Rocky Mountain splendor: The end of winter in Rocky Mountain National Park displays vibrant hues of white and blues to the naked eye. [/caption]

• Did you know Colorado History Month is celebrated in May? History Colorado manages 11 museums and historic sites across the state, honoring our history and heritage. We love Colorado at The Mountain-Ear.

• In honor of Colorado History Month, we share some of the state’s most interesting and fun facts. The Spanish word “Colorado” translates to “reddish.” But Colorado’s original name was Jefferson Territory, later becoming the State of Colorado.

• Colorado’s first attempt at becoming a state was in 1864 but between economic and population concerns, among others, it would take until 1876 for Colorado to become an official state.

• The Lark Bunting was adopted as the state bird in April 1931. The black and white feathered bird is small and is not a year-round inhabitant. It arrives in April and is generally seen in the plains and at elevations up to 8,000 feet, heading south in September.

• The state’s hardy but short-lived flower is the Columbine. You can’t miss one once you come upon it in the wilderness. Its pointy, lavender-colored petals range from light to dark, cupping white center petals.

A field of Columbine flowers reveals nature’s strength and unforgiving beauty.[/caption]

• The Columbine’s colors played a part in the state’s flag, which has various meanings, depending on who you ask. The blue symbolizes clear blue skies. The white stripe represents the snow-capped mountains.

• This is where the facts get fun! The “C” in the middle of the flag represents the state’s name, the Columbine flower, and the state’s nickname, The Centennial State. The “C” is red because of the state’s name, which we’ve already established translates to “reddish.”

• The gold color in the middle of the “C” signifies the numerous days of sunshine.

With so many magical creatures roaming the mountains, the state made the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep the state animal.

• The animal’s horns are a dead giveaway to identifying it, weighing as much as 30 pounds. Horns on bighorns determine their rank and help regulate body temperature.

Colorado has two state songs. The first state song, “Where the Columbines Grow” by A.J. Flynn was adopted in 1915. The second state song, “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver, was adopted in 2007.

Out of the 96 fourteeners in the nation, Colorado is home to 53. The highest paved road in North America is the road leading to Mount Blue Sky from Mestaa'ehehe Mountain Pass.

How will you honor Colorado in May? Need some ideas?

To learn more about Colorado, visit https://www.historycolorado.org/. Check out The Mountain-Ear’s weekly Cracker Barrel and music listings for things to do across the Peak to Peak region and look for our comprehensive Peak to Peak Visitors Guide due in stands by Memorial Day.