Colorado State Maps

These maps show Colorado State Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregion's.

Colorado County Map

The 64 Counties of Colorado and Their Name Origins

Colorado County Sizes Map

Colorado State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Colorado State

Broomfield County: 34 sq miles

Largest County in Colorado State

Las Animas County: 4775 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Colorado State

Mean Area: 1535 sq miles

Median Area: 1010 sq miles

Colorado Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Colorado State and Their Locations

In Colorado, major cities are located along the Front Range and major river valleys. Below are examples:

1. Front Range

Denver: The capital city, located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a major cultural and economic hub in Colorado.

Colorado Springs: Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is known for its scenic beauty and military presence.

Boulder: Located northwest of Denver, Boulder is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities, and the University of Colorado.

Fort Collins: Situated north of Denver, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University and is known for its craft breweries and historic downtown.

2. River Valley Cities

Pueblo: Situated along the Arkansas River, Pueblo is known for its steel industry and rich Hispanic heritage.

Grand Junction: Located near the Colorado River, this city is a major hub for outdoor recreation and wine production.

Durango: Found in the Animas River Valley, Durango is known for its historic railroad and proximity to the San Juan Mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Glenwood Springs: Located at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, Glenwood Springs is famous for its natural hot springs and as a gateway to the surrounding mountain regions.



Topographic Tour of Colorado

Colorado State Shaded Relief Map

Colorado State Shaded Deep Relief Map

Colorado offers a diverse range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology, climate, and natural features. From the rugged mountain ranges to plains, and from mesas to river valleys, the state presents a rich tapestry of landforms.

1. Colorado Plateau

The western edge of Colorado features the Colorado Plateau, a high desert region with mesas, canyons, and rugged landscapes. It includes famous features like the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Mesa Verde. This region also boasts vast areas of red rock formations, desert valleys, and deeply incised canyons, offering exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration of ancient cliff dwellings.

2. Southern Rocky Mountains

The Southern Rockies dominate the landscape of Colorado, with towering peaks like Mount Elbert (14,440 feet) and expansive forests. This region is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, alpine environments, and numerous ski resorts. The Southern Rockies also contain high-altitude tundra, rushing rivers, and steep valleys. Major ranges within this region include the Sawatch Range, the San Juan Mountains, and the Sangre de Cristo Range, each offering unique geological features and ecosystems.

3. Great Plains

The eastern third of Colorado is characterized by the Great Plains, a vast, flat area with rolling hills and grasslands. This region is important for agriculture and features smaller towns and rural communities. The Great Plains rise gradually towards the foothills of the Rockies, and while the area is largely open and flat, there are hidden river valleys and canyons, such as the Arkansas River Valley, that cut through the landscape, providing vital water sources for farming.

4. San Luis Valley

The San Luis Valley is a large, high-altitude basin located in southern Colorado, nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains. At an elevation of over 7,500 feet, this valley is one of the largest high-altitude desert valleys in North America. It is a rich agricultural area, known for growing crops such as potatoes and barley. The Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, is located in the northeastern part of the valley.

5. Arkansas River Valley

Running through central Colorado, the Arkansas River Valley is a scenic corridor flanked by the Sawatch Range and the Mosquito Range. The valley is known for its white-water rafting opportunities and as a major destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This region also has a rich mining history, with towns like Leadville reflecting its gold and silver rush past.

6. Front Range Foothills

Along the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains lie the Front Range Foothills, which form a dramatic transition between the Great Plains and the high peaks of the Rockies. These foothills are characterized by rolling hills, ridges, and rock formations like the Flatirons near Boulder. The foothills are also home to many suburban communities, state parks, and hiking trails that attract visitors from nearby Denver and Colorado Springs.

7. Pikes Peak Region

Pikes Peak, standing at 14,115 feet, is one of the most famous landmarks in Colorado and is part of the Front Range. The region surrounding Pikes Peak is noted for its rugged terrain, with forests, rock outcroppings, and alpine environments. Pikes Peak Highway and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway allow visitors to easily reach the summit, where panoramic views of Colorado’s diverse landscape can be seen.

8. Roaring Fork Valley

The Roaring Fork Valley stretches from Aspen down to Glenwood Springs and is known for its lush river valley and proximity to the Elk Mountains. The area is a popular destination for winter sports and summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. Aspen, a major cultural hub in the region, is also a world-famous ski resort town.

