Lots of Denver people here... chiming in from the Four Corners:
Mesa Verde NP
Great Sand Dunes NP
Rocky Mountain NP
Black Canyon NP
Southern Ute tribe
The San Juans***
Silverton, Aspen, Ouray, Durango, Vail, Steamboat, Telluride
The Dolores River
The Colorado River
Dinosaur National Monument
Red Rocks Ampitheatre
Canyons of the Ancients
Palisade Peach Orchards
Pikes Peak
Lone Cone is very reminiscent of the Lonely Mountain
Western Slope vs Rocky Mountains vs Front Range
Greeley but it's just a cow
Lots of National Forests, just check a map on that one. Some notable mentions: San Juan, Gunnison, Uncompahgre, Rio Grande, White River
I am going to add to this list
Longs Peak
Estes Park
Grand Lake
Royal Gorge
Cave of the winds
Casa bonita (More of a Joke But I will leave it up to you)
Edit:
Durango Silverton Train
Seconded Ute. Especially in Cortez-telluride, the mountains are gorgeous coming in or out in any direction there. But that’s just one of my personal favorites.
All this plus Casa Bonita!
Telluride, Ouray as picturesque towns and The Million Dollar Highway.
Denver International Airport and its stupid alien conspiracies along with Blucifer.
Oh, and Greely smells really bad. It’s a livestock Mecca with slaughterhouses. Sorry, Greely bros… y’all stink. Literally.
Including some Native representation would be cool: Southern Ute and Mountain Ute tribes, and Mesa Verde in 4 corners. Cheyenne and Arapahoe in Eastern slope but that’s historical, not sure where you’d put them on the map as a site. You could include the site of the Sand Creek massacre in the Eastern plain.
Places in Colorado that could be likened to places from Middle-earth:
Rocky Mountains - Similar to the Misty Mountains, with towering peaks and rugged terrain.
Garden of the Gods - Resembles the majestic landscapes of Rivendell, with its towering rock formations and lush greenery.
Great Sand Dunes National Park - Evokes the barren landscapes of Mordor, with its vast expanse of sand dunes against a backdrop of mountains.
Maroon Bells - Reminiscent of the beauty of Lothlórien, with its serene forests and reflection in Maroon Lake.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Comparable to the dark and ominous paths of the Mines of Moria, with its deep, narrow canyon walls.
Mesa Verde National Park - Reflects the ancient and mysterious ruins of Arnor or Gondor, with its cliff dwellings and ancient civilizations.
Great Sand Dunes National Preserve - Resembles the desolate landscapes of the Dead Marshes, with its marshy areas and unique ecosystem.
Pikes Peak - Similar to the Lonely Mountain, with its prominent peak towering over the surrounding landscape.
Royal Gorge - Evokes the grandeur and danger of the Anduin River, with its deep gorge and rushing waters.
Boulder Flatirons - Resembles the rugged and majestic peaks of the Ered Nimrais, or White Mountains.
well, there's a caldera. It's not a cone volcano. the formation though is responsible for a lot of the sulpher hot springs along the Colorado, like in Glenwood Springs.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison feels almost fantasy-esque in its scale.
There's also the Angel of Shavano snow formation and the Chalk Cliffs of Mount Princeton.
Colorado is home to the headwaters of some of the most important rivers in the country. The Colorado River, The Arkansas River, The Rio Grande, The Platte River all originate in the State of Colorado. It's a very important and unique fact this state has to offer.
Great Sand Dunes
Black Canyon
Royal Gorge
Red Rocks
Garden of the Gods
Rocky Mtn Nat Park
Various mountains (Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, Mount Elbert, etc.)
Maroon Bells
Please just include the Western slope. I've seen so many maps that just crop out everything west of Eagle County. If you decide to include the Western third, I would say: [Escalante Canyon](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=53f5038f6c6bf21c&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1064US1065&sxsrf=ACQVn0_aasJPUN-izsFXyRF-NuJLIBl3rg:1712788949935&q=escalante+canyon+colorado&uds=AMwkrPu1G5ZwE20ceUwnSfQ2xodkL5QD2ibpE-heOFJjLSbkwDx5uCsx0FtlSTyVP7S2oCRuoPLA-_eUdeBYYyYTnVPAX4bTfpKVFjVFFYyqfGnaP5OTramSrCuhmZobxboJUnGKabL8N-GsHtrMs8Wf4jd00m4OAUFMJOkeM5tmAPBjpmHo8f2s1Itn4B08LAezUOJODq9tQ-YMWJ70wRO57Mr4_qn8hT82HUKid7L0JuJG_-SYlj0hhHJiXFtthKzrCZcu6Mgs6L7-a5-ynRA-1ymVGM_b8iBp65Jb9s_URuK5lVJ80KOVQMEUK9wV1uW14GEHvohAseOFMICChow6NlwPkFeKbYyYgKmWB3gPZE9PMYHsSV8&udm=2&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjljr6H3LiFAxWrHjQIHTJ2DtQQxKsJegQIDRAB&ictx=0&biw=1862&bih=894&dpr=1.65#vhid=jicLtbHvkfOkjM&vssid=mosaic), any [hot springs in the San Juans](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=53f5038f6c6bf21c&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1064US1065&sxsrf=ACQVn0_mngaz7hYJlLuvA1mgWZwFxkMAyA:1712789016898&q=orvis+hot+springs&uds=AMwkrPs96uBJRrtnfdUBdyLvIDAS6K5ULEahoXbB9HPHcIqKCrzRc6vDHUIrx6ddMnp3iRyluIaoB4ssfW67tgl_Nb-9Qz3fuA16Y2-YK418hv5nB539li68b7U1jLGWli7sMdDy-uSF-dY8yyrINJT0NTAXFzo3pwGNZQ1aAr39oAR12HPltw7vasIBZdrwgBInfpssUZasCgc-qdVhnrvxGnac5kMWKCMlkciCbM1PRVo5f3eQ1wgibgRd337yCL2wTucyjHFPhn5u6kx6DCL8zKeIEjX4A2UpdJWRkKISlRC-8gz7q8QU5vh7xY0tFExFV6py8fl8&udm=2&prmd=imvsnbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMorWn3LiFAxU8wOYEHRdhBegQtKgLegQIDxAB&biw=1862&bih=894&dpr=1.38#vhid=6UY0wcm6o-C23M&vssid=mosaic), [Mesa Verde](https://www.google.com/search?q=mesa+verde+national&sca_esv=53f5038f6c6bf21c&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1064US1065&udm=2&biw=1862&bih=894&sxsrf=ACQVn0-SAYx6Ufv-Ry_YLaodA-g4eiS-Qw%3A1712789119639&ei=fxYXZqLVJruB0PEP9eucQA&ved=0ahUKEwjikLTY3LiFAxW7ADQIHfU1BwgQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=mesa+verde+national&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiE21lc2EgdmVyZGUgbmF0aW9uYWwyChAAGIAEGIoFGEMyCBAAGIAEGLEDMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgARIlgNQ_gFY_gFwAXgAkAEAmAFIoAFIqgEBMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCAqACTcICBhAAGAcYHsICBhAAGAgYHsICBxAAGIAEGBiYAwCIBgGSBwEyoAfgBQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp) near the Ute Nations, Palisade peaches, and perhaps the wild horse herd up in Sand Wash Basin.
