"Pika and Columbine: A juvenile pika stops, smells and tries to lick a Rocky Mountain Columbine high up in the talus fields in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Rocky Mountain Columbine is Colorado’s state flower."

"Sandboarding the towering dunefield at Great Sand Dunes National Park."

"I love coming here to hike and for events; they are always so much fun with a beautiful background of rocks and a view of the city."

"Northern Pintail preening in Barr Lake."

"A photo of the mountains from Silverthorne"

"Crystal-clear alpine waters nestled beneath a steep, snow-dusted peak in the wilderness."

"A solitary bull moose framed by evergreen branches along the shoreline of Brainard Lake."

"I took it when I moved back to Colorado after being away for ten years. I remember seeing this sign and thinking, "I'm home.""

"Every October, the Telluride Horror Show takes place. After being inside watching a dark movie, opening the doors onto this vista is surreal. On this day, the skies opened to this awe-inspiring view of Ajax Peak, taken from Main Street."

"Rifle Falls State Park is the only triple waterfall I've ever seen. It's an especially great way to cool off during the summer."

"Rocky Mountain National Park Bear Lake Winter Milkyway"

"Watching wild horses run across the snowy sagebrush of Sand Wash Basin feels like stepping back into an older Colorado. It's a reminder that some of the state's greatest treasures are still untamed."

"Fresh blanket of snow adorns Haystack Mountain and surrounding foothills"

"Rolling aspen groves, evergreen forests, and mountain vistas stretch across our National Forest. The public lands that belong to all of us."

"Snow-covered trail offering striking winter views of Hallett Peak and Tyndall Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park."

"Bighorn Sheep Waterton Canyon: Waterton Canyon is known for its bighorn sheep herd. The canyon, which follows the South Platte River, is popular year-round for hiking, biking and fishing."

"Maroon Bells"

"Photo of Rocky Mountain Lake park in Denver, on one spectacular fall walk in Denver."

"The Blue Columbine, Colorado's State Flower, is set against the rugged grandeur of 14,252 foot Mt. Wilson in the Lizard Head Wilderness Area."

"This is at the top of a hike in Breckenridge. Standing by this alpine lake and love how the glassy water reflects the slope behind it. -Kaitlin Schatz"

"Peonies I saw while walking in Denver. These peonies, with their layered pink petals and golden centers are so pretty and special. -Cara O'Donell"

"Steamboat Lake State Park is always a great place to visit."

"Morning mist drifts over calm waters and dense pine reflections at Hahn’s Peak Lake north of Steamboat Springs."

"Yampa River west of Steamboat Springs"

"Chasm Lake in RMNP on the back side of Longs Peak. My friend and I pretending to do a yoga move on a rock."

"Enjoying the vastness of Cherokee State Wildlife Area"

"A spectacular petroglyph panel in the Dolores River Canyon Country: the region is long connected to several Tribes and Pueblos."

"I love coming here to hike and for events; they are always so much fun with a beautiful background of rocks and a view of the city."

"Winding road through a lush mountain valley with a rushing creek along Independence Pass."

"Lightning over Thornton"

"Brainard Lake: Brainard Lake Recreation Area draw visitors from all over the world hoping to see a majestic moose nibbling willows. With multiple recreational opportunities, this area is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts."

"A beautiful late spring evening in Crested Butte. Lupines illuminated at sunset."

"When Seasons Collide. Autumn meets Winter on Last Dollar Road, San Juan Mountains."

"Rattlesnake Canyon Arches—hiking to explore McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area"

"Photos from Mesa Verde. It was such a fun trip and a unique place with so many interesting details."

"A view of the mountains from Cherry Hills Village. Watching the geese fly across the pink sunset over the mountains is really pretty."

"Hiking Shrine Mountain Trail with friends; this hike was so beautiful."

"Lush summer foliage and tall pines opening up to a view of rolling mountain ranges under scattered cloud cover."

"As a former ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park, I know intimately the magic found within Colorado's parks and public lands. Here a butterfly lands on a friend's hand while we enjoy Rocky's alpine tundra."

"I’ll never forget the day of soaking in the hot springs and watching a storm roll over the jagged sides of Mount Sneffels."

"Moose eats grass in a forest field on Fourth of July trail."

"A pastel of cattle grazing beneath a towering golden autumn tree set against a sunlit hillside."

