This is an up-to-date, definitive summary of the distribution, conservation status, habitat, behaviour, life history, ecology, and taxonomy of all salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes known to inhabit Colorado. It includes a description of the Colorado landscape, colour photographs of each species, detailed range maps, identification keys, and tips on how to find, study, and photograph amphibians and reptiles.

In addition, the author addresses the impact of human behaviour on the region's herpetofauna, as well as the impact of Colorado's amphibians and reptiles upon humans.