Lisa O
Colorado isn’t like most places. It’s a blend of rugged mountain life, laid-back city vibes, and a kind of freedom that hits differently. The locals have a way of doing things that might seem strange anywhere else, but it’s just part of everyday life here. So, here are 15 things you can only get away with in Colorado.
Wearing Hiking Boots to a Fancy Restaurant
In Colorado, no one blinks if you walk into an upscale restaurant with hiking boots and a fleece jacket. That’s just normal. People go from the trail to the table without changing, and it’s fine. Comfort and function matter more than fashion, and you’re more likely to get compliments on your gear than side-eyes for not dressing up. That would feel out of place in most states, but not here.
Talking About the Weather Like It’s a Plot Twist
Only in Colorado can it snow in the morning and feel like summer by lunch. Locals know to keep both flip-flops and snow boots handy because you never really know what the sky will do. Weather talk isn’t small talk here—it’s survival. You can cancel plans because of sunshine or be late because of a surprise blizzard, and nobody questions it. That’s just how it goes in Colorado.
Driving a Subaru and Feeling Like It’s a Badge of Honor
Subarus are practically the state cars. Whether it’s an Outback packed with skis or a Forester loaded with dogs, driving one in Colorado feels right. People take pride in their well-used, slightly dusty ride. It’s not about luxury. It’s about making it through snow, mud, and mountain roads like a champ. And only here can a car be both a status symbol and a trail buddy.
Going to Work After a Morning Ski Run
In most places, skiing is a weekend thing. In Colorado, it’s a before-work thing. With resorts just a short drive from some cities, locals often hit the slopes early and still make it to the office by 9 a.m. Nobody bats an eye if your hair’s still damp from your helmet or your legs are a little sore—if anything, you’ll get jealous looks and questions about the powder.
Eating Green Chile on Just About Everything
Coloradans love their green chile, and they’ll put it on anything that’ll sit still long enough. Burgers, fries, breakfast burritos—it’s all fair game. It’s spicy, smoky, and somehow comforting all at once. People outside the state might not get the obsession, but here, it’s practically a food group. You can even argue about which place has the best green chile and not offend anyone. Unless you’re wrong, of course.
Owning More Outdoor Gear Than Dress Clothes
In Colorado, people are more likely to invest in a good pair of snowshoes or a bike rack than a blazer or tie. Closets are filled with puffy jackets, hydration packs, and base layers. And that’s totally normal. You can go weeks without needing to dress up, but you’ll definitely need gear for hiking, biking, skiing, or camping. Here, function always beats fashion, and no one questions it.
Celebrating the First Snowfall Like It’s a Holiday
The first big snow in Colorado isn’t a hassle—it’s something people actually look forward to. Kids and adults alike cheer when the forecast shows flakes, and it’s the sign that ski season is coming, cozy fires are back, and everything starts to feel a little more magical. People take photos of it, talk about it, and get genuinely excited, while the rest of the country groans and grabs a shovel.
Bringing Your Dog Pretty Much Everywhere
Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly places you’ll ever find. Parks, trails, patios—even some stores—welcome four-legged friends. It’s not unusual to see dogs lounging beside their humans at breweries or riding shotguns with their heads out the window. In Colorado, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re full-blown adventure partners, and nobody thinks twice about seeing one in a backpack on a mountain trail.
Being Super Fit Without Trying to Show It Off
People in Colorado are often in amazing shape, but you’d never know it unless you follow them up a mountain. There’s a quiet kind of athleticism here: people climb 14ers, bike long distances, and ski black diamonds without making a big deal about it. Fitness is just part of life, not something to brag about. And while outsiders might feel out of breath, locals just smile and keep going.
Going Off the Grid on Purpose
In Colorado, disappearing for a weekend without cell service isn’t strange; it’s expected. People love heading into the mountains where there’s no Wi-Fi, no reception, and no noise. You can check out, unplug, and not answer texts for days. It’s not rude. It’s part of the culture. If you say you were off the grid, most people will smile and ask where you went.
Getting into Debates About the Best Dispensary
Since Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, the weed scene here is well-developed and competitive. People actually have favorite dispensaries the way others have favorite coffee shops. You can talk about strains, edibles, and new products like you’re discussing craft beer. It’s casual, it’s legal, and it’s no big deal. But try having that same chat elsewhere, and you might get a few raised eyebrows.
Rocking Flannel All Year Long
Flannel isn’t a fall thing in Colorado—it’s a year-round staple. People wear it over T-shirts in summer, under jackets in winter, and sometimes all by itself. It works for camping, climbing, grocery shopping, or going out. It’s warm, practical, and just rugged enough to feel cool without trying. In most places, flannel feels seasonal or trendy. Here, it’s basically a second skin for half the population.
Bragging About Altitude Like It’s a Superpower
If you live in Colorado, you’ve mentioned the altitude at some point, especially to someone visiting from sea level. Locals know how to handle thin air, dry skin, and sunburns that happen faster than you’d expect, running a mile at 5,000 feet or higher. That’s just cardio here. While outsiders catch their breath, Coloradans just smile and say, “You’ll get used to it.”
Turning Every Weekend Into an Outdoor Escape
People don’t just sit around on weekends here. They plan camping trips, head to hot springs, find new trails, or hit a mountain bike loop. Even if it’s just a few hours outside, there’s always a mini adventure waiting. Only here can you make a last-minute plan to climb a mountain and actually pull it off—and people will think it’s totally normal.
Casually Talking About Climbing a 14er Like It’s No Big Deal
In Colorado, saying you climbed a 14er—that’s a mountain over 14,000 feet tall—is like saying you went for a jog. Locals talk about it casually, like it’s just part of the weekend routine. They even have bucket lists of which ones they’ve conquered. In other states, climbing something that high would be a brag for life. In Colorado, it’s just what people do for fun.