver joined with the rest of what is now Colorado to form the Territory of Colorado.
With natural resources found in the state such as gold, silver, and other, many people flocked to Colorado. Railroad companies laid tracks in the state, as well. Finally, on August 1, 1876, Colorado became a state, being the 38th state admitted to the union. Because it became a state 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is known as the Centennial State.
Which States Border Colorado?
Six states border Colorado — Utah to the west, Wyoming to the north, Kansas and Nebraska to the east, and New Mexico and Oklahoma to the south. It also shares a corner, as part of the “four corners states,” with Arizona. Let’s take a look at the six states that border the Centennial State.
Utah
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3.2 million
Nickname: The Beehive State
Admitted to Union: January 4, 1896 (45th)
Governor: Spencer Cox (R)
Wyoming
Capital: Cheyenne
Population: 576,851
Nickname: The Equality State
Admitted to Union: July 10, 1890 (44th)
Governor: Mark Gordon (R)
Kansas
Capital: Topeka
Population: 2.9 million
Nickname: The Sunflower State
Admitted to Union: January 29, 1861 (34th)
Governor: Laura Kelly (D)
Nebraska
Capital: Lincoln
Population: 1.9 million
Nickname: The Cornhusker State
Admitted to Union: March 1, 1867 (37th)
Governor: Jim Pillen (R)
Oklahoma
Capital: Oklahoma City
Population: 4 million
Nickname: Native America
Admitted to Union: November 16, 1907 (46th)
Governor: Kevin Stitt (R)
New Mexico
Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2.1 million
Nickname: The Land of Enchantment
Admitted to Union: January 6, 1912 (47th)
Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham (D)
Arizona
Capital: Phoenix
Population: 7.1 million
Nickname: The Grand Canyon State
Admitted to Union: February 14, 1912 (48th)
Governor: Katie Hobbs (D)
Is Colorado a Good Place to Live?
The great part of the state, which has been all over the news, is the economy is wild in Colorado. There are an abundance of jobs, so you will find something in this state easily. Another wonderful part of living in the state is that the landscapes are just so stunning. Four national parks make their home in Colorado, so you won’t run out of natural wonders to be amazed with while you’re here. Besides the fact that Coloradans are friendly, they are also super healthy. It also receives lots of sunshine per year, even when the winters can be snowy and dreary.
Of course, to every pro, there are also cons. Colorado has a high cost of living, albeit lower than other western states like California. You also run into more wildfires in the area because of the state’s landscapes being prone to them, especially in times of drought. As we mentioned sunshine throughout the year, the winters in Colorado are rough, so expect to be bundled up for much of the winter.
What Is the Climate in Colorado?
Colorado is a big state and it is placed uniquely in a location where you can experience a different climate depending on where you are. Most of Colorado is mountainous, so it means it can get cold in the winter, but it’s hot in the summer. Southern Colorado is mostly desert. Northeast Colorado and east Colorado have more plains and foothills. As such, the state’s weather ranges from semi-arid in the east, to a mixture of humid continental, Mediterranean-continental, and even subarctic climates in the western half of Colorado.
Colorado can get snowstorms or thunderstorms, especially in the Rocky Mountain region. The eastern part of the state is located in Tornado Alley. Besides that, much of the state can be free of any precipitation. The highest recorded temperature was 115 degrees Fahrenheit on July 20, 2019. The lowest recorded temperature was -61 degrees Fahrenheit on February 1, 1985
What Is Colorado Most Known For?
Colorado is known for so many things. It has a huge craft beer scene, which is usually paired with a great foodie scene. If you are an avid fisherman, you will have luck trout fishing in the state. Colorado is home to four national parks — the Rocky Mountain National Park, the Mesa Verde National Park, the Gunnison National Park, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Each of them offer different types of landscapes for what you are looking for, whether it is mountains and forests or sand dunes and desert.
You can also enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. Aspen and Vail are world-famous for their resorts year-round. In terms of city life, Denver has a vibrant nightlife that will definitely pique your interest. Make sure you also catch a ball game at Coors Field with a Coloradan craft beer in hand!
Fast Facts About Colorado
- Capital: Denver
- Population: 5.8 million
- Governor: Jared Polis (D)
- Lieutenant Governor: Dianne Primavera (D)
- State animal: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
- State bird: Lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys)
- State flower: White and lavender columbine (Aquilegia saximontana)
Conclusion
Colorado is a majestic state with stunning spaces that will leave you breathless. Though, it will likely be the opposite because the crisp air of the Rocky Mountains will open your lungs as you breathe in and out. Denver is an incredible city that is one mile above sea level, thus coined the “Mile High City.” In a state with such beautiful views, you won’t get tired of living here. It has the best of both worlds — a city life with lots of things to do and outdoor recreation to last you a lifetime.
Housing is slowly increasing as the state becomes more popular to live in. The winters are harsh because of the state’s location. But at the end of the day, Colorado has it all. Its residents will welcome you with open arms and you will wish you lived here a hundred years. After all, Colorado is the Centennial State.