Colorado State Capitol
A gold-domed state capitol. The “one mile high” marker is carved into its west steps. Entry is free, and you can climb to the dome for views of the Rocky Mountain foothills.
The Colorado State Capitol opened in 1894. Its dome is covered in gold leaf mined in Colorado, and the interior makes extensive use of rose-colored marble, a rare stone native to the state. On the west steps, a marker reads “Mile High (5,280 feet),” which is the origin of the city’s nickname, “the Mile High City.” A later survey placed the exact elevation a few steps higher. Visitors can take free tours on weekdays and climb to the dome’s observation deck for views of the Rocky Mountain foothills. It sits on the east side of Civic Center Park, across from the Denver Art Museum district.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri approx. 07:30–17:00; check official website for tour times
Nearby sights
- History Colorado Center
- Molly Brown House Museum
- Denver Art Museum
- United States Mint at Denver
- Clyfford Still Museum
- 16th Street Mall
- Larimer Square
- Coors Field