Colorado State Capitol, Denver
A gold-leaf dome, a Mile High step and a 99-step climb to one of Denver's best skyline views.
About Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol anchors the east end of Denver's Civic Center, at Colfax Avenue and Sherman Street, its gold dome visible across downtown. Designed in a neoclassical style modeled on the U.S. Capitol, it's both a working legislative building and one of the city's most photogenic landmarks.
Inside, you'll find rare Colorado Rose Onyx wainscoting and floors of white Yule marble from the town of Marble. Free guided tours run on weekdays and include the climb to the dome observation area, 99 steps above the third floor, where the view sweeps over downtown toward the mountains.
Outside, the west steps are famous for the Mile High markers, and the view down through Civic Center Park toward the City and County Building is one of Denver's classic compositions.
Built in 1894 with a dome plated in real Colorado gold leaf, sitting at the head of Civic Center Park with a genuinely grand set of front steps. The dome catches direct sun for a good stretch of the day, but the building reads strongest at blue hour, once the interior and exterior lighting come up against a darkening sky — free public tours run on weekdays if you want the interior stained glass too.
History
Architect Elijah E. Myers designed the Capitol, and it was built of Colorado white granite from the Aberdeen Quarry near Gunnison. The building opened in November 1894, and the General Assembly first met there in January 1895. Real gold leaf first covered the dome in 1908. The interior used the entire known supply of Colorado Rose Onyx from near Beulah. The west steps carry three Mile High markers: the original on the 15th step, a second added on the 18th step in 1969, and a third on the 13th step after a 2003 survey. The Capitol is part of the Denver Civic Center National Historic Landmark District, designated in 2012.
Photographing Colorado State Capitol
Best light: The main facade faces west over Civic Center Park, so late afternoon and sunset light the columns and dome warmly. Blue hour, when the dome is lit and the sky still holds color, is the best time for the full building.
Shots to look for
- The full west facade and gold dome from Civic Center Park at blue hour, 24-35mm
- A low angle on the west steps featuring the Mile High marker with the dome above
- From the dome observation area, looking west across Civic Center Park to the City and County Building and the Front Range
- Interior details: the rotunda looking up into the dome and the rose onyx wainscoting
Photo tips
- Flash and light kits are not allowed inside; bring a fast lens for the interior
- Self-guided visits are fine inside, but the dome is accessible only on a guided tour
- Tours are first come, first served at the north-side visitor desk; arrive early during the legislative session
- Civic Center Station is a block away if you'd rather skip downtown parking
Know before you go
- The Capitol is closed weekends and most federal holidays
- Tours are limited to 30 people and may be changed or canceled; check current info
- Gallery visitors must follow chamber rules: no food, drink or signs
- No on-site parking; use nearby metered parking or transit
Prints from Colorado State Capitol
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
Are Colorado State Capitol tours free?
Yes. Free guided tours run weekdays on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm, first come, first served.
Can you go up in the Capitol dome?
Yes, on a guided tour. It's a 99-step climb above the third floor, with a video tour available for those who can't climb.
Which step is exactly one mile high?
A 2003 survey placed the one-mile point at the 13th step on the west side; older markers are on the 15th and 18th steps.
Featured in: Photography Spots Near Denver
Combine it with
Civic Center Park · Denver Art Museum · Union Station Denver · Red Rocks Park
More Colorado spots
Denver · Berkeley Lake · Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Commerce City
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · content.leg.colorado.gov. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.