9. Uncompahgre Plateau

The Uncompahgre Plateau is located in western Colorado and rises dramatically above the Colorado River to the east and the Gunnison River to the north. This rugged area is rich in geological diversity, with steep canyons, forests, and wide mesas. The plateau offers excellent opportunities for off-roading, hiking, and wildlife viewing, and is part of Colorado's vast network of public lands.



Colorado Major Cities Map

Physiographic Regions of Colorado State

Southern Rocky Mountains

This region covers the majority of the state and includes the highest peaks and alpine environments of the Rocky Mountain range. Known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude ecosystems, and towering peaks such as Mount Elbert and Pikes Peak. The region also encompasses the state's prominent ski resorts and alpine tundra environments.

Great Plains, Colorado Piedmont

This physiographic region stretches across the eastern part of the state, transitioning from the foothills of the Rockies to the flatter Great Plains, characterized by rolling grasslands and agricultural lands. This region is a critical area for farming and ranching, supporting much of the state's agricultural output.

Colorado Plateaus, Canyon Lands

Located in the western part of the state, this region includes the Colorado Plateau's extension into Colorado, marked by mesas, canyons, and deep gorges. Famous landmarks like the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the canyons surrounding Grand Junction are key features in this region.

Colorado Plateaus, Navajo Section

The Navajo Section is a part of the Colorado Plateau in the southwestern corner of the state. This region is known for its arid desert landscapes, dramatic red rock formations, and sandstone canyons. The Four Corners area and the culturally significant Mesa Verde National Park are located here.

Colorado Plateaus, Uinta Basin

The Uinta Basin stretches into the northwestern part of Colorado, known for its rugged plateaus and energy resources, including oil and gas extraction. The landscape is marked by broad, flat valleys interspersed with steep, rocky outcrops.

Great Plains, High Plains

This region forms the easternmost part of the state, characterized by vast, flat expanses of grasslands and prairie. The High Plains are an essential region for agriculture, particularly wheat and corn production, and are dotted with small farming communities.

Great Plains, Raton Section

Located in southern Colorado, the Raton Section features volcanic mesas, buttes, and valleys formed by ancient lava flows. The Spanish Peaks and the Raton Mesa are prominent features of this region, offering a blend of volcanic geology and grasslands.

Middle Rocky Mountains

This region extends into the north-central part of Colorado, featuring high mountain ranges, deep valleys, and glacial landscapes. The Park Range and the Medicine Bow Mountains are part of this region, known for their rugged beauty and wilderness areas.

Wyoming Basin

Located in the northwestern part of Colorado, the Wyoming Basin is a semi-arid region characterized by flat, open plains and low, rolling hills. It is important for ranching and energy development, with significant oil, gas, and coal resources.

San Luis Valley

This large, high-altitude basin sits between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado. The valley is a critical agricultural region and is known for its wide-open spaces, flat terrain, and the unique geological feature of the Great Sand Dunes.

Front Range

The Front Range is the easternmost range of the Rocky Mountains and includes well-known peaks like Longs Peak and Pikes Peak. This region forms a dramatic boundary between the Great Plains and the mountainous interior of Colorado, featuring steep, rugged terrain and highly populated cities like Denver and Boulder at its base.


Colorado Major Cities Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Colorado

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of Colorado's federal lands, featuring stunning alpine landscapes, towering peaks, and diverse ecosystems. It is a haven for hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers over 300 miles of hiking trails, including trails to scenic lakes, alpine tundra, and high mountain summits. The Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America, crosses the park, providing breathtaking views of the Continental Divide.

2. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

This park is known for its dramatic, steep-walled canyon carved by the Gunnison River. The sheer drop-offs and narrow gorges create some of the most striking scenery in Colorado. It's a destination for scenic views, rock climbing, and river activities. Visitors can enjoy drives along the South Rim, explore the canyon’s depths via hiking trails, or raft the challenging Gunnison River. The park is also known for its incredible night skies, making it a popular destination for stargazing.

3. Mesa Verde National Park

Famous for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, this park offers a glimpse into ancient history, as well as scenic views of the surrounding mesa and canyons. Visitors can explore dwellings such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House, both intricately built into the cliffs. The park also offers scenic drives and hiking trails, which provide insights into the cultural history and the surrounding rugged landscape of southwestern Colorado.

4. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve features a stark contrast between the high desert dunes and the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can hike up the dunes, go sandboarding or sledding, and explore Medano Creek, which runs seasonally at the base of the dunes. The park also offers opportunities for backpacking and exploring its remote alpine wilderness areas.