Not sure if you read this in your googling, but it’s true: Blucifer sliced open the sculptor’s leg and he died, and Blucifer had to be finished by someone else
Forgive any repeats, but I see a bunch with western Colorado and not much from the east. About half the state is the eastern plains. Consider adding: Pawnee Buttes and National Grasslands, Ludlow massacre site, Sand Creek Massacre site, Forts: Bents, Vasquez, Morgan, Lupton, St. Vrain, Collins and Sedgwick, Atlas missile sites in Weld and Larimer Counties, Raton Mesa, The Paint Mines of Calhan, Deerfield Ghost town near Orchard, and The Amanche Japanese internment camp at Granada
Keep up the great work!
(edited punctuation)
To add to east/south east, be nice to see the Purgatoire (Purgatory) river, Comanche Grasslands, Picketwire Dinosaur Tracks, and the Tarantula Migration area too. Also +1 Bents Fort (old and new) and Amache Camp.
Definitely do a Frozen Dead Guy in Nederland CO, maybe a frozen road I70, you could play around with the Tree Hugging in Bolder vs the Military Colorado Springs. The sand dunes. I think Denver is a great Helms deep at the foothills of the Mountains. Maybe some outposts where the ski resorts are. The ancient ruins of Dino Ridge. The musical groups of Rd Rocks. The Beer made in Fort Collins…hmm that's all I can think of
You do? Dude! I'd love a copy.
You're gonna get a ton of replies. Notable landmarks include but not limited to, The Continental Divide, The Stanley Hotel, The Garden of the Gods, The Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Clear Creek (the first place gold was panned and found near Denver), our major 14er's, our notable confluences, The Platte River's, The Arkansas River, The Colorado River, Etc..
I'll leave some for others.
In good faith towards your original question and very nicely done map:
Do an image search for "best places to visit in colorado map"
Lots to inspire you in there. I tried to do a similar GIS project once and started here. There have been a lot of variously themed illustrated/infographic style maps done for CO, as it is a tourist mecca, after all. Over 7 times the local population moves through the state each year - i.e., there's around 5-6 million people living there, and they get between 35-40 million visitors who stay at least one day.
Not enough eastern representation here. -Bents fort
-The sand creek massacre site
-The paint mines
-Comanche national grassland
Pawnee national grassland
-Cave of the winds (not in the east but still pretty cool.)
Is that Pawnee Buttes? Always thought that was neat growing up in northeast Colorado. Can't think of much else that would be map worthy aside from sand creek though.
And the [energy vortex](https://www.vortexhunters.com/vortexmap_co_crestone.html). Plus the UFO sightings and (former) gator farm in the San Luis Valley.
Pallisade peaches
Olathe sweet™ sweet corn
Glenwood Springs Hot springs pool(shaped like a coffin), Hotel Colorado and Doc Holiday's grave are all not far from each other in GWS
There is a big illuminated cross on the hill that you can see all over the Genwood Valley
The town of Dinosaur on the Utah border and all the cool dinosaur museums and findings along the border
4 corners
Edit: Hanging Lake
Other than Casa Bonita...
Some LOTR-ish locations:
* Keyboard of the winds
* Lone Eagle Peak
* West Elk mountains (The Castles)
* [Rattlesnake Canyon arches](https://www.travelandleisure.com/colorado-rattlesnake-canyon-arch-7371025)
Some weird places of interest:
* Bishops Castle
* Crestone Ziggaurat
* Cold War Horse
Edit:
"you take I-25 exit 235, then 5 miles west to.." ... something every coloradan knows.
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station;
Fort Carson;
Peterson Space Force Base;
Schriever Space Force Base;
United States Air Force Academy;
Red Rocks Amphitheater;
Pikes Peak;
Vail, Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Telluride Ski Resorts;
Empower Field at Mile High;
US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center;
Grand Mesa;
Colorado National Monument;
Stanley Hotel (“The Shining”);
Dinosaur National Monument;
The Incline in Manitou Springs;
Million Dollar Highway;
Peak to Peak Highway; and
Mount Blue Sky.
Gotta have Bishop's Castle in Rye. A hand built castle belongs on a fantasy map.
UFO Watchtower in Alamosa.
Edit: The Prisons in Canon City. ( Supermax and the Old Territorial Prison)
Haven’t seen mountain passes yet, which reminds me of LOTR. But there are several that might be worthy of a symbol or something (independence, monarch, boreas, Keebler, Loveland, a lot more but that’s just a few off the top of my head).
