The Colorado Plateau runs down the west side of Colorado, along the border of Utah. The mountains in the plateau region have been worn down through time, creating flat-topped peaks known as mesas. Between the rocky cliffs of some mountains in the plateau region run deep rivers that have eaten away at the stone for many years. There are also hills and valleys in the plateau region, which takes up about a fifth of western Colorado.
The Great Plains region of Colorado is part of the Interior Plain of North America. This plain runs from Canada to Mexico. In Colorado the plains are grassy, open fields without many trees or large plant life. The plains are commonly used for farming and agriculture, especially wheat. Colorado is also famous for its beef industry, and much of the Great Plains is used for cattle ranching, as it has been for generations.
The Intermontane Basin is the smallest area in Colorado. It is primarily filled with rolling, forested hills as well as plateaus and sagebrush. The basin runs between what is considered the eastern Rocky Mountains and the Pacific coastal mountain ranges. This basin area has a low population and few cities because of its isolated location. The Intermontane Basin is extremely dry, and water can be difficult to find there. Minerals are rich in this region, however.
The Rocky Mountains are perhaps what Colorado is most famous for. With a mean height of 6,800 feet, Colorado is higher than most other states. The name "Rocky Mountains" fits them well, as they are defined by sharp, exposed rock and snow-covered peaks. Winter sports are popular in this region, as is hiking in the summer. The highest peak in the Rocky Mountains can be found in Colorado, as well as 54 peaks over 14,000 feet.