"The red rock canyon walls along Rim Rock Drive."

"Fall colors brush the mountain slopes surrounding the historic town of Ouray nestled in the Uncompahgre Valley."

"Hikers on a high-alpine ridge looking across toward the jagged profile of the Sawtooth Ridge and Abyss Lake below."

"White Tailed Jack Rabbit Camo: The very rarely seen White Tail Jackrabbits live in between the tree-lines and the forested area. These hares turn white over the winter and brown during the summer."

"There's nothing quite like the open expanse of the Comanche National Grasslands. It's a haven for unique wildlife, like this roadrunner captured in a rare moment of stillness on the plains."

"Poudre Canyon is one of many places in Colorado where you can take a fantastic fall foliage drive, but with the added bonus of avoiding some of the crowds in other areas!"

"Coatimundis have moved into this park from South America, our first observance of them!"

"This is one of my favorite hikes in the San Juan Mountains. I have years of memories with friends here, and the strenuous climb is so worth the payout."

"Mount Bierstadt offers some of the most rewarding alpine views in the Front Range. Standing at the summit, hikers are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding peaks, including the jagged ridges of neighboring Mount Blue Sky and the deep valley of the Guanella Pass below."

"Rocky Mountain National Park holds a special place in my heart because it continually inspires and humbles me. Whether I am watching the sun set over the Rockies, seeing storms roll across the mountains, spotting wildlife, or taking in the views from Trail Ridge Road, the park always renews my spirit. It leaves me with a deep sense of peace, wonder, and gratitude."

"I love coming here to hike and for events; they are always so much fun with a beautiful background of rocks and a view of the city."

"Here’s a shot of Pigeon Peak at dawn in the summertime, a perfect shot that represents the countless early mornings spent by our guides providing our clients with unique experiences in the beautiful Colorado wilderness."

"The Boulder Flatirons are some of Colorado's most recognizable mountains and are a wonderful hike. Whether in the morning or evening, summer or fall, the scenic beauty within Chautauqua Park leaves a lasting impression on every visitor."

"Ouray Ice Festival"

"Looking down the Manitou Incline, staring straight into Colorado Springs, the town spread out far below and the steps disappearing into the distance. Accomplishing the difficulty and steepness of the trail makes the view even better. -David Weinstein"

"Drive to the mountains on I‑70 with the ski runs lit up and the sunset."

"This elk bull was scraping his antlers through the grass, impressing the dozen elk cows nearby. He came walking over the rise as I was in my car, and I was able to capture his photo from inside the car safely. His presence in an Evergreen, Colorado, neighborhood is not unusual as there is a resident herd of 400 animals in this vicinity."

"Soaring above 13,000 feet, the James Peak Wilderness protects an incredible stretch of alpine landscape."

"Pika Running In Rocky Mountain National Park: You hear them before you see the mighty pika at Rock Cut in Rocky Mountain National Park. A favorite area for tourists, take in the view and see the pikas collecting flora for their winter caches."

"Echo Lake Milkyway"

"Colorado National Monument is a place that humbles me every time I visit. The towering canyons and sculpted rock seem timeless, inviting every generation to pause and marvel."

"Never know what I'll see on Boulder Creek -- an American mink bounding across ice with a freshly caught trout."

"Yellow wildflowers dot a dirt trail winding along the hillside under a scattered cloud sky near Granby."

"Photos from Mesa Verde. It was such a fun trip and a unique place with so many interesting details."

"Winter at a Boulder County Homestead."

"High in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, snowmelt becomes the clean water that sustains life downstream. Healthy public lands protect the places where it all begins."

"Footprints tracking along the ridge of a massive sand dune set against bright blue skies and distant peaks."

"This is a hike in Aspen. The mountains and evergreens, the water mirroring the cloudy sky feels special because the landscape is so beautiful. -Laura Spitz"

"This meadow of wildflowers in Aspen is so vivid. Every wildflower looks like it popped up just to show off. -Debbie Fraser"

"My dog June sitting in this tunnel of branches. The scene is pretty to me because it turns a simple hike into something whimsical, like we accidentally wandered onto the set of an outdoor fairy tale. -Mark Padersin"

"From my backyard in Englewood, a rainbow arcs just behind the treetops and rooftops, against a gray sky. -Anish Patel"

"On one of my many drives to Vail, this peak stood out. It’s pretty because it feels like the mountain is tilting toward us. -Sam Weinstein"

"Volunteers with RiversEdge West work to restore habitat along the stunning Dolores River near Gateway, CO."

"Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park: Rocky Mountain National Park is known for the elk rut or mating season which occurs in autumn. Mature bulls will compete for the right to breed with cows by displaying their antlers and emitting a loud bugle."

"Herman Lake, off the Herman Gulch Trail."

"I took this shot while exploring Boulder’s trails, loving how the jagged Flatirons slash up from the foothills and make the whole skyline look bold and adventurous."

"It feels like I’m on top of the world looking out from the top of Aspen Mountain. I love snowshoeing here, seeing squirrel middens at the bottom of towering pine trees and finding the huge paw prints of snowshoe hares. A gorgeous winter wonderland."

"Vibrant red sunset sinking below layered mountain ridges in the high country."

"View looking west from Signal Mountain above Salida Colorado"

"Tranquil subalpine waters of Diamond Lake reflecting the surrounding mountain cirque and evergreen forest."

"I love getting lost in the outdoors with my husband."

"The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge not only offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities just outside of Downtown Denver but is also an example of how special the shortgrass prairie truly is. Home to many of the species that were once found across Eastern Colorado, it provides a glimpse into what remains and what once was."

"Ouray is the 'Switzerland of America.' Boxed in by steep, dramatic cliffs, it feels like a world of its own."

"Sheer sandstone canyon walls frame a sweeping view across the Grand Valley at Colorado National Monument."

"I enjoyed seeing the northern lights last year, especially this far south. It was a beautiful anomaly."

"Cathedral Lake by Aspen."

"Guanella Pass with a rainbow in the valley below."

"In Estes Park, we pulled over to watch this herd of moose on the grass"

"Moose at Brainard Lake: Brainard Lake Recreation Area draw visitors from all over the world hoping to see a majestic moose in the water. With multiple recreational opportunities, this area is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts."

"Paint Mines near Calhan"

"Photo of rocks and old building was taken near the Red Feather Lakes on a hike during my then 8 year olds first Girl Scout troop camping trip."

"A male Hooded Merganser swimming with fully flared fan-like white crest."

"Few places rival the grandeur of Kebler Pass during peak fall color season, when one of the continent's largest aspen forests erupts in a spectacular display of shimmering gold beneath the rugged peaks of the West Elk Mountains."

"Wildflowers of Carbondale."

"Watching fireworks in Vail. Fourth of July in Vail is always so fun and great community! -Kaitlin Schatz"

"When I visited Leadville, I took this photo and found it to be breathtaking of the mountains the blue of the sky. -Cara O'Donell"

"Pursuing the wily native cutthroats on the upper Fryingpan River."

"Bighorn Sheep"

"Chasm Lake in RMNP"

"Enjoying the vastness of Cherokee State Wildlife Area"

"Driving down this quiet mountain road, I’m surrounded by bright golden aspens, and I love their color."

"Volunteers with RiversEdge West work to restore habitat along the stunning Dolores River near Gateway, CO."

"A rugged high-mountain pass in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, showcasing the dramatic peaks and remote alpine terrain that define the state's high country."

"Pika and Loveland Pass: Located on the continental divide, Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass with an elevation of 11,990. As a popular hiking destination in the summer and backcountry skiing in the summer, if you are lucky enough, you may see a pika resting on a large boulder."

"Mount Sneffels rises above fall foliage across the sagebrush pastures of the Uncompahgre Valley near Ridgway."

"Floyd Hill while driving"

"Standing at Kenosha Pass, looking down into South Park, the vast expanse of land is breathtaking. The light playing on the meadow as clouds passed over the sun was stunning as nature’s aspen display was in full color. This valley is home to pronghorn, elk and more."

"Of Colorado's 50-plus mountains that reach 14,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Bierstadt is one of the most accessible, and is a great place to make some new friends (but seriously, don't feed the mountain goats and marmots)."

"Sunset shot of the front range from East Lake"

"Pawnee Buttes Milkyway"

"The journey along Last Dollar Road is as memorable as the destination. When the San Juans finally come into view, I never tire of seeing one of Colorado's most spectacular mountain landscapes."