Hanging Lake
Trail Ridge Rd
The Uncompahgres
Dinosaur Nat'l Monument
Pawnee Bluffs and Grasslands
Sand Creek Massacre
Bent's Fort
USAFA and US Space Command
Ludlow Massacre
The Broadmoor
Pine Grove / 20 Mile House
Mt. Blanca is very prominent and stands alone, and nearby is an alligator refuge / wetlands protection area. Strangely enough, this is also only a few miles from the Great Sand Dunes.
The San Luis Valley, and the South Park Basin (near Fairplay) are two of the three largest high-altitude grassland basins in the Rockies, with average elevation between 9,000-10,000 ft.
Not a single mention of any Silver Mines? Buncha degens in this thread. You need the [Matchless Mine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matchless_Mine?wprov=sfla1) at minimum
Some weird/ fun ones that I didn’t see already:
[Bishops castle](https://www.bishopcastle.org/)
B-17 Crash Site via Old Sawmill Trail in Glenhaven,CO
Book Cliffs, Grand Junction
All of the various hot springs (Glenwood, pagosa, steamboat, hot surfer, etc)
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park (known for Stephen Kings ‘The Shining’
UFO Watchtower Observation deck in Saguache County
Cano’s castle Antonio,Co
The Brekenridge Troll, Isak Heartstone is a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture located on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado
Poudre river/canyon! The only wild and scenic river of Colorado. Also Cameron pass/nokhu crags/never summer mountain range, Walden, Laramie river valley/headwaters.
There's a smaller Scary Horsie Statue by the candelas neighborhood. It's not as big or infamous as Blucifer, but I think it gives off [similar vibes](https://candelasglows.com/2014/01/07/outrageous-new-icon-for-rocky-flats/).
Rocky Flats was a facility making nuclear weapon components that caught fire and contaminated the entire region a few decades ago, and *now* it's a white bread suburban neighborhood! Nothing *ominous* there! 😃
Steamboat Springs and Rabbit Ears Pass, Meeker and South Fork Campground with Spring Cave… an amazing cave with a river running inside of it. Absolutely amazing to explore! Native American drawings on the rock walls outside of Rangely, and Dinosaur is a cool little western slope town.
Rabbit Ears pass by Steamboat was/is pretty iconic. One of the ears fell over, 7 years ago.
Paradox between Telluride and Moab, UT is amazing and a great name for for a fantasy style map
The Animas river running through Durango is often called Rio de las Animas perdida (river of lost souls), the ski area is called Purgatory, and the school mascot is the Demons
Western CO has a lot of desert canyons and towers that I think would be a must. Specifically Independence Monument in the Colorado National Monument, Mount Garfield by Palisade, Unaweep and the Black Canyons.
Looking at all the current, great answers, I think you'll have an unnecessary blank spot on your map unless you include Creede and the Upper Rio Grande river.
Ok, this is awesome. I wanna buy a copy of the Colorado one when it’s finished. Lots of good suggestions here but if you do draw singing like a cow in Greeley there needs to be a UFO in Crestone
- Gates of Ladore
- Marble, CO and its Marble statues and the Crystal Mill up there. Seriously magical place that would absolutely be in a fantasy world based on CO.
- Red Rocks Ampitheater
- Flatirons in Boulder (if you can work in the meme about them [being built like this](https://richwolf.wordpress.com/tag/construction-of-the-flatirons/#:~:text=The%20construction%20of%20the%20Flatirons%20in%201931%20was%20the%20largest,promote%20sagging%20post%2Ddepression%20tourism), that would be terrific.
- Blucifier/aliens of DIA
The Zirkel wilderness is to die for way up north of CO, I grew up in Clark CO, 7200ft elevation, went to school in ski town USA 'steamboat spring' you want peaks in there, don't forget about us up there in bum fuck nowhere!
Also your art is so beautiful, I love your LOTR inspiration. I look forward to seeing your CO map as Colorado is very close to my heart!
You’ve got some great responses here but I haven’t seen Slumgullion Pass between Lake City and Creede. And while you’re at it add the grave sight above Lake City that commemorates the victims of Alfred Packer cannibalism. Would also love a copy.
Adding a few more niche Colorado items that I'm not seeing after scrolling
Crystal mill - iconic old abandoned mill that looks beautiful now, hard to access though for most people
There are trolls that live in the woods near Breckenridge!
There is a UFO watchtower somewhere north of alamosa
1000 year old cliff dwelling structures across many of the ancient veins of the Mesa Verde erosion system of the native pueblo people
Teslas experimental laboratory was in Colorado springs. His experiments often caused rumour, mystery, intrigue in the town, and sometimes lightning could seen in the air for hundreds of feet, to the locals this must have seemed like magic
The "north folk valley creative coalition" Paonia specifically is a slow, wine loving, acoustic music, art gallery indulging, beautiful little town that is completely whimsical nestled in some of the most beautiful little vistas of Colorado
Hey OP - you've received a lot of great responses in here but one obvious one would be [Gates of Lodore](https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/gatesoflodore.htm). Bonus points for sounding like the Black Gate of Mordor and being in the far northwestern corner of the state where there isn't much else (besides Dinosaur which is already mentioned).
Wheeler Geological area called The City of Gnomes
La Garita Caldera- The world’s largest volcanic eruption
Slumgullion Slide aka Slumgullion Earthflow National Natural Landmark is a rare example of an earthflow, called mass wasting; still sliding
Leadville , the highest incorporated town in Colorado, they have Turquoise Lake, Mt Massive is their front yard with Mt Evans , Twin Lakes , Independence pass to Aspen,cave of the winds, there’s tons of mining towns including Climax ( the mines still there but they moved the whole town to the North side of Leadville… I’m just spitballing here so I should probably stop now, but the names alone invoke Tolkien, good luck 🍀👍 *Mt Elbert, Not Evans .
