When it comes to Colorado, most people immediately think of snow-capped mountains, skiing, and the infamous legalization of marijuana. But this beautiful state has a lot more hidden treasures than meets the eye. Here are 12 weird facts about Colorado that will surprise you!

• Colorado's name has a colorful tale behind it. The story goes back to when Spanish explorers stumbled upon a river with red mud. They named this river 'Colorado,' which translates to 'colored red.' This name stuck around and eventually became the name for the entire territory.
• "Colorful Colorado" has an alternate nickname, the Centennial State, earned because it officially became a state 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• Not only is Colorado known for its legendary ski resorts, but it also boasts the world's largest mineral hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.
• The highest sand dune in North America resides within Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park. These impressive formations reach staggering heights of up to 750 feet from base to summit.
• Colorado also lays claim to the world's largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa, spanning a vast 500 square miles.
• The Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT) on Interstate 70 is quite an impressive tunnel. the highest auto tunnel in the United States at an elevation of over 11,000 feet. It is also the longest mountain tunnel in the United States.
• Colorado's official state mammal is the majestic Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
• Something most people don't realize is that famed ski resorts in the United States, including Arapahoe Basin and Vail, began because of World War II veterans. These soldiers were trained in Colorado's high altitudes to equip them for battle. After the war, many returned and established what are now iconic ski resorts.
• The Continental Divide runs straight through Colorado. This natural boundary is responsible for determining the flow of rivers in North America. Any water that falls west of the divide will eventually reach the Pacific Ocean, while any water that falls to the east will head toward the Atlantic Ocean.

• The first wheel clamp, popularly known as the "Denver Boot," was invented right here in Colorado. In 1944, Denver resident Frank Marugg, a concert violinist by profession, designed the device as a solution to illegal parking. The Denver Boot quickly became a standard tool for law enforcement agencies across the country to deal with parking violations.
• Here in Colorado, we're pretty high. In fact, Colorado is the highest state in the United States, with an average elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level. The top of Mount Elbert, an incredible 14er, is the highest point in Colorado, reaching 14,433 feet above sea level.
• The patriotic song "America the Beautiful" was inspired by the awe-inspiring sights of Pike's Peak in Colorado. It was penned by Katharine Lee Bates, who was deeply moved by the natural beauty she witnessed during her trip to the peak.