The Centennial State of Colorado is a beautiful and wild place. With its soaring Rocky Mountains, ancient forests, and crystal clear rivers, it’s no wonder that filmmakers have been drawn to this stunning region for decades. Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience or just want to learn more about the area, these are some of the best documentaries about Colorado — guaranteed to leave you awestruck. From tales of the old mining towns to explorations of the natural beauty, these films offer a glimpse into what makes this state so special and magical.
1. Colorado Experience: Forests of Change
Explore the mystifying connection between humans and Colorado’s forests with Colorado Experience: Forests of Change. Delve into the secrets of centuries-old tree rings, aerial imagery, and other historical records as scientists and historians attempt to comprehend the transformation taking place in our state’s natural environment. Uncover causes and consequences that could potentially alter this fundamental bond between mankind and the land. Take a journey with these experts and discover the intricate details of Colorado’s dynamic forests.
2. The Colors of the Desert – The Red Colorado Plateau | Nature Documentary
The Red Colorado Plateau is a land of striking beauty and fascinating contrast. Fantastic rock formations, towering spires, and curious canyons all come together for an unforgettable experience. The blazing sun casts its warm light across the desert landscape. When hikers descend into the slot canyons they are amazed by the amazing multi-colored display that meets them. It’s almost as if the entire region has been decorated in a rainbow of hues that positively dazzle. The goblins of Goblin Valley, standing like sentinels against the rugged terrain, add an element of mystery and enchantment to the mix. All these elements combine for a truly special nature experience found only in Colorado.
3. Discovering Colorado’s Rocky Animal Empire
Take an exhilarating journey with Expeditions and Patrick McMillan to the majestic Colorado Rockies. Experience lush alpine tundra, vibrant valley grasslands, and lush woodlands filled with the most extraordinary wildlife. From brilliant wildflowers to burrowing yellow-bellied marmots, who can hibernate up to 8 months of the year, Colorado is home to some of the most unique wildlife. Join us as we explore this wondrous landscape and uncover its hidden gems. From bighorn sheep, elk, black bears, lynx and more – you’ll be amazed by this Rocky Animal Empire!
4. Colorado Experience: Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is an incredible feat of engineering that can only be found in Colorado. It’s a breathtaking drive with some of the most stunning views, but it also comes with its fair share of dangers and a dark history. The highway was built at the cost of human life, as well as the displacement of the Ute people who lived in the area. Blasting, digging and drilling through the steepest mountain passes was a difficult feat that nearly proved impossible. But thanks to their courage and determination, we are able to marvel at this beautiful highway today.
5. Colorado Experience: The Original Coloradans
Colorado has a long and complex history, much of which is intertwined with the story of its original inhabitants: the Ute Nation. This documentary explores how these people were first encountered by American trappers and explorers in pre-colonial days, and how their interaction with new settlers and gold seekers led to tensions that ultimately resulted in their expulsion to reservations. Viewers will gain insight into the many challenges Ute descendants face today in reclaiming their land rights and preserving their legacy. Get an up-close look at how Colorado’s history has shaped its present, and explore what the future may bring for this vibrant people.
6. The Bigfoot of Bailey Colorado and its Portal
The secluded town of Bailey, Colorado has been the source of many strange and seemingly unexplainable phenomena. Chief among them is the mythical creature known as Bigfoot. Recently, a group of researchers have begun to uncover evidence of an alien portal in a Native American sacred tree located near Bailey. The implications are massive – could this gateway lead to other worlds? Could Bigfoot be an alien species? What secrets does this forest hold? The answers may never come, but the mystery continues to fascinate. Could Bailey, Colorado be the gateway to a new realm of possibilities?
7. Colorado Trail Solo Thru Hike Documentary
Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will be captivated by this film that follows a solo thru-hiker on their epic journey along the Colorado Trail. From breathtaking mountain vistas to tranquil meadows, you’ll be able to feel the awe of nature as you travel alongside them. Along the way, they encounter both challenging moments and miraculous encounters with wildlife, all while forming a deep appreciation and respect for the natural world.
8. Climbing Colorado’s
This August, Jonathan Mollman of Mountain Goat LTD set out on a 300+ mile journey with one goal in mind – to capture the beauty and wonders of Colorado’s diverse terrain. Through 160,000ft of vertical gain and unpredictable weather patterns, he was determined to document it all. The documentary that resulted showcases breathtaking scenes of mountain peaks, shimmering valleys, and lush foliage. Jonathan was able to share with viewers the sense of awe and danger that comes with scaling the highest summits in Colorado. With its stunning visuals and captivating narrative, this documentary is sure to inspire intrepid adventurers to explore this incredible state.
9. A Brief History of Colorado Through Time (Geology of Colorado)
Colorado is a land of stunning beauty and remarkable history. Through the centuries, its unique geology has been shaped and distorted by powerful forces like continental drift, volcanism, and glaciation. This documentary takes viewers on an incredible journey back to Colorado’s formative years, allowing us to witness firsthand how these dynamic processes have sculpted the mountain ranges, valleys, rivers, and other features we see today. We start in the distant past with an overview of Colorado’s early geology, exploring the area’s ancient mountain ranges and deep valleys.
10. A Colorado Trail Bikepacking Documentary
Colorado is a great destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike. And for those who are looking to explore the state in an extraordinary way, there’s no better way to do so than with Dave Baumann’s award-winning documentary on bikepacking across The Colorado Trail.This amazing journey spans 540 miles, from Denver to Durango, taking viewers along as Dave takes on the challenge of navigating and camping his way through some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes.
11.Colorado Experience: The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado has a rich history behind it. Freelan Oscar Stanley, the founder of the Stanley Steamer fame and other businesses, had been suffering from Tuberculosis when he arrived in Estes Park hoping to find a cure. After recovering, he chose to open an extravagant hotel catering to his circle of New England higher-ups. Through its hospitality, The Stanley Hotel helped to spark a wave of early tourism in the area and influenced the development of National Parks.
