Durango, CO is just a small part of the State of Colorado where we feel lucky to call home. Encompassing over 100,000 square miles in the United States, Colorado offers four seasons, soaring peaks, expansive prairie landscapes, big cities, and small mountain towns. Although landlocked, there are many lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams providing water recreation and resources. Included in the list of “all things Colorado” below, we dive into some of the Colorado state symbols and emblems that you may or may not know about.
Colorado State Nickname
Founded in 1876 (although recognized as a territory in 1861) becoming the 38th state, one of Colorado’s nicknames is the “Centennial State” because it was founded 100 years after signing the nation’s Declaration of Independence in 1776. However, another well known nickname is “Colorful Colorado” for the vast and vibrant array of scenery.
The Colorado State Flag
The official Colorado state flag, the same one we see today, wasn’t adopted until 1911. Our flag has the same colors as the national flag with the addition of yellow. These colors are said to represent: “the blue of Colorado skies, the gold of her metal, the white of mountain snows, and the red of soil.”1
Colorado State Animals
While the official Colorado state animal is the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, there are many subcategories of animal species. This list includes the Lark Bunting as the state bird, Western Tiger Salamander as the state amphibian, Greenback Cutthroat Trout as the state fish, Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly as the state butterfly, and the Western Painted Turtle as the state reptile. Dogs and cats that are specifically adopted from rescue shelters are recognized as the Colorado state pet.
Colorado State Flower, Tree, and More
Famously, the Colorado State flower is the Columbine. Although there are different color variations, the most iconic has lavender/purple and white petals with yellow stamens. The state tree, the Colorado Blue Spruce, grows spiny green, blue, and silver toned needles. It is one of the species of Christmas trees known for its symmetry and strong branches and fragrance. The state cactus, the Claret Cup Cactus, is a smaller species with gorgeous red-orange flowers. Blue Grama is the state grass which is a perennial that grows on both sides of the Continental Divide. Yule Marble is the Colorado state rock, rhodochrosite is the state mineral, and aquamarine is the state gemstone.
Continue learning about the Colorado State symbols here or about sports teams such as the Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanches. Read about some of the things Durango and Southwest Colorado are famous for here. Please reach out to The Durango Team at The Wells Group for more information about Southwest Colorado and making it your home.
1“Symbols & Emblems.” Colorado State Archives, archives.colorado.gov/collections/symbols-emblems. Accessed 18 July 2025.
