Colorado geology and topography map courtesy of USGS: A Tapestry of Time and Terrain
What does "Colorado" mean?
Colorado is of Spanish origin, meaning "colored red." All State Name Origins
The name was applied to the Colorado river because of the red sandstone soil of the region, and came into use for the entire territory after the discovery of gold in the Pike's Peak region. In 1861 congress chose Colorado as the name for the Territory. In 1876 Colorado became the 38th state.
One of Colorado's nicknames is "Colorful Colorado" because of the magnificent scenery of mountains, rivers and plains.