Welcome to KEY Magazine Colorado

Welcome to beautiful Colorado! Join us on a little historic and geographic journey.

Elevations in Colorado range from a low of 3,350 feet above sea level, on the Arkansas River to 14,433 feet at the summit of Mount Elbert. The approximate mean elevation of 6,800 feet is greater than that of any other state in the United States. Denver is just 340 miles from the exact center of the Continental United States and is exactly one mile above sea level. The altitude, 5,280 feet, is marked on the West steps of the State Capitol Building in downtown Denver.

Denver came into being during the gold rush of 1859 and became a trade center, providing goods and services to the miners.

In 1861 Congress formed the Colorado Territory and with the arrival of the Rail Road in 1870, the area's future was secure. Colorado entered the Union as the Centennial State on August 1, 1876 with Denver as the Capitol. By the turn of the Century Denver's parks and tree lined streets had earned it the name "Queen City of the Plains".

One hour West of Denver you can drive to 14,240 feet above sea level on the highest auto road in North America. Enos Mills wrote of the area, that was to become Rocky Mountain National Park, "This is a beautiful world, and all who go out under the open sky will feel the gentle, kindly influence of nature and hear her good tidings." Amid this panoramic scenery live an abundance of wildlife and more than 900 different wildflowers and more than 250 species of birds. All this is just 65 miles northwest of Denver!

The Scenic Pikes Peak Area is the second major population and commerce hub in Colorado, encompassing the lovely city of Colorado Springs, with many natural wonders as well as being a sophisticated, cultural, high tech city. This area has enjoyed the reputation of a healthful resort environment for more than a century. The United States Air Force Academy is at home in Colorado Springs as well.

The beautiful Western Slope, from Four Corners and Mesa Verde National Park in the South to the Dinosaur National Monument in the North and the new Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in between, is an area of more beauty than can be described in this space. There are glittering Ski towns with all the trimmings to Ghost towns so remote as to only be reached by 4 wheel vehicles.

Colorado is such a special and beautiful place, from its bustling modern cities to the open plains, to the highest peaks, with something of interest to everyone. We invite you to enjoy your time on our site and visit Colorado soon.