Colorado
Getting there: British Airways currently runs a daily direct flight from London Gatwick to Denver airport. United Airlines plans to fly direct from Heathrow to Denver from next April, subject to a bilateral agreement being reached between the UKand US.
Location: Colorado is located in the midwest and is bordered by New Mexico, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah and Oklahoma.
Capital: Denver is the state capital and main gateway to the region. Attractions include the Denver Botanical Gardens, the US Mint, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Art Museum which houses a huge collection of American Indian art works. Denver produces more beer than any other state in the US and there are a number of microbreweries producing over 50 different types of beer. There are over 2,000 restaurants and a favourite local dish is buffalo. Last year the $100m Denver Pavilions shopping centre opened, and there is also Cherry Creek, for upmarket boutiques and designer clothes.
Highlights: for scenery, the Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde National Park, National Monument and of course the Grand Canyon. For things to do, there is the opportunity to stay on a working ranch like the Zapata Inn, go to a Pro Rodeo in Durango (held twice weekly from June through to August at La Plata Fairgrounds. Adults $12, children $5), visit the Jurassic Park-style Dinosaur Valley Museum in Grand Junction or one of the larger ghost towns.
Activities: there are plenty of opportunities to organise outdoor activities like white-water rafting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing. Horse-riding typically costs between $70-$110 for a day.
Time difference: GMT -7.