The "continental divide," which separates the waters of the eastern USA from the west, runs north and south along the Rocky Mountains through Colorado. Mountainous western Colorado is much different than the vast plains on the eastern side of the Rockies.  Most Colorado residents live on the "eastern slope". Denver is the largest city on the eastern side,  while Grand Junction, the biggest city on the western side, is only the 18th largest in Colorado.

The famous Colorado River starts in the western Rockies near Grand Lake, and travels through Grand Junction on its way to Utah, Nevada, California and Mexico.  There are many scenic recreational opportunities along the streams and rivers of the western slope and beyond.  After the snow has melted in the spring, many of the smaller streams dry up during the arid summers, because there is little rainfall.  Much of the low country is considered desert, or semi-desert, that can only be farmed when irrigated.

In the winter, Colorado is a magnet for skiing enthusiasts.  Steamboat Springs, Aspen and Vail are just the most famous ski towns, but there are hundreds of less rigorous (and more affordable) ski resorts frequented more by local residents.  Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are also popular.

During the rest of the year, bicycling and hiking the almost-infinite trail system is popular.  In the fall, hunters take over the woods and fields. 

Along the Utah state line, there are extensive canyonlands that are as impressive, in their own way, as those around Moab.   Near Grand Junction, the Colorado National Monument offers grand canyon scenery via an easy 15 minute drive from town.  In the southwest corner, near Cortez and Durango, ancient indian ruins have been preserved in Mesa Verde and  Canyon of the Ancients, which offer many amenties for visitors.  In the northwest corner, the canyons of the Green and Yampa rivers expose large beds of fossilised dinosaur bones in Dinosaur National Monument.

Below: Grand Junction from the rim of the Colorado National Monument.  The easily-recognized spire in the foreground is Independence Rock.  In the distance, the Bookcliffs confine the valley on the North. In the distant right, the cloud-topped Grand Mesa watches over all.