5. Curecanti National Recreation Area

Located along the Gunnison River, this recreation area features three reservoirs – Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal – that are perfect for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The area also boasts stunning canyon views, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest body of water and a popular destination for boating and fishing.

6. San Juan National Forest

Covering over 1.8 million acres in southwestern Colorado, the San Juan National Forest is known for its diverse landscapes, which include alpine forests, rugged mountain peaks, and scenic river valleys. The forest offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and off-roading. The famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs through part of the forest, providing a unique way to experience the area's breathtaking scenery.

7. Gunnison National Forest

Gunnison National Forest spans over 1.6 million acres and is known for its dramatic landscapes of high mountain peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows. The forest offers abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing in the winter. The wilderness areas within the forest, such as the West Elk Wilderness and Raggeds Wilderness, are popular for backpacking and solitude.

8. White River National Forest

White River National Forest is one of the most visited national forests in the U.S., with over 2.3 million acres of pristine wilderness. It includes popular destinations like the Maroon Bells, a pair of iconic peaks near Aspen, and Glenwood Canyon, a dramatic river-carved gorge. The forest is a major hub for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping, with world-renowned ski resorts like Aspen and Vail located within its boundaries.

9. Browns Canyon National Monument

Designated as a national monument in 2015, Browns Canyon offers rugged, untouched wilderness along the Arkansas River. It’s a popular destination for white-water rafting, rock climbing, and hiking. The monument features dramatic granite cliffs and rock formations, as well as diverse wildlife, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

10. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

These adjacent forests cover over 1.5 million acres, extending from the foothills near Denver into the rugged mountainous terrain. The area is rich with opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The Indian Peaks Wilderness within the forest is particularly popular with hikers, offering scenic lakes and towering mountain peaks.

11. Dinosaur National Monument

Straddling the Colorado-Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument is famous for its rich fossil beds and scenic river canyons. Visitors can see dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock at the Quarry Exhibit Hall and explore the remote, rugged canyons of the Green and Yampa Rivers. The monument also offers hiking trails, rafting, and camping opportunities, making it a unique destination for both paleontology enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.



Colorado Major Cities Map

Ecoregions of Colorado

Southern Rocky Mountains Section

The Southern Rockies form a high-altitude environment with diverse forests, alpine tundra, and subalpine meadows. This region is home to iconic species such as elk, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. It features some of Colorado's most famous peaks and valleys, including the Collegiate Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park, with ecosystems ranging from ponderosa pine forests to alpine meadows.

Great Plains, Colorado Piedmont Section

In this region, the Great Plains give way to the foothills of the Rockies. This area is marked by grasslands and agricultural lands, with significant river valleys providing water and resources. The Colorado Piedmont contains much of the state's agricultural production and includes urban areas like Denver and Colorado Springs. The South Platte and Arkansas rivers are key features of this ecoregion.

Grand Canyon Lands Section

This region in the southwestern part of Colorado features dramatic desert landscapes with mesas, canyons, and plateaus. Known for its unique geological formations and cultural significance, this ecoregion includes famous landmarks like the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It supports semi-arid ecosystems of piñon-juniper woodlands and desert shrubs.

Arkansas Tablelands Section

Located in southeastern Colorado, the Arkansas Tablelands are characterized by flat plains, mesas, and small, isolated mountain ranges. The landscape supports shortgrass prairie ecosystems, which are essential for grazing and agriculture. The Arkansas River is a defining feature, providing irrigation to the arid region, and wildlife includes pronghorn, mule deer, and various bird species.

Central High Plains Section

This ecoregion forms part of the eastern Colorado plains, a semi-arid region dominated by shortgrass prairies. The region is characterized by gently rolling hills and is a key agricultural area for crops like wheat and corn, as well as for livestock ranching. Wildlife such as prairie dogs, hawks, and grassland birds thrive here, though much of the native grassland has been converted to farmland.

Central High Tablelands Section

The Central High Tablelands feature broad plateaus and mesas that provide a transitional zone between the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains. The region is more elevated than the surrounding plains and is interspersed with badlands and river valleys. It is used for ranching and limited farming, with species like mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of grassland birds present.

