Colorado Western Slope
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The Western Slope of Colorado refers to a region of the U.S. state of Colorado, incorporating everything in the state west of the Continental Divide. The Colorado River and its tributaries divide the region into north and south at Grand Junction, Colorado. The area has a climate similar to that of the Great Basin.
The Western Slope is sparsely populated compared to the Front Range, with few towns having a population over 5,000. However, the regional population is growing rapidly contributing to the state's ranking as one of the fastest growing in the nation. The primary economic activities are ranching, mining, and tourism. Fruit farming is also prevalent in areas along the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, including the Grand Valley. The unofficial capital of the Western Slope is considered to be Grand Junction, located in the Grand Valley.
Historically, Ute people inhabited the area, and it was part of Utah Territory before its inclusion in the Colorado Territory upon organization in 1861. White settlers began arriving in large numbers in the late 1870s and early 1880s.
Points of interest include Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument and Dinosaur National Monument.
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