"A spectacular evening at Woods Lake, southwest of Telluride. A sunset I will never forget."

"Colorado National Monument. The Book Cliffs hold the last light while the valley below has already gone dark."

"While running on the highline canal during sunset, I passed by this pond."

"A serene high-country alpine lake surrounded by evergreen forests and rugged mountain slopes."

"Irrigating rural Boulder County fields with Colorado's most precious resource."

"Vibrant autumn tundra foliage leading up toward the sheer granite face of The Diamond on Longs Peak."

"A hunter pauses to take in the view in the Holy Cross Wilderness."

"Mount Blue Sky: Seeing baby mountain goats playing at the summit of Mount Blue Sky is a wonderful treat. Mt. Blue Sky is the highest paved road in North America, climbing over 7,000 feet over a 28-mile stretch with a summit altitude of 14,130 feet."

"Sunlight breaking across a snow-paved mountain slope framed by a carved aspen tree in the high country."

"Lost Lake in Nederland in the fall. I love how the trees are yellow and look golden, and the clouds overshadowing the mountains look idyllic."

"An alert bobcat keeping an eye on me along a snowy ridge under bright winter sunlight."

"Snow-dusted evergreen pines and historic wooden fences set against a rugged alpine basin in winter."

"Sunset at Mt. Falcon, a very pretty place in the foothills."

"The Colorado Trail is one of our state's and our country's treasures. A storm finally passed here at sunset as I began my descent towards Silverton in the San Juan Mountains, revealing a stunning twilight scene above treeline."

"Rainbow Lake offers a quiet, front-row view of Peak 1 standing tall above the Tenmile Range near Frisco."

"More of the trees in Aspen. Looking straight up, I’m struck by how the tall white trunks and yellow crowns pop against the deep blue sky"

"A view of Mount Gunnison from Kebler Pass (between Crested Butte and Paonia). I took a short hike to take this photo. It was one of those views where you wanted to preserve the moment and reminder why you can’t put a price on witnessing the glories of the mountains in Autumn."

"Hanging Lake fisheye digital photo."

"A pastel landscape of snow-covered evergreens and icy blue shadows of Colorado's winter light."

"Golden shortgrass prairie stretching toward the distant snow-capped Rocky Mountains under soft twilight skies."

"This was in Durango we were at a lake watching the aurora borealis"

"Hiking the Chautauqua Trail and overlooking Boulder, Colorado."

"Snowshoe Hare Rocky Mountain National Park: Put on a pair of snowshoes during the winter months while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and you may be lucky enough to spot an elusive snowshoe hare. These perfectly camouflaged hares survive by blending in with their environment as well as their large hind legs which allows them to propel through the snow with ease."

"I was just driving home when I spotted this deer on I‑25, and I loved the mix of wildlife and suburbia colliding in one random moment."

"Mountain goat near the top of Quandary Peak, looking out at the view."

"I chose the Wilderness Gulch Trail on Vail Pass because hiking in the mountains represents what Colorado means to me. Beautiful scenery and adventure!"

"Breckenridge, CO - A beautiful view for a family dinner."

"A gravel mountain road winding down a steep canyon filled with pine trees and low-hanging valley clouds."

"Grassy foothills rolling out toward small suburban lakes with the distant Denver skyline resting on the horizon."

"Panoramic view looking out over the wide, rippled expanse of the dunefield toward the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains."

"Deep blue waters of Gilpin Lake reflecting the clouds and surrounding rocky peaks in the wilderness."

"We had a wonderful camping trip to Ridgway State Park with our kids and friends. Gorgeous scenery, excellent facilities, friendly people, great recreation opportunities and cool local towns to explore."

"Early morning light illuminating the volcanic spires of The Castles above golden autumn aspens and fresh snow."

"The twin peaks of Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker have been my companions for decades. They are a spectacular constant in Longmont's backyard."

"The mountains in Colorado are the most beautiful in the world. Pikes Peak from my window goes without compare. It’s majestic view commands your attention and adoration."

"Grand Lake has always held a special place in my heart – our family has spent many summer weeks playing, hiking and exploring in Grand County. Mountain Lakes are magical, especially this one."

"This patch of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management provides fishing, birding, and hiking opportunities to the San Luis Valley and a great spot to photograph the majesty of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains' Mt. Blanca Massif."