Greater Green River Basin Section

Located in the northwestern part of Colorado, this ecoregion is part of a larger basin that extends into Wyoming and Utah. It consists of wide, arid basins with sagebrush steppe and desert grasslands, intersected by rugged hills and mountains. It is a sparsely populated region, home to pronghorn antelope, elk, and critical habitats for sage grouse. Energy development, especially oil and gas, is a significant activity in the region.

Navajo Canyonlands Section

Located in southwestern Colorado, the Navajo Canyonlands are characterized by deep canyons, steep mesas, and isolated plateaus. This area is significant for its rich cultural history, including Native American archaeological sites. The ecoregion features piñon-juniper woodlands and arid desert environments, home to species like golden eagles, bobcats, and rattlesnakes.

North-Central Highlands Section

Situated in north-central Colorado, this region encompasses the high-altitude areas of the northern Front Range. The ecosystem includes montane and subalpine forests, alpine meadows, and tundra. Key species here include black bears, moose, and mountain lions. Popular destinations like Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park lie within this ecoregion.

Northern Canyon Lands Section

In northwestern Colorado, this ecoregion is defined by a mix of rugged canyons, mesas, and desert plateaus. The area is home to the Dinosaur National Monument and includes habitats such as sagebrush steppe and piñon-juniper woodlands. The Green and Yampa rivers run through the region, creating critical riparian ecosystems that support a diverse array of wildlife, including eagles, bighorn sheep, and river otters.

Northern Parks and Ranges Section

This ecoregion covers the high-altitude parks (large mountain valleys) and surrounding mountain ranges of north-central Colorado. Notable areas include North Park and Middle Park, surrounded by the Medicine Bow and Park Ranges. These valleys are important for agriculture and grazing, while the surrounding forests provide critical wildlife habitat. Species such as elk, mule deer, and various bird species thrive in these ecosystems.

South-Central Highlands Section

Located in the southern part of the state, this ecoregion includes rugged mountains, high-altitude forests, and isolated valleys. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Wet Mountains are notable features, with ecosystems ranging from montane forests to alpine tundra. The region is sparsely populated, with towns like Alamosa providing a base for agriculture and outdoor recreation. Wildlife includes mountain lions, black bears, and migratory birds.

Southern High Plains Section

This section of the Southern High Plains includes parts of southeastern Colorado, characterized by flat grasslands and mesas. The area is used for agriculture and ranching, with dryland farming and cattle grazing being the primary economic activities. The landscape is semi-arid, with shortgrass prairie ecosystems and occasional badlands, and is home to species like pronghorn, prairie dogs, and burrowing owls.

Southern Parks and Ranges Section

This region includes high mountain valleys (parks) and the ranges surrounding them, particularly in southern Colorado. It encompasses areas like the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The valleys are important for agriculture, while the surrounding ranges provide critical wildlife habitats. Species like elk, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles are common here.

Tavaputs Plateau Section

Part of the larger Colorado Plateau, the Tavaputs Plateau is located in the northwestern part of Colorado, characterized by deeply eroded plateaus, steep cliffs, and canyons. This region is known for its remote wilderness and rich geological features. The area supports piñon-juniper woodlands and desert shrublands, and is home to wildlife such as mountain lions, mule deer, and golden eagles.

Uinta Basin Section

The Uinta Basin, which extends into northwestern Colorado, is an arid region with broad, flat valleys and low mesas. The area is important for energy extraction, particularly oil and gas. Vegetation includes sagebrush and desert grasses, with wildlife like pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and prairie falcons.

Uinta Mountains Section

The Uinta Mountains stretch into northern Colorado, characterized by high, rugged peaks and alpine environments. This region supports forests of lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir, along with alpine meadows and tundra. It is a critical area for water resources, as snowmelt from the Uinta Mountains feeds into rivers and reservoirs used throughout the region. Wildlife includes elk, moose, and mountain goats.

Upper Rio Grande Basin Section

This ecoregion, centered around the Rio Grande River in southern Colorado, includes the San Luis Valley and the headwaters of the Rio Grande. The area is vital for agriculture, with irrigation sustaining crops like potatoes and alfalfa. The region features high-altitude desert, riparian zones, and surrounding mountain ranges, supporting species like sandhill cranes, mule deer, and black bears.

White Mountain-San Francisco Peaks Section

This region includes volcanic mountains and high plateaus in southwestern Colorado, with ecosystems ranging from piñon-juniper woodlands to montane forests. The volcanic features provide dramatic landscapes, and the region is important for its biodiversity and cultural significance. The area is home to various wildlife species, including elk, bears, and a variety of birds of prey.