14 Misconceptions About Colorado That Have Locals Shaking Their Heads

MJP –

Ah, Colorado—the Centennial State, where the mountains are high, the people are laid-back, and the myths are as big as our 14,000-foot peaks. Whether it’s snowboarding, hiking, or surviving a sudden blizzard in May, Coloradans have heard it all.

So grab your hiking boots, and your craft beer, and let’s debunk 14 myths about Colorado that drive locals crazier than rush-hour traffic on I-70!

Myth 1: Everyone in Colorado Is a Ski Bum

Sure, we’ve got some world-class ski resorts, but not all of us are hitting the slopes every weekend.

In fact, plenty of Coloradans can’t tell you the difference between a double black diamond and a bunny slope. Some of us prefer our après-ski without the actual skiing, thank you very much.

Myth 2: Colorado Is Cold All Year Round

Winters can indeed get chilly, but have you ever been to Denver in July? We’re talking 90-degree days with sunshine that’ll burn you faster than forgetting to reapply your SPF at Red Rocks. We get all four seasons—and sometimes, all of them in one day.

Myth 3: Everyone Here Is a Health Nut

While we do have more hiking trails and bike paths than you can shake a trekking pole at, not every Coloradan is living off kale smoothies and marathon training. We also enjoy a good burger, craft beer, and the occasional lazy afternoon on the couch—because of balance, right?

Myth 4: Colorado Is Just Mountains

Don’t get us wrong, the mountains are stunning, but eastern Colorado is as flat as a pancake, and the western slope has deserts that feel straight out of a Western movie. Our geography is as diverse as our craft breweries—speaking of which…

Myth 5: Craft Beer Is the Only Thing We Drink

We love our craft beer, sure. But contrary to popular belief, we’re not all wandering around with a flight of IPAs in hand. Whether it’s whiskey, wine, or water straight from a mountain stream, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Myth 6: Everyone in Colorado Smokes Weed

Yes, Colorado was one of the first states to legalize marijuana, but not everyone here is spending their days in a smoky haze. Believe it or not, some of us prefer a good book or a hike without any enhancements. The pot shops are here if you want them, but they’re not exactly our only attraction.

Myth 7: Colorado Is Only for Outdoorsy People

While we do have our share of hikers, campers, and mountain climbers, not every Coloradan spends their weekends summiting 14ers. Some of us are more indoorsy, enjoying the state’s art museums, live music, and world-class restaurants from the comfort of, you know, actual buildings.

Myth 8: Denver Is a Ski Town

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Oh, bless your heart. Denver is an hour (on a good traffic day) from the closest slopes. While you can see the mountains from the city, don’t expect to hop off your flight and immediately hit the powder unless you enjoy sitting in I-70 traffic for hours. Ski town? Try the mountain adjacent.

Myth 9: Everyone in Colorado Drives a Subaru

We admit, the Subaru-per-capita ratio here is pretty high, but it’s not the only car on the road. You’ll see trucks, Teslas, and the occasional Prius trying to make it up a snowy hill. But yeah, okay, we do love our Subarus.

Myth 10: Colorado Is Overrun with Wildlife

While we do get the occasional moose or bear sighting, wildlife isn’t stalking us around every corner. Most of the time, the closest you’ll get to an animal encounter is your neighbor’s Golden Retriever at the dog park.

Myth 11: It’s Always Snowing in Colorado

Yes, we get snow—sometimes a lot of it—but we also have more sunny days than Miami. Winters can be snowy in the mountains, but down in Denver, it often melts by noon, leaving us with dry streets and blue skies. So don’t pack your parka for a summer visit, okay?

Myth 12: Coloradans Are All Super Chill

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We may seem laid-back, but get us talking about traffic on I-70 or transplants who don’t understand how to drive in snow, and you’ll see us get worked up faster than a skier on fresh powder. We’re easygoing until you mess with our weekend mountain plans.

Myth 13: Everyone in Colorado Loves the Broncos

Sure, we bleed orange and blue, but don’t assume every Coloradan is obsessed with football. Some of us prefer soccer, hockey, or—gasp—no sports at all. But go ahead and mention Super Bowl 50, and you’ll see us get misty-eyed with pride.

Myth 14: Colorado Is Full of Cowboys

Cowboys? You mean tech startups, right? While we do have a rich ranching history, modern Colorado is just as much about outdoor gear companies, craft coffee, and co-working spaces as it is about lassoing cattle.

So there you have it—14 myths about Colorado, busted like a ski pole after a yard sale on the slopes. We’re more than just a state of granola-eating, Subie-driving, mountain-loving hippies (though we love them too).

Come visit, explore the mountains (or not), and see for yourself what the real Colorado is all about—just don’t forget your sunscreen!