If You’ve Experienced These 10 Things, You’ve Lived in Colorado for Far Too Long

Colorado is a place where the mountains meet the sky, the air is thin, and adventure is a way of life. From the stunning Rocky Mountains to the laid-back mountain towns, living here is an experience unlike any other. If you’ve lived in Colorado long enough to check off these 10 things, there’s no denying it—you’ve definitely been here far too long.

You’ve Struggled to Breathe Above 8,000 Feet

You know that feeling when you’ve just hiked up a “moderate” trail, only to realize that the air is thinner than a yoga instructor’s patience? You’ve taken enough breaks to drink water and catch your breath, but still managed to convince yourself that this is totally normal.

You’ve Seen Snow in May and Thought, “It’s Colorado, What Did You Expect?”

You’ve experienced the kind of weather where you need both sunscreen and a snow shovel in the same day. One minute you’re basking in spring sunshine, the next, you’re watching snowflakes fall in what’s supposed to be the middle of summer.

You’ve Had a Deep Philosophical Debate About the Best Ski Resort

Colorado ski resorts are serious business, and you’ve definitely had a passionate conversation (or heated argument) about which one is the best. Whether it’s Vail, Aspen, or Breckenridge, you’ve picked a side and you’re not afraid to defend it like it’s your second home.

You’ve Drunk Enough Craft Beer to Fill a Small Lake

You know that Colorado is craft beer central, and you’ve sampled more IPAs, stouts, and lagers than you care to admit. At this point, you’ve mastered the art of the brewery tour and can casually name-drop local microbreweries with ease.

You’ve Driven Through a Wild Snowstorm and Wondered if You Were Going to Die

You’ve experienced a snowstorm that hit so suddenly you thought you might end up in a disaster movie. But in true Colorado fashion, you’ve learned to drive through blizzards with the confidence of a seasoned mountain driver, even if you’re secretly gripping the wheel for dear life.

You’ve Made a New Friend Over a Trail Recommendation

If you’ve lived in Colorado long enough, you know that your social life revolves around the trails. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, or skiing, you’ve bonded with strangers over a good trail recommendation—and swapped some secret spots that even locals might not know about.

You’ve Had to Explain What “14er” Means to Outsiders

You’ve spent more time than you care to admit explaining the allure of climbing a 14,000-foot peak to anyone who doesn’t live in Colorado. You’ve probably taken a deep breath (at least three times) to gather your energy before explaining why it’s totally normal to want to summit a mountain just for the bragging rights.

You’ve Grown Accustomed to the “Colorado Diet”: Kale, Avocados, and More Kale

You’ve embraced the “