Survivalist and Post-Apocalyptic fiction loves the Colorado Rockies!
Colorado's vast and diverse landscape epitomises the ideal backdrop for survival fiction of all kinds. The rugged Rockies offer refuge and peril, challenging protagonists with treacherous terrains, unpredictable weather, and dangerous wildlife encounters. Its remote wilderness areas present endless opportunities for characters to test their resilience and resourcefulness. The juxtaposition of isolated mountain towns against bustling cities allows for a spectrum of post-apocalyptic scenarios, from urban survival challenges to rural isolation and self-sufficiency. All these elements converge, making Colorado a compelling canvas for tales of endurance and survival.
The state has been the setting for many survivalist, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian tales, given its rugged landscapes and obvious potential as a remote refuge. Based upon such stimulating precedent, It’s not surprising I chose a remote valley in the Coloradan Rockies as the setting for THE VALLEY.
Here are a few great survival and post-apocalyptic adventure stories featuring significant scenes in the rugged Coloradan wilderness.
THE VALLEY by Simon Townsend
Of course, this one gets a mention.
As the world outside descends into chaos, a tight-knit community of valley residents faces a harrowing choice: seal off their sanctuary or lose everything to the encroaching epidemic. Within this isolated haven, grudges resurface, alliances shift, and ordinary people must make brutal decisions. Amidst the backdrop of Colorado's majestic peaks and verdant forests, a tale of survival, sacrifice, and hope unfolds.
THE DOG STARS by Peter Heller
Set in a post-apocalyptic Colorado, this novel follows a man named Hig and his dog as they navigate a world decimated by a flu pandemic. From his Colorado base, Hig navigates post-apocalyptic challenges and confronts the remnants of humanity, balancing hope and despair while searching for connections in a drastically changed landscape.
THE STAND by Stephen King
Stephen King’s “The Stand” is an epic post-apocalyptic novel set in a world decimated by a deadly strain of influenza known as Captain Trips. The story follows the few survivors of the pandemic as they navigate the desolation and begin to rebuild society from their base in Boulder, Colorado. As the narrative unfolds, the survivors are drawn into a cosmic battle between good and evil.
WOLVES by D.J. Molles
Huxley's gripping journey through post-apocalyptic Colorado is a visceral and raw quest for vengeance, with the Rockies as a haunting backdrop. The tale captures the ruggedness of the land and the human spirit, making Colorado itself a formidable character in this riveting tale.
SWAN SONG by Robert R. McCammon
Swan Song is a fascinating story set in a harrowing post-nuclear world where survivors grapple with hope and despair. McCammon skillfully weaves human resilience and depravity against diverse landscapes, including Colorado's haunting ruins. His vision of Colorado adds a poignant layer to this epic tale of rebirth amidst devastation.
THE PASSAGE by Justin Cronin
"The Passage" melds vampire lore with post-apocalyptic tension to create a haunting tale. As the narrative unfolds, the Colorado colony becomes a beacon of human resilience amidst a world overrun by viral creatures. The story masterfully captures the contrast between Colorado's natural beauty and the stark challenges faced by its inhabitants.
While this list isn't exhaustive, these books provide a variety of portrayals of Colorado in dystopian, survivalist and post-apocalyptic scenarios, highlighting the state's allure as both a refuge and a challenging environment. All of them are available from Amazon in Kindle and print.
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