Colorado 

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Currency

The currency in Colorado is the U.S. dollar. 

Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado. (Photo via Mike McBey / Flickr)

National Languages

English is the official language of the State of Colorado. 

Time Zone

Colorado is located in the Mountain Time Zone and practices daylight saving. Clocks are moved forward by one hour on the second Sunday of March and back again on the first Sunday of November. 

Climate And Weather

Winter in Colorado is cold. Temperatures drop below freezing, and snowfall occurs in most areas between November and April. 

Spring weather is unpredictable. Temperatures fluctuate between warm and cold, and there are occasional snow storms. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are also possible during spring. 

Colorado summer is typically mild and sunny. Thunderstorms are common in the late afternoons and evenings, especially in the mountains. 

Fall is characterized by colorful foliage and mild temperatures. Snow is possible at higher elevations, especially in late fall.

Getting Around Colorado

Colorado has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and light trains. Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates the most comprehensive transit system.

• Bus Service. RDT offers a handy online trip planner for tourists who need help figuring out their way around. You can find the bus routes, schedule, and fare information so it’s very easy to find your way around. 
  Bustang and Greyhound offer intercity bus services that connect major cities across the state. The services also provide regional services and connect smaller towns and cities. While many cities and towns in Colorado operate their local bus services, some regional parts of Colorado are poorly serviced.
• Train. Colorado offers several passenger train options. Denver's light rail system operates within the city and surrounding areas. The system has eight lines and also connects to Denver International Airport. If you travel across the state, Amtrak operates three long-distance routes. These trains stop in several Colorado cities, including Denver, Granby, and Trinidad.
• Car Rental. In our opinion, a car is the best way to get to Colorado's most noteworthy attractions. Road conditions are generally excellent, and fellow drivers are usually courteous. You will find many large car rental chains throughout the state and some local companies. This means the car rental market is competitive, and you can get some terrific deals. 
• Taxi Services. You can easily find taxis in the larger cities and towns in Colorado as well as Uber and Lyft. 

When To Visit Colorado

Peak tourist season for Colorado is during the summer months and winter ski season. Tourist attractions are crowded, and the costs of accommodation and activities are high. 

If you want to avoid crowds and save money, we recommend traveling during the shoulder seasons from late spring to early winter.

Ski resorts are typically open from December to February when snow is plentiful. If winter sports like snowboarding and skiing are the purpose of your visit, winter is the best time. 

Summer is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking. The weather is mild from June to August, and the mountain trails are open. 

If you want to see the vibrant red, orange, and yellow fall foliage, visit Colorado between late September to early October. There are still numerous hiking trails open at this time.

Best Places To Stay In Colorado

• Boulder: This college town is known for its natural beauty, with the Flatirons rock formations providing a stunning backdrop. We find that Boulder is an excellent place to stay if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
• Colorado Springs: Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions. Visitors can hike in the Garden of the Gods, explore the US Olympic Training Center, and visit the historical Air Force Academy.
• Telluride: This former mining town is now a popular ski resort but we think it’s also a great place to visit in the summer. Telluride has a laid-back vibe and stunning scenery, with plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding mountains.