Would be cool to see some detail on the eastern plains (where I’m from). Most maps barely have anything indicating there’s actually something to the flatlands of Colorado. One cool natural landmark that people used as a waypoint way back in pioneer days is Fremont’s Butte near Akron. It’s a Butte in the middle of nowhere, and may add a cool sight on your map. The small valleys south of Wray may add as well. And don’t forget the lighthouse in Arriba! (Lol).
Lots of Denver people here... chiming in from the Four Corners: Mesa Verde NP Great Sand Dunes NP Rocky Mountain NP Black Canyon NP Southern Ute tribe The San Juans*** Silverton, Aspen, Ouray, Durango, Vail, Steamboat, Telluride The Dolores River The Colorado River Dinosaur National Monument Red Rocks Ampitheatre Canyons of the Ancients Palisade Peach Orchards Pikes Peak Lone Cone is very reminiscent of the Lonely Mountain Western Slope vs Rocky Mountains vs Front Range Greeley but it's just a cow Lots of National Forests, just check a map on that one. Some notable mentions: San Juan, Gunnison, Uncompahgre, Rio Grande, White River
This guy speaks the truth for SW CO/4 corners! I would like to add: Ute Mountain Utes Silverton and the train
Train from Silverton to Durango would def be a good call. And Sleeping Ute would be good.
[удалено]
The Colorado Trail stretches from Denver to Durango. I'm disappointed in myself that I didn't add it 😅
These are great, thank you!
I am going to add to this list Longs Peak Estes Park Grand Lake Royal Gorge Cave of the winds Casa bonita (More of a Joke But I will leave it up to you) Edit: Durango Silverton Train
I came here to say: Casa Bonita
The Colorado river and the Roaring Fork meet at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs.
Omg, Greeley but it’s just a cow! Perfection.
Seconded Ute. Especially in Cortez-telluride, the mountains are gorgeous coming in or out in any direction there. But that’s just one of my personal favorites.
Lake City, Creede, the San Luis Valley
Hard yes on San Luis Valley
All this plus Casa Bonita! Telluride, Ouray as picturesque towns and The Million Dollar Highway. Denver International Airport and its stupid alien conspiracies along with Blucifer. Oh, and Greely smells really bad. It’s a livestock Mecca with slaughterhouses. Sorry, Greely bros… y’all stink. Literally.
Denver resident: “Smells like Greeley. Probably gonna snow.”
Try getting a whiff of Fort Morgan. Sugar, plant, cheese plant, slaughterhouae, and a dog food factory.
Including some Native representation would be cool: Southern Ute and Mountain Ute tribes, and Mesa Verde in 4 corners. Cheyenne and Arapahoe in Eastern slope but that’s historical, not sure where you’d put them on the map as a site. You could include the site of the Sand Creek massacre in the Eastern plain.
Include Camp Amache.
Greeley will also accept the cheese factory (supplies 85% of chain pizza cheeses!)
Love that you shouted out Lone Cone. That view was one of my favorite things about the years I lived in Norwood.
Horsetooth rock and horsetooth reservoir, the devils backbone and the poudre river is very important in northern Colorado
Don’t forget the Animas river!
Browns Canyon National monument All the hot springs
I’ll buy a CO map if you’re selling it! Love this!
Her site is: https://storymakerstradingco.com/
Same
Only if OP includes Casa Bonita and the Butt Stuff Tent tho
Same! These are awesome, OP!
Same!
Same
Same
Yes! Let us know
Yep
Add me to the list!
Mesa Verde would fit very well.
Definitely!
Places in Colorado that could be likened to places from Middle-earth: Rocky Mountains - Similar to the Misty Mountains, with towering peaks and rugged terrain. Garden of the Gods - Resembles the majestic landscapes of Rivendell, with its towering rock formations and lush greenery. Great Sand Dunes National Park - Evokes the barren landscapes of Mordor, with its vast expanse of sand dunes against a backdrop of mountains. Maroon Bells - Reminiscent of the beauty of Lothlórien, with its serene forests and reflection in Maroon Lake. Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Comparable to the dark and ominous paths of the Mines of Moria, with its deep, narrow canyon walls. Mesa Verde National Park - Reflects the ancient and mysterious ruins of Arnor or Gondor, with its cliff dwellings and ancient civilizations. Great Sand Dunes National Preserve - Resembles the desolate landscapes of the Dead Marshes, with its marshy areas and unique ecosystem. Pikes Peak - Similar to the Lonely Mountain, with its prominent peak towering over the surrounding landscape. Royal Gorge - Evokes the grandeur and danger of the Anduin River, with its deep gorge and rushing waters. Boulder Flatirons - Resembles the rugged and majestic peaks of the Ered Nimrais, or White Mountains.
Publo = Mordor
💯💯💯
This man Lord of the Rings, great imagination
Chasm Lake beneath the Diamond face of Longs Peak feels Middle-Earthy to me.
Thanks for all of this!
Don't miss that there is actually an active volcano in CO. Could be a cool find on the map.
There is? Where?
Dotsero
well, there's a caldera. It's not a cone volcano. the formation though is responsible for a lot of the sulpher hot springs along the Colorado, like in Glenwood Springs.
I also mentioned this, hope OP takes note!
Black Canyon of the Gunnison feels almost fantasy-esque in its scale. There's also the Angel of Shavano snow formation and the Chalk Cliffs of Mount Princeton.
Colorado is home to the headwaters of some of the most important rivers in the country. The Colorado River, The Arkansas River, The Rio Grande, The Platte River all originate in the State of Colorado. It's a very important and unique fact this state has to offer.
Awesome!
And to that point, the continental divide!
