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Colorado is a state in the western United States. It is in the Mountain, Southwestern and Central regions of the country. It is also one of only three states that have only lines of latitude and longitude for borders. It stretches exactly from 37°N to 41°N, and 102°W to 109°W. On the west side of the state, lay the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with notable peaks such as Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Pikes Peak, and the Spanish Peaks near Walsenburg in the south. This area drains to the east, is forested, and partially urbanized. States bordering on this side are Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico. To the east are the Colorado Eastern Plains, the section of the Great Plains within Colorado at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Also, Kansas and Nebraska border Colorado to the east.
The combination of high elevation, mid latitude interior continent geography results in a cool, dry but invigorating climate. There are large seasonal swings in temperature and large day to night changes. During summer there are hot days in the plains, but these are often relieved by afternoon thundershowers. Mountain regions are nearly always cool. Humidity is generally quite low; this favors rapid evaporation and a relatively comfortable feeling even on hot days. The thin atmosphere allows greater penetration of solar radiation and results in pleasant daytime conditions even during the winter. Outdoor work and recreation can often be carried out in relative comfort year round, but sunburn and skin cancer is a problem due to the intense high-elevation sunlight. At night, temperatures drop quickly, and freezing temperatures are possible in some mountain locations every month of the year.
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