In true pioneer spirit, Colorado's independent vineyards work together with growers to produce one-of-a-kind wines that could only come from the Western Slope

“Like a sea in storm,” exclaimed Zebulon Pike Jr. in 1807 when he first witnessed the immense Great Sand Dunes nestled in a dogleg crook of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. From high above, in the toothed cirque of peaks surrounding the Crestone Needle, the dunes indeed appear as an unruly brown sea.

In Colorado Life's very first issue, our publiher Chris explains why Colorado is a state that inspires us.

Looking to improve your photography? Follow these tips from our staff photographers, and one day you might see your shots featured in an issue of Colorado Life Magazine!

Loved our hearty & creative potato-based recipes? Here's an extra spud dish for you to mash, bake, and enjoy.

Spring too often seems to take its time arriving in the Colorado Rockies. However, when spring does turn up, it hangs around until autumn. When it is summer on the Plains, folks living on the flatlands always can find glorious spring somewhere in the mountains by driving, hiking or riding horseback to different elevations.

Life will always have its challenges, but when you live in Colorado, every day is like a walk in the park. Literally. The more you travel the state, the more it seems like every other place name includes the word “park” – and that can get pretty confusing.

Visit a charming Victorian mining town, thriving alpine environment and one of Colorado’s 14ers on this jewel of a scenic byway.

To capture on film the otherworldly rock formations of the Monument is no small task, but our state’s finest photographers rose (about 2,000 feet) to the challenge.

U.S. Highway 285 west of Denver cuts through one of the most pristine segments of the Colorado Trail. Look for a large parking area near the summit of the pass to get out of your car, stretch your legs and walk comfortably under arching aspen trees in fall foliage.

There are two ways to learn about the cowboys of the Old West: You can read a history book, or you can experience the real thing at a place like MacGregor Ranch in Estes Park.

A little-known fall color hotspot right on Denver’s doorstep, Golden Gate Canyon lives up to its name in autumn. The park is filled with aspen in fall foliage, mountain meadows, sweeping views of snow-covered peaks, historic homesteads and an extensive series of trails for hikers of any skill level.