5 Ways to Celebrate America in Colorado this 4th of July
Colorado’s Mountain Majesty
Did you know several iconic attractions and destinations in Colorado are dubbed America’s best? Even the famous poem, “America,” which later was translated to one of our nation’s unofficial anthems, “America the Beautiful,” was written by the poet, Katharine Lee Bates, on her trip to Colorado? The poem is inspired by the natural scenery found across the Centennial State, from the plains to the mountains. To celebrate Independence Day, here are five places in Colorado that reflect the best icons of our nation:
Places in Colorado that Reflect the USA
America’s Bridge – Cañon City
The iconic bridge over the famous gorge in Colorado is one of the best places to celebrate Independence Day. The Royal Gorge Bridge reflects both the hard workers of America and the stunning mountain views in Southern Colorado. Come Across America’s Bridge this 4th of July to experience one of the biggest engineering feats in Colorado. A team of about 80 men constructed the Royal Gorge Bridge within seven months, from June to December in 1929. As the highest suspension bridge in America, the Royal Gorge Bridge spans nearly a quarter mile from rim to rim over the Royal Gorge and 956 feet over the Arkansas River. Daily admission to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park gives guests from all over the world a chance to walk across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful natural lands of our country. Visitors can also celebrate America’s Independence Day by finding their state’s flag flying along the Royal Gorge Bridge! The park is open daily year-round, including holidays. Click here to purchase tickets today.
America’s Mountain – Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak is a 14,115-foot mountain found along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs. During her visit to the famous mountain peak in 1893, professor and poet Katharine Lee Bates wrote the poem entitled “America.” She stood atop the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers, and composed the words to what would become one of the most famous American poems in history. The poem later became one of the most recognized songs in the United States of America. One hundred years after Bates wrote the patriotic poem, Colorado Springs businessman Costas Rombocos gifted an “America the Beautiful” monument that was established at the summit of Pikes Peak. Celebrate our beautiful lands this 4th of July in Colorado with a piece of national history at Pikes Peak. View the monument with the lyrics to the poem and take in the breathtaking views of Colorado and beyond on America’s Mountain.
America the Beautiful Park – Colorado Springs
If you and the family are looking for a relaxing 4th of July in the warm sun and fresh Colorado air, pack a picnic and head to one of Colorado Springs’ best city parks named for the patriotic song we all know today. America the Beautiful Park is situated right off Interstate 25, just west of downtown Colorado Springs. There is plenty of fresh cut grass to picnic on or choose one of the many pavilions for a shady spot. The kids can play at the playground, and all can enjoy the majestic views of Pikes Peak and its forested foothills from America the Beautiful Park.
Independence Monument – Grand Junction
About 5 hours west of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, visit Colorado National Monument to witness one of the most spectacular displays of the United States flag. Hike along one of many trails to Independence Monument this 4th of July and witness our nation’s flag flying high at the top. This monolith is a sandstone pillar that towers about 450 feet high. Each Independence Day, members of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Technical Rescue Team climb the rock formation while carrying the flag of the United States. The climbers hold a flag raising ceremony to honor our nation’s independence.
American Baseball Game – Denver
Who doesn’t love a good hot dog, bucket of popcorn, and beautiful weather at an American baseball game? If you find yourself in the Denver area for this year’s Independence Day, grab tickets to the Colorado Rockies game! The Rockies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Denver on July 4th 2022. Following the game, one of the biggest fireworks shows of the year takes place for our nation’s day of celebration at Coors Field in Denver.
There is much to celebrate in Colorado on Independence Day every year. From fruited plains to mountain majesty, the Centennial State offers several reflections of America. Find places nicknamed after our nation, including America’s Bridge at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Southern Colorado. The Royal Gorge Bridge is dubbed America’s Bridge for the ingenuity of the 80 men who built it in 1929.
Where to See Fireworks in Southern Colorado
The lineup for fireworks in Southern Colorado starts with Pueblo’s Rollin on the Riverwalk 4th of July event! Held at 125 Riverwalk Place in Pueblo, join the community for fireworks, local vendors, live music, and a celebration for our nation from 6 pm to 10 pm. In Colorado Springs, find several 4th of July events this year. The biggest event is held at Memorial Park where food vendors, live entertainment, family activities, and more take place throughout the day. Then after sunset, large fireworks show begins that is spectacular as the fireworks reflect over Prospect Lake. Live music is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band’s Wild Blue Country and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Symphony. West of Colorado Springs in the mountain town of Woodland Park, visit during the 4th of July weekend for several patriotic events. On July 4th, the town is hosting its annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration great for the whole family at Memorial Park. Food, games, drinks, and a live performance by the Woodland Park Wind Symphony are all featured in the event. And every year on July 5th, Woodland Park hosts Symphony Above the Clouds at Woodland Park Middle School. This event features live symphony music, fireworks, and the cannons of Fort Carson! This free event is family focused and one of Woodland Park’s biggest community gatherings. In the heat of the Colorado summer, it is not always a guarantee to see fireworks for 4th of July due to fire safety.