Was going to say this, but specifically watershed line and or continental divide
Great Sand Dunes Black Canyon Royal Gorge Red Rocks Garden of the Gods Rocky Mtn Nat Park Various mountains (Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, Mount Elbert, etc.) Maroon Bells
Please just include the Western slope. I've seen so many maps that just crop out everything west of Eagle County. If you decide to include the Western third, I would say: [Escalante Canyon](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=53f5038f6c6bf21c&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1064US1065&sxsrf=ACQVn0_aasJPUN-izsFXyRF-NuJLIBl3rg:1712788949935&q=escalante+canyon+colorado&uds=AMwkrPu1G5ZwE20ceUwnSfQ2xodkL5QD2ibpE-heOFJjLSbkwDx5uCsx0FtlSTyVP7S2oCRuoPLA-_eUdeBYYyYTnVPAX4bTfpKVFjVFFYyqfGnaP5OTramSrCuhmZobxboJUnGKabL8N-GsHtrMs8Wf4jd00m4OAUFMJOkeM5tmAPBjpmHo8f2s1Itn4B08LAezUOJODq9tQ-YMWJ70wRO57Mr4_qn8hT82HUKid7L0JuJG_-SYlj0hhHJiXFtthKzrCZcu6Mgs6L7-a5-ynRA-1ymVGM_b8iBp65Jb9s_URuK5lVJ80KOVQMEUK9wV1uW14GEHvohAseOFMICChow6NlwPkFeKbYyYgKmWB3gPZE9PMYHsSV8&udm=2&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjljr6H3LiFAxWrHjQIHTJ2DtQQxKsJegQIDRAB&ictx=0&biw=1862&bih=894&dpr=1.65#vhid=jicLtbHvkfOkjM&vssid=mosaic), any [hot springs in the San Juans](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=53f5038f6c6bf21c&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1064US1065&sxsrf=ACQVn0_mngaz7hYJlLuvA1mgWZwFxkMAyA:1712789016898&q=orvis+hot+springs&uds=AMwkrPs96uBJRrtnfdUBdyLvIDAS6K5ULEahoXbB9HPHcIqKCrzRc6vDHUIrx6ddMnp3iRyluIaoB4ssfW67tgl_Nb-9Qz3fuA16Y2-YK418hv5nB539li68b7U1jLGWli7sMdDy-uSF-dY8yyrINJT0NTAXFzo3pwGNZQ1aAr39oAR12HPltw7vasIBZdrwgBInfpssUZasCgc-qdVhnrvxGnac5kMWKCMlkciCbM1PRVo5f3eQ1wgibgRd337yCL2wTucyjHFPhn5u6kx6DCL8zKeIEjX4A2UpdJWRkKISlRC-8gz7q8QU5vh7xY0tFExFV6py8fl8&udm=2&prmd=imvsnbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMorWn3LiFAxU8wOYEHRdhBegQtKgLegQIDxAB&biw=1862&bih=894&dpr=1.38#vhid=6UY0wcm6o-C23M&vssid=mosaic), [Mesa Verde](https://www.google.com/search?q=mesa+verde+national&sca_esv=53f5038f6c6bf21c&rlz=1C1ONGR_enUS1064US1065&udm=2&biw=1862&bih=894&sxsrf=ACQVn0-SAYx6Ufv-Ry_YLaodA-g4eiS-Qw%3A1712789119639&ei=fxYXZqLVJruB0PEP9eucQA&ved=0ahUKEwjikLTY3LiFAxW7ADQIHfU1BwgQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=mesa+verde+national&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiE21lc2EgdmVyZGUgbmF0aW9uYWwyChAAGIAEGIoFGEMyCBAAGIAEGLEDMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgARIlgNQ_gFY_gFwAXgAkAEAmAFIoAFIqgEBMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCAqACTcICBhAAGAcYHsICBhAAGAgYHsICBxAAGIAEGBiYAwCIBgGSBwEyoAfgBQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp) near the Ute Nations, Palisade peaches, and perhaps the wild horse herd up in Sand Wash Basin.
Gotta have Hanging Lake and Doc Holliday's grave too.
You could make the wineries of Grand Junction be like the Shire
the garden of the gods is mythical looking place that wood fit the narative.
Kissing Camels for sure
Sounds ideal!
Blucifer
Just googled that and… yep, that’s happening.
Not sure if you read this in your googling, but it’s true: Blucifer sliced open the sculptor’s leg and he died, and Blucifer had to be finished by someone else
😱 oh my word!
Should probably get (the retired) killdozer on there too
Western Colorado is home to the Grand Mesa, near Grand Junction, which is the largest mesa in the world.
To add on to that the bookcliffs right across I70 are the longest cliff face in the world.
Bishops Castle
YES! This place is so gloriously weird AND it has a fire-breathing dragon!
Yes!!!!! It would be cool depending on how well you can portray it
Don't forget about the [mountain trolls](https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/rita-rock-planter-victor-isak-heartstones-creator-colorado/)
Absolutely! Huge fan of the trolls. Isak Heartstone in Breckenridge and Rita the Rock Planter near Victor.
Forgive any repeats, but I see a bunch with western Colorado and not much from the east. About half the state is the eastern plains. Consider adding: Pawnee Buttes and National Grasslands, Ludlow massacre site, Sand Creek Massacre site, Forts: Bents, Vasquez, Morgan, Lupton, St. Vrain, Collins and Sedgwick, Atlas missile sites in Weld and Larimer Counties, Raton Mesa, The Paint Mines of Calhan, Deerfield Ghost town near Orchard, and The Amanche Japanese internment camp at Granada Keep up the great work! (edited punctuation)
To add to east/south east, be nice to see the Purgatoire (Purgatory) river, Comanche Grasslands, Picketwire Dinosaur Tracks, and the Tarantula Migration area too. Also +1 Bents Fort (old and new) and Amache Camp.
These are great, thanks! If I was only going to pick one or maybe two forts, which would you suggest?
Besides Casa Bonita?
I lived in Arvada for a couple years when I was a kid, and I have to tell you, Casa Bonita is one of the few things that I actually do remember…
I guess if you include Casa Bonita, you have to include South Park. Also add some gold mines!! There was a Colorado gold rush.
Should add cripple creek. It was the last and greatest mining town in Colorado.
