11 Lesser-Known Colorado Facts That Will Leave You Stunned

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the quirkiest, most off-the-beaten-path tidbits about Colorado that I’ve stumbled upon—stuff that even some longtime residents might not know. From culinary firsts to geological oddities, get ready for a friendly tour through the Centennial State’s hidden gems. Buckle up, and let’s dive in!

Okay, Did You Know the Cheeseburger Was Born in Denver?

Have you ever munched on a cheeseburger and thought, “I wonder where this glorious invention came from?” Well, believe it or not, it was a Coloradan who first slapped a slice of American cheese onto a hamburger back in 1935 at the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver (Fireplace and Grill Experts). Louis Ballast even trademarked the name “cheeseburger,” turning a simple diner tweak into an American classic (Fireplace and Grill Experts). (There’s even a little stone marker where the original joint stood—kind of makes you crave a patty, right?)

Sand Dunes That Could Give Any Skyscraper a Run for Their Money

You probably associate Colorado with Rockies, not deserts—yet in the south lies the Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to dunes that soar roughly 750 feet into the sky (Fireplace and Grill Experts). Seriously, picture sledding down sand rather than snow—plus, you get panoramic mountain backdrops all around. Talk about a surreal landscape!

That Time We Politely Declined the Olympics

Okay, here’s a fun civic tale: Colorado actually won the bid to host the 1976 Winter Olympics…then turned them down, becoming the only U.S. state ever to reject the Games (Travel Lemming). The vote was fueled by concerns about cost overruns and environmental impact. I mean, who says no to the Olympics? Apparently, Coloradans did—and honestly, sometimes restraint feels pretty good.

A Jurassic Jackpot: Dinosaur Central

If you’re a fan of T. rex or Stegosaurus (and, come on, who isn’t?), head over to Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado–Utah border. This spot has unearthed fossils ranging from Allosaurus to Apatosaurus, making it a goldmine for paleontologists—and total delight for road-trippers (Fireplace and Grill Experts). I’ve imagined bumping into a paleontologist dusting off bones—can you picture it?

Leadville: The Sky-High Mining Town

Ever wondered what it’s like to live above 10,000 feet? Ask Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the U.S. at a whopping 10,152 feet elevation (Fireplace and Grill Experts). (Breathing is optional…just kidding, but you might be huffing and puffing!) Founded during the silver rush, Leadville still flaunts its Old West vibe and is home to one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons, the Leadville Trail 100.

Walking on Water? More Like Floating on 1,002 Feet of Hot Springs

Pagosa Springs near the New Mexico border boasts the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring—over 1,000 feet down—feeding those blissful soaking pools you’ve seen in pics (LongmontLeader). Imagine sinking into steamy mineral water that’s been bubbling up since dinosaurs roamed (okay, maybe not quite that long, but you get the vibe).

The Royal Gorge Bridge: Not Just a Pretty Walk

For a rush of vertigo, stroll across the Royal Gorge Bridge near Cañon City, the highest suspension bridge in America at 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River (LongmontLeader). It’s part of a full-blown adventure park with white-water rafting and gondolas. I held my coffee with both hands crossing it—just saying.

Peaks, Peaks, and More Peaks

Colorado is basically a vertical playground, boasting 58 “fourteeners”—mountains that top out at 14,000 feet and beyond (LongmontLeader). Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or someone who just wants bragging rights, bagging a “fourteener” is the ultimate Colorado feat. (Spoiler: The air gets thin so bring snacks…lots of snacks.)

A Flat-Topped Wonder You Can’t Miss

Grand Mesa isn’t just any plateau—it’s the world’s largest flat-top mountain, stretching across 500 square miles of forest, lakes, and trails (My Sitti Vacations). It’s like Colorado decided to bake a giant pancake out of rock…and honestly, I want a bite.

The State’s Oldest Hotel (It Survived the Gold Rush!)

If you’re into historic digs, check out the Peck House in Empire, built in 1859 and still standing strong as Colorado’s oldest hotel (Big Green Egg Forum). Rumor has it Ulysses S. Grant stayed there—so you can totally pretend you’re rubbing elbows with a Civil War hero.

The Secret Inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street USA

Here’s one for your next trivia night: Disneyland’s Main Street USA was modeled after Old Town Fort Collins, thanks to a Hollywood art director reminiscing about his childhood stomping grounds (Visit Fort Collins). Next time you’re sipping a Dole Whip under Mickey ears, think “Fort Collins, I owe you one!”

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Well, that was a whirlwind tour through some of Colorado’s lesser-known quirks. Which fact surprised you the most? Or hey, maybe you’ve got your own Colorado tidbit to share—drop it below! Let’s keep the conversation rolling like a ski lift on a sunny Rockies morning.