In Western Colorado, we live the American small town dream. It's a friendly, welcoming place where you know your neighbors. Our communities are a great place to raise a family — a place where you can really make a difference. And, you won't find big city problems such as crime, congestion and crowding in Western Colorado. Needless to say, it is an atmosphere that attracts and retains talented people.

Colorado is known worldwide for its recreation and stunning natural beauty, and Western Colorado boasts unspoiled mountains, dramatic canyons and abundant wildlife. We have over 300 days of sunshine, leaving lots of time to admire Colorado's majestic peaks and blue skies. Play opportunities in Western Colorado include:

• 7 National Forests – including millions of acres of alpine settings, forests, meadows, streams and lakes
• 2 National Parks—Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde
• 3 National Monuments – Canyon of the Ancients, the Colorado National Monument and Dinosaur National Monument
• 16 Ski Resorts – Including Aspen, Vail, Steamboat and Telluride
• 9 Scenic and Historic Byways – you can wind through high alpine peaks, travel the path of ancient civilizations or learn all about dinosaurs
• 60 golf courses – from affordable public courses to exclusive premier courses
• 18 State Parks

... and lots more including hunting, Gold Medal Trout streams, mountain biking, snowshoeing, reservoirs, hot springs, vineyards, railroads and spas

Check out www.colorado.com for more info.

Across Western Colorado you'll find surprising amenities—far more than you'd expect in towns of this size.

Things such as:

• Many restaurant choices—from fine dining to family casual to ethnic selections
• Events in towns and ski areas such as the Aspen Jazz Fest, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Vail Valley Music Festival, Durango's Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Glenwood Springs Strawberry Days and the Meeker Sheepdog Trials
• Extensive new recreation centers with pools, exercise equipment and meeting areas
• State-of-the-art health care facilities including the largest, most extensive care facilities between Denver and Salt Lake City