Translating Colorado / COME TO LIFE TRANSLATING COLORADO T FOURTEENER These are peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level. We’ve got 58 of them, more than any other state. Hardy hikers aim to “bag” — or summit — all of them. Coloradans have a funny way of saying lots of things. Here’s a short list of terms to know that will make you feel right at home in the Centennial State (see definition below!) . W 5280 Denver is the Mile High City because it sits 5,280 feet (or one mile) above sea level. If you like to be precise, the 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol Building will put you exactly at 5280. (Pronounced: fifty-two eighty) T THE DIVIDE Also known as the Continental Divide, this ridge runs along the crests of the Rocky Mountains north to south; rivers and streams west of the divide flow to the Pacific Ocean, and east of the divide to the Gulf of Mexico. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: 5280 MARKER ON CAPITOL STEPS, FLICKR; GRAND MESA NATIONAL FOREST, MILES; FOUR CORNERS MARKER, FLICKR; SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, CLASSIC VISIONS; COLORADO STATE SEAL; VIEW OF BOULDER AREA, O’HARA PHOTOGRAPHY; MONARCH PASS SIGN, ISTOCKPHOTO; COLORADO FOURTEENER CLUB. S WESTERN SLOPE W FRONT RANGE This region is found on the western side of the Continental Divide. It’s home to the Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world (around Grand Junction). Where the Rocky Mountains gently slope down and transition to the east-ern plains. Home to Denver and other populous cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, Colorado orado Springs and Pueblo. X CENTENNIAL STATE Colorado’s official nickname refers to the year we were admitted to the union. That happened in 1876, which was the centennial anniversary (100 years) of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. S FOUR CORNERS The point where the borders of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah come together at one point in our extreme southwest corner. W HIG HIGH COUNTRY A fancy way to say “the mountains.” This term is uttered mostly by local weathermen or folks along the Front Range headed to the mountains’ higher altitudes for a getaway. COLORADO.COM / 17
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2018: Page 17
