COLORADO Time Zone Colorado is in the Mountain Time Zone. What to Pack At Colorado’s higher altitudes, the air is thinner and the sun is strong. These guidelines will help you handle the altitude and weather with ease: • Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen and SPF lip balm daily — even if there’s cloud cover. • Dressing in layers can ensure you’re always comfortable — add or remove them as temperatures change. Conditions can shift drastically depending on your elevation. Here are some basics to bring that will help you stay comfortable: • Winter: Warm, water-resistant coat or parka, hat, gloves, long underwear, snow pants and water-resistant boots • Spring/Autumn: T-shirts, rain jacket, fleece jacket, jeans and shorts • Summer: Light jacket, shorts, jeans, hiking pants, swimsuit and warm clothing for camping and mountain visits • Drink plenty of water and limit dehydrating alcoholic drinks; most locals always have a water bottle on hand to keep them hydrated and healthy. There are stores for purchasing or renting gear for all seasons in every corner of the state. Visit Colorado.com/WhereToShop for locations. Accommodations Colorado offers a wide and impressive choice of accommodations, ranging from family-friendly hotels and motels to luxurious resorts, dude and guest ranches, cosy bed-and-breakfasts, and elegant holiday homes. Campsites range from primitive locations with no amenities to campgrounds with flushing toilets and Wi-Fi to yurts and “glamping” (camping with glamourous amenities like beds and fireplaces). Colorado.com/Lodging is an excellent resource. Mobile Service Heading into the mountains? Make sure to bring a map or written directions. Many remote spots lack reliable cell service, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Timed Entry Some popular natural attractions require reservations at certain times of year, so check in advance to see if you need one. These reservations protect the area’s resources by spacing groups out to ensure you enjoy your visit. Colorado.com/DoColoradoRight Tipping Gratuity is typically not included in prices. For sit-down service at a restaurant, guide services, tour guides and outfitters, a tip that is 15–25% of your bill is customary for good service or a successful excursion. For counter-service restaurants, a small tip is also appreciated. Currency Exchange There are three World Wide Money Exchanges at Denver International Airport. ATMs/cash machines are easy to find throughout the state. Mount Blue Sky Welcome Centers If you want to get in touch with knowledgeable locals during your visit, all you need to do is head to one of the 9 Welcome Centers located at each major entrance to the state. 9 2 FORT COLLINS WELCOME CENTER DINOSAUR WELCOME CENTER 1. Fort Collins 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100 970-232-3840 2. Dinosaur 101 E. Stegosaurus St., U.S. Hwy. 40, 970-374-2205 Located near Utah border and Dinosaur National Monument. 3. Fruita 340 Hwy. 340, I-70 at exit 19, 970-858-9335 Located near the Utah border. 4. Cortez 928 E. Main St., U.S. Hwy. 160/491, 970-565-4048 Located near the Four Corners area. 5. Alamosa 610 State Ave., U.S. Hwy. 160 and State Ave., 719-589-4840 On your way in from New Mexico at the intersection of highways 160 and 285. 6. Trinidad 309 Nevada Ave., 719-846-9512 Found near the New Mexico border. 7. Lamar 109 E. Beech St., U.S. Hwy. 50, 719-336-3483 Situated near the Kansas border. 8. Burlington 48265 I-70, I-70 between exits 437 and 438, 719-346-5554 Located along the Kansas border. 9. Julesburg 20934 C.R. 28, I-76 at exit 180 970-474-2054 Found in the northeast corner of Colorado. COLORADO . COM 1 JULESBURG WELCOME CENTER DENVER 3 FRUITA WELCOME CENTER BURLINGTON WELCOME CENTER 8 LAMAR WELCOME CENTER ALAMOSA WELCOME CENTER 7 4 CORTEZ WELCOME CENTER 5 6 TRINIDAD WELCOME CENTER 11