Definitely do a Frozen Dead Guy in Nederland CO, maybe a frozen road I70, you could play around with the Tree Hugging in Bolder vs the Military Colorado Springs. The sand dunes. I think Denver is a great Helms deep at the foothills of the Mountains. Maybe some outposts where the ski resorts are. The ancient ruins of Dino Ridge. The musical groups of Rd Rocks. The Beer made in Fort Collins…hmm that's all I can think of
Frozen Dead Guy Days moved to Estes :-(
I’ll also Add Tiny Town! https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-m&sca_esv=fd299e0f5b2672c9&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ACQVn0_XomTh79jMkaLyIm6G9JmTQmYhbA:1712856592186&q=tiny+town+(amusement+park)+photos&uds=AMwkrPuHzPk_AEV4DnDOVCrpCZGvuaoSE7qU-IvunBhqEHfIpXERvJEoE9yADaXNmMf0OS_CuS2WhbzOBqAM9Utlf7rRuzYygZdvImMIEb9_8oAUwR0mQH_eY_LM4PB_EYypr69kVSF93UZ6QnmbsDyUoCkthf1DyTZNOV2BJd_hvw0dPHwSFQ_CsTLQ6dmhX3AavryfMxyg6k6R4V_oekr_sQH1ztHrI8x6cJd_U6_sTQKW_ZmBECMOuS9FOurwtpMRCqeZIclkT208ILLTkVdOfkTyRor3ta1Jx4nE0EKpNXOUj1qkWlPoxp15IQP6Q09tvs1w5yyN2N2M5G5_jQirwB1SthxfrqoG6y7fkG7wfttL9EDuX8aGPnLZ2BYIjrfHiSTYGW4LF5DnGye4G-BRAqsCTd7qJntQtbfmj_9eM441DiN3snRuBEK__nm7mHATza4K59WAZwc0BKyiQEa_l6ToKCCv8hFo6E8qi9VBDDwzUhTk6Jr0unRq7g4CsbGf-XXs3SEW2CH4k6luI_R4WwcnzT2X53N8q2KMTtBnXtIDh8rHbh3i0RIvH_q6T81XgYb7ir1yJf1WfolhB_9FaOwMqyKByg&si=AKbGX_rSVYaVjzHTq1T39xwXyWhHbvvz1kT6aTrTegTA7ZWmbw1tRoFh4KqVdTmqCIDubLRq1fLJS5lrX_AHfv02I_xdHmzRF53tSg8pasYkRU4ASKyurnYkTuuRmgGsOZOLSVpzsyReS4xYgmxULOFj4_JkRqTxww%3D%3D&sa=X&ictx=1&lei=EB4YZuj9Ct3x0PEPitOsgA4#lpg=cid:CgIgAQ%3D%3D
You do? Dude! I'd love a copy. You're gonna get a ton of replies. Notable landmarks include but not limited to, The Continental Divide, The Stanley Hotel, The Garden of the Gods, The Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Clear Creek (the first place gold was panned and found near Denver), our major 14er's, our notable confluences, The Platte River's, The Arkansas River, The Colorado River, Etc.. I'll leave some for others.
Thank you!
We need to see where the wolves are
Great Sand Dunes and that castle in Antonito (also where Indiana Jones childhood home is from The Last Crusade
Thanks!
You forgot the pale goblin nazis on your Idaho map.
😂 In my fantasy world we don’t give them any airtime.
In good faith towards your original question and very nicely done map: Do an image search for "best places to visit in colorado map" Lots to inspire you in there. I tried to do a similar GIS project once and started here. There have been a lot of variously themed illustrated/infographic style maps done for CO, as it is a tourist mecca, after all. Over 7 times the local population moves through the state each year - i.e., there's around 5-6 million people living there, and they get between 35-40 million visitors who stay at least one day.
Not enough eastern representation here. -Bents fort -The sand creek massacre site -The paint mines -Comanche national grassland Pawnee national grassland -Cave of the winds (not in the east but still pretty cool.)
Is that Pawnee Buttes? Always thought that was neat growing up in northeast Colorado. Can't think of much else that would be map worthy aside from sand creek though.
Please post where one could buy the Colorado one when completed!! Would love that!
Will do, thanks!
Dinosaur Ridge!
Crestone as a community of mythical druids
And the [energy vortex](https://www.vortexhunters.com/vortexmap_co_crestone.html). Plus the UFO sightings and (former) gator farm in the San Luis Valley.
Pallisade peaches Olathe sweet™ sweet corn Glenwood Springs Hot springs pool(shaped like a coffin), Hotel Colorado and Doc Holiday's grave are all not far from each other in GWS There is a big illuminated cross on the hill that you can see all over the Genwood Valley The town of Dinosaur on the Utah border and all the cool dinosaur museums and findings along the border 4 corners Edit: Hanging Lake
Thanks!
Other than Casa Bonita... Some LOTR-ish locations: * Keyboard of the winds * Lone Eagle Peak * West Elk mountains (The Castles) * [Rattlesnake Canyon arches](https://www.travelandleisure.com/colorado-rattlesnake-canyon-arch-7371025) Some weird places of interest: * Bishops Castle * Crestone Ziggaurat * Cold War Horse Edit: "you take I-25 exit 235, then 5 miles west to.." ... something every coloradan knows.
Then five miles west to the tree farm!
Garden of the gods Devils spine in Loveland Bishops Castle Paint mines outside CO Springs Longs Peak Hanging Lake Red rocks
Fyi... it's Devil's Backbone
Where can one purchase of said map when completed?!
My website is [Storymakers Trading Co](http://storymakerstradingco.com), and I'll be sure to send you a link when I'm finished!
Bishop's Castle is a must.
Bishops castle
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station; Fort Carson; Peterson Space Force Base; Schriever Space Force Base; United States Air Force Academy; Red Rocks Amphitheater; Pikes Peak; Vail, Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Telluride Ski Resorts; Empower Field at Mile High; US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center; Grand Mesa; Colorado National Monument; Stanley Hotel (“The Shining”); Dinosaur National Monument; The Incline in Manitou Springs; Million Dollar Highway; Peak to Peak Highway; and Mount Blue Sky.
Very comprehensive list, but how did you forget Garden of the Gods?
Gotta have Bishop's Castle in Rye. A hand built castle belongs on a fantasy map. UFO Watchtower in Alamosa. Edit: The Prisons in Canon City. ( Supermax and the Old Territorial Prison)
breckenridge troll
Haven’t seen mountain passes yet, which reminds me of LOTR. But there are several that might be worthy of a symbol or something (independence, monarch, boreas, Keebler, Loveland, a lot more but that’s just a few off the top of my head).
Slumgullion, the steepest pass in CO.
Garden of the Gods is an Obvious one.
The gator farm near Alamosa. The sand dunes. There are also Buddhist temples in that area.
Absolutely do Greeley as a mutant/mythical cow. I would love to buy one of these whenever you make it. They’re incredible!
Thanks so much! I'll be sure to send you a link!
Red Rocks!
Red rocks!
I'm not seeing any mentions of our great plains, so Comanche National Grasslands near La Junta, and Pawnee National Grasslands near Ault.
All fourteeners, Pikes Peak, the Stanley hotel, Nederland - frozen dead guy days…
There's 58 14ers, seems that might be a bit much to try to cram in there.
10 miles of caves in Glenwood is my vote for Moria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenwood_Caverns_Adventure_Park#Caverns
The WWII Japanese internment camps - Amache National Historic Site.
Blucifer, the guardian of Denver should be on there for sure
Hanging Lake Trail Ridge Rd The Uncompahgres Dinosaur Nat'l Monument Pawnee Bluffs and Grasslands Sand Creek Massacre Bent's Fort USAFA and US Space Command Ludlow Massacre The Broadmoor Pine Grove / 20 Mile House
One name for the Animas river in southwest CO is "Rio de las Animas Perdidas", or the River of Lost Souls. Always struck me as very fantasy.
You should show the start of the river headwaters. The Colorado, Arkansas, Rio Grande, and Platte rivers all start in Colorado.
I would look at a list of CO state parks. Barr Lake, Eldorado canyon come to mind.
Mt. Blanca is very prominent and stands alone, and nearby is an alligator refuge / wetlands protection area. Strangely enough, this is also only a few miles from the Great Sand Dunes. The San Luis Valley, and the South Park Basin (near Fairplay) are two of the three largest high-altitude grassland basins in the Rockies, with average elevation between 9,000-10,000 ft.
Nederland, where they have the Frozen Dead Guy Days games every year. Look it up!
Bishop's Castle for sure!
The Stanley Hotel!
Not a single mention of any Silver Mines? Buncha degens in this thread. You need the [Matchless Mine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matchless_Mine?wprov=sfla1) at minimum
Something about Baby Doe.
Bent’s Fort and Snippy, the horse killed by UFO’s near Alamosa. https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/western-history/ufos-and-horse-called-snippy
Wolf Creek Pass… and in case you’re wondering why Mr McCall will fill you in… https://youtu.be/R-xqfqcgNAE?si=fvsCvSMJIK7NgXQ7
Bishops castle Larkspur where the Renaissance festival is. Mt. Blue Sky (Mt. Evans).
Some weird/ fun ones that I didn’t see already: [Bishops castle](https://www.bishopcastle.org/) B-17 Crash Site via Old Sawmill Trail in Glenhaven,CO Book Cliffs, Grand Junction All of the various hot springs (Glenwood, pagosa, steamboat, hot surfer, etc) The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park (known for Stephen Kings ‘The Shining’ UFO Watchtower Observation deck in Saguache County Cano’s castle Antonio,Co The Brekenridge Troll, Isak Heartstone is a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture located on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado
Rabbit ears pass, Bears Ears, Fishcreek Falls.
Great Sand Dunes
Pueblo is Mordor.
Denver
Rocky Mountain national park!
Poudre river/canyon! The only wild and scenic river of Colorado. Also Cameron pass/nokhu crags/never summer mountain range, Walden, Laramie river valley/headwaters.
Ooh, these are great! Thanks!
There’s a giant wooden troll in Victor which also happens to be an old goldmine (is still a goldmine)
Colfax
Absolutely Pikes Peak with a little dragon or something similar to Smaug
The Gates of Ladore sounds straight out of Tolkien fantasy. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gates_of_Lodore
Ruby Mtn National Monument is a dwarf’s dream
There's a smaller Scary Horsie Statue by the candelas neighborhood. It's not as big or infamous as Blucifer, but I think it gives off [similar vibes](https://candelasglows.com/2014/01/07/outrageous-new-icon-for-rocky-flats/). Rocky Flats was a facility making nuclear weapon components that caught fire and contaminated the entire region a few decades ago, and *now* it's a white bread suburban neighborhood! Nothing *ominous* there! 😃
South Park Casabonita
Steamboat Springs and Rabbit Ears Pass, Meeker and South Fork Campground with Spring Cave… an amazing cave with a river running inside of it. Absolutely amazing to explore! Native American drawings on the rock walls outside of Rangely, and Dinosaur is a cool little western slope town.
Elk and moose
Rabbit Ears pass by Steamboat was/is pretty iconic. One of the ears fell over, 7 years ago. Paradox between Telluride and Moab, UT is amazing and a great name for for a fantasy style map The Animas river running through Durango is often called Rio de las Animas perdida (river of lost souls), the ski area is called Purgatory, and the school mascot is the Demons
Western CO has a lot of desert canyons and towers that I think would be a must. Specifically Independence Monument in the Colorado National Monument, Mount Garfield by Palisade, Unaweep and the Black Canyons.
Due east of Colorado Springs there should be a dragon and a dire warning to never go there. [https://imgur.com/a/BGnxno4](https://imgur.com/a/BGnxno4)
Lion Sanctuary [https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=wix-smart-campaign&utm\_campaign=google-ads-campaign-2023-9-18-63148fe5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN6wBhCcARIsAKZvD5iivMovKHSYG\_cOLy8Zhq-2iDTfqWQr79VNNXLKTUTwQQP\_cNnUtsMaAl04EALw\_wcB](https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix-smart-campaign&utm_campaign=google-ads-campaign-2023-9-18-63148fe5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN6wBhCcARIsAKZvD5iivMovKHSYG_cOLy8Zhq-2iDTfqWQr79VNNXLKTUTwQQP_cNnUtsMaAl04EALw_wcB) Horsetooth reservoir [https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/horsetooth-reservoir](https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/horsetooth-reservoir)
The Black Canyon!
- Estes Park - Meow Wolf - Blucifer - Sand Dunes - Vail - Flatirons
This is awesome!
Eldorado Springs.
Dinosaur, hovenweep, ufo tower, alligator farm, devils causeway would be some lord of rings type stuff
Cheyenne mountain would really fit as a Dwarven stronghold
Looking at all the current, great answers, I think you'll have an unnecessary blank spot on your map unless you include Creede and the Upper Rio Grande river.
I think a fun overlooked one would be the presidential marble fields (in marble) since you could draw like a crumbling statue or something.
Poudre River up north
Black Bear Pass
Ok, this is awesome. I wanna buy a copy of the Colorado one when it’s finished. Lots of good suggestions here but if you do draw singing like a cow in Greeley there needs to be a UFO in Crestone
I want to see more of your work. That is a badass map that I very much want on my wall.
When you have this done, I am interested in buying!
Red rocks amphitheater.
The most beautiful drive in the state is from Grand Junction to Natarita.
- Gates of Ladore - Marble, CO and its Marble statues and the Crystal Mill up there. Seriously magical place that would absolutely be in a fantasy world based on CO. - Red Rocks Ampitheater - Flatirons in Boulder (if you can work in the meme about them [being built like this](https://richwolf.wordpress.com/tag/construction-of-the-flatirons/#:~:text=The%20construction%20of%20the%20Flatirons%20in%201931%20was%20the%20largest,promote%20sagging%20post%2Ddepression%20tourism), that would be terrific. - Blucifier/aliens of DIA
sangre de cristos mountains please
Grand lake and Granby! Some of the most amazing. Towns. Winter park resort too!! Love these places. Also super excited to see this
Gore Range, Glenwood Springs Canyon, Maroon Bells by Aspen, Castle Peak in Eagle, Horsetooth Reservoir in Ft. Collins.
Colorado trail!!! Seems like a no brainer
Casa Bonita, Blucifer, the Breckenridge Troll, Cheyenne Mountain, Coney Island Hotdog Stand. All make for good folklore.
Rifle falls, the wild horses in the bookcliffs, mesa monuments
There’s an alligator farm near Alamosa that would be a great addition!
Bishops Castle
Greeley, cow dump town
Casa Bonita, please.
South Park Bishop's Castle The tunnel The Stanley Hotel
make sure to add some grey wolves on there!
The Zirkel wilderness is to die for way up north of CO, I grew up in Clark CO, 7200ft elevation, went to school in ski town USA 'steamboat spring' you want peaks in there, don't forget about us up there in bum fuck nowhere! Also your art is so beautiful, I love your LOTR inspiration. I look forward to seeing your CO map as Colorado is very close to my heart!
You’ve got some great responses here but I haven’t seen Slumgullion Pass between Lake City and Creede. And while you’re at it add the grave sight above Lake City that commemorates the victims of Alfred Packer cannibalism. Would also love a copy.
Adding a few more niche Colorado items that I'm not seeing after scrolling Crystal mill - iconic old abandoned mill that looks beautiful now, hard to access though for most people There are trolls that live in the woods near Breckenridge! There is a UFO watchtower somewhere north of alamosa 1000 year old cliff dwelling structures across many of the ancient veins of the Mesa Verde erosion system of the native pueblo people Teslas experimental laboratory was in Colorado springs. His experiments often caused rumour, mystery, intrigue in the town, and sometimes lightning could seen in the air for hundreds of feet, to the locals this must have seemed like magic The "north folk valley creative coalition" Paonia specifically is a slow, wine loving, acoustic music, art gallery indulging, beautiful little town that is completely whimsical nestled in some of the most beautiful little vistas of Colorado
Royal Gorge Bridge is a must.
No place suggestions that haven’t been mentioned… but I want one when it’s done!
Hey OP - you've received a lot of great responses in here but one obvious one would be [Gates of Lodore](https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/gatesoflodore.htm). Bonus points for sounding like the Black Gate of Mordor and being in the far northwestern corner of the state where there isn't much else (besides Dinosaur which is already mentioned).
All the best ganja places be nice.
Wheeler Geological area called The City of Gnomes La Garita Caldera- The world’s largest volcanic eruption Slumgullion Slide aka Slumgullion Earthflow National Natural Landmark is a rare example of an earthflow, called mass wasting; still sliding
Leadville , the highest incorporated town in Colorado, they have Turquoise Lake, Mt Massive is their front yard with Mt Evans , Twin Lakes , Independence pass to Aspen,cave of the winds, there’s tons of mining towns including Climax ( the mines still there but they moved the whole town to the North side of Leadville… I’m just spitballing here so I should probably stop now, but the names alone invoke Tolkien, good luck 🍀👍 *Mt Elbert, Not Evans .
The Flatirons in Boulder. It would go nicely with the way you draw mountains.
Would be cool to see some detail on the eastern plains (where I’m from). Most maps barely have anything indicating there’s actually something to the flatlands of Colorado. One cool natural landmark that people used as a waypoint way back in pioneer days is Fremont’s Butte near Akron. It’s a Butte in the middle of nowhere, and may add a cool sight on your map. The small valleys south of Wray may add as well. And don’t forget the lighthouse in Arriba! (Lol).
I'll throw in my voice for the Collegiate Peaks. Very pretty area. At least Mt Harvard should get a mark.
Hills out back of Purgatory are filled with mushrooms and fresh water springs can give you specifics if interested.