Colorado – the place where the air is thin, the mountains are high, and the adventure never stops. Whether you’re here for the hiking, the craft beer, or the slightly-too-enthusiastic love for the outdoors, Colorado has a unique way of making you feel alive (even if you’re out of breath on a 14er). If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in the Centennial State, here are 10 things only Coloradans will understand—unless, of course, you’re just passing through and trying to catch your breath.
You’ve probably got a sticker that says “14er”
If you’ve been in Colorado for more than a minute, you know the 14er obsession is real. These are the mountains that rise above 14,000 feet, and climbing them is a rite of passage. If you haven’t summited one yet, you’ll likely start planning your first climb, possibly as soon as you can catch your breath.
Altitude sickness is a real thing, but we’re too tough to admit it
Coming to Colorado’s high altitudes can leave you feeling light-headed, dizzy, and out of breath. You’ll hear people say, “I’m fine, just need some water,” but really, they’re wondering why they’re not able to climb a flight of stairs without taking a five-minute break. Altitude sickness is no joke, but Coloradans power through it like champions—eventually.
You won’t go far without seeing a brewery (or two, or three)
Craft beer is the lifeblood of Colorado. With more breweries than most people can visit in a lifetime, it’s a miracle if you’ve lived here and haven’t tried every IPA under the sun. If you ask someone for a recommendation, the answer is probably “Well, what kind of beer do you want to try next?”
The weather will make you question everything
If Colorado’s weather were a person, it would be a moody teenager who can’t make up their mind. You’ll experience all four seasons in one day—sun, rain, snow, and hail—all before lunch. Coloradans are expert weather forecasters by necessity, because you have to be prepared for anything, at any moment.
You know what “4:20” really means
Coloradans are no strangers to 4:20, and no, we’re not talking about the time of day (though, technically, it could be). If you’re a local, you know the significance of this number, especially since marijuana was legalized. It’s just a part of the culture, and honestly, a good time to enjoy the outdoors.
You’re constantly in a battle of “Is it a ski day or a hiking day?”
With mountains all around, Coloradans are often faced with a hard decision: skiing or hiking? Snow on the ground means it’s time to hit the slopes, but when that snow melts, hiking trails become the new playground. Either way, you’re getting outdoors, so you’re winning—just depends on which season it is.
“I’m just going to grab a quick snack” means a full meal
When a Coloradan says they’re going for a quick snack, they’re probably grabbing a protein bar, some trail mix, a water bottle, and a pair of sunglasses to prepare for a three-hour hike. “Quick” snacks are usually part of the entire adventure and could involve a summit, a panoramic view, and a sense of accomplishment.
You have a drawer full of activewear, but you’ve never actually “worked out”
Let’s be real—Colorado is the land of activewear. You’ll find every local sporting the latest athletic gear, but many of us don’t exactly use it for working out in the traditional sense. It’s more for doing outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and maybe running for the bus.
“Pikes Peak or Bust” isn’t just a catchy slogan, it’s a way of life
For locals, Pikes Peak is a kind of spiritual experience—whether you’ve hiked it, driven it, or just admired it from a distance. There’s something about standing in the shadow of this iconic peak that makes you feel like you can take on the world. If you’ve been there, you know it’s much more than just a mountain—it’s a symbol.
You can spot a tourist by the way they react to the Rocky Mountain “flat tire”
You’ve probably seen it: a tourist freaking out because they’ve gotten a flat tire on the mountain roads, convinced their whole trip is ruined. Coloradans know that, with a little air and a proper tire fix, the adventure can continue without missing a beat. It’s a rite of passage for every mountain driver.
Living in Colorado is about embracing the unpredictable, the beautiful, and the sometimes ridiculous nature of life in the Rockies. Whether you’re conquering 14ers, trying out the latest craft brew, or just enjoying the ever-changing weather, this state has a way of making everything feel like an adventure. So, next time you find yourself in the Centennial State, just remember: Bring a jacket, hydrate, and get ready for the ride—it’s going to be wild!
