Welcome to Colorado, where the air is thin, the views are endless, and the locals are either running up a mountain or talking about their next hike. If you’re trying to figure out who’s really from here, just follow these 10 simple steps—because a true Coloradan is as easy to spot as the 14ers they’re always climbing.
They’re Always Talking About the Weather… But Not in a Boring Way.
In Colorado, the weather is a conversation starter, but it’s never dull. A local might say, “Well, it was sunny this morning, but I swear it’s snowing in the mountains already.” If you’re not ready for a sun-and-snow combo in the same day, you might want to rethink your wardrobe choices.
They Never Leave the House Without a Jacket.
It’s a law of Colorado: you can’t trust the temperature. A local will leave the house in a T-shirt and shorts, but you can bet they’ve got a jacket stuffed in their backpack just in case. “You never know when the weather will flip,” they’ll say, as they effortlessly layer up mid-hike.
They Have a Love/Hate Relationship With Denver.
They love Denver… but only for the essentials. A true Coloradan might enjoy the occasional weekend in the big city, but when it comes to living there? Nah. They’ll tell you “Denver’s nice, but it’s too crowded for me. I prefer somewhere with real mountain views.” And they mean it.
They Talk About Hiking Like It’s a Competitive Sport.
Mention a hike, and suddenly you’ll be bombarded with trail recommendations that sound like Olympic events. “Oh, you’ve never done Grays Peak? It’s only a 14er—shouldn’t be too bad for you.” They won’t hesitate to offer advice on elevation gain, altitude sickness, and what gear you should have brought… even if you were just asking for directions.
They Can Tell You the Difference Between a ‘Real’ Colorado Brew and a Tourist Trap.
Colorado locals know their beer. If you suggest a brewery that isn’t on their radar, they’ll raise an eyebrow and gently remind you, “That place is a little too touristy for my taste.” They’ll have at least five other recommendations for “hidden gems” where the locals go to drink craft beer that’s way more authentic than anything you’d find at a chain.
They’re Always Slightly Out of Breath—But They’re Proud of It.
The air is thinner here, and Coloradans will remind you of that at least once in every conversation. If you’re on a hike, you’ll hear them casually say, “Whew, that last mile got me winded—but it’s the altitude. It’s fine. I’ll be okay.” Bonus points if they’re holding a yoga pose while talking about their “altitude-induced shortness of breath.”
They Make You Feel Guilty for Not Being Outside.
When you talk to a Colorado local, they’ll drop phrases like, “Yeah, I was just out skiing, then went mountain biking—then took a quick nap before hitting the trail again.” If you’ve spent the weekend binge-watching TV, you’ll get the full guilt trip, complete with judgmental side-eye and an unsolicited lecture about the real beauty of Colorado’s outdoors.
They Will Tell You “Don’t Go To The Flatirons at Sunrise—It’s Too Crowded.”
If you want to get on a local’s good side, don’t even think about hitting popular spots like the Flatirons at sunrise without prior approval. “The tourists all go there at dawn,” a real Coloradan will tell you, “You should go around 10 a.m. when it’s less crowded and the air smells sweeter.”
They Always Mention Their ‘Local Farm Share.’
Colorado locals pride themselves on eating local, and they’ll be sure to mention their farm share subscription at least once during a conversation. Whether it’s fresh produce, grass-fed beef, or artisan cheese, you can count on them to brag about their access to the freshest, most organic ingredients.
They Use the Word ‘Rad’—And You Should Too.
A Coloradan will call anything “rad.” Whether it’s a killer bike trail, a beautiful sunset, or a local brewery’s new IPA, it’s all “rad.” And they expect you to adopt this terminology ASAP. If you’re not using “rad” in everyday conversation, they’ll know you’re not truly one of them yet.
And there you have it! With these 10 easy signs, you’ll be spotting a real Colorado local in no time. Just make sure you’ve got your sunscreen, water bottle, and a solid hiking plan before you even think about blending in. Because in Colorado, it’s all about the great outdoors—and staying rad while you’re at it!
