When you think of Colorado, do you imagine a state full of towering mountains? It might surprise you to learn that 40% of the state of Colorado is covered in high plains! From ancient cliff dwellings to alpine lakes, there is a lot to learn about the state of Colorado.
Whether you’re homeschooling, working on a state project, or just exploring the U.S., this guide will make learning about Colorado both fun and memorable!
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Explore the Beauty of Colorado
Colorado is full of diverse sights. Here are a few highlights worth checking out:
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Visit the twin peaks at Maroon Bells, some of the most photographed mountains in America! Not only are they maroon from mineral-rich matite, but they rise over 14,000 feet above sea level.
- Explore Mesa Verde National Park, home to incredible cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans more than 800 years ago.
- And don’t forget about the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, which features the highest suspension bridge in the U.S.!
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Meet Colorado’s Plants and Wildlife
From alpine tundras to desert-like valleys, Colorado has a wide variety of ecosystems. The state flower is the blue columbine that grows high in the mountains. You’ll also find aspens, the state tree, sprinkled across the landscape.
As for animals, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep (the state mammal), mountain lions, moose, and marmots. And if you're lucky, you might spot a bald eagle soaring above a lake.
Then use these nature facts to create a nature journal! Have your child research and illustrate a favorite animal from Colorado.
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Try Fun, Hands-On Activities
Make geography come alive with hands-on projects that reinforce what you're learning:
- Create a mountain range out of clay or playdough.
- Paint a Colorado landscape! The painting could feature snowy peaks, red rock canyons, or wildflower-covered meadows.
- Use our FREE Colorado Coloring Page to explore the state symbols.
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Put Colorado on the Map
Help your child find Colorado on a U.S. map. It’s right in the middle of the western U.S. and is one of the Four Corner states along with New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah!
- Trace the shape of Colorado and label surrounding states.
- Mold the shape of the state with playdough or clay.
- Color Colorado on our free coloring page.
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Aim for Bite-Sized Lessons
Don’t feel like you have to cover everything at once. Spread your Colorado study over 3 to 4 days. Focus one day on nature and parks, another on animals and plants, and another on the state’s history and landmarks.
This lets kids dig deeper, ask questions, and stay curious without feeling overwhelmed.
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Use a Ready-to-Teach State Study Unit
If you’re looking for ready-to-use resources, we’ve got just the thing!
Our Colorado state unit from the Hit the Road Geography curriculum includes everything above and more—writing prompts, comprehension questions, hands-on activities, silly journal entries, and fun facts to keep learning light and engaging. It’s the perfect mix of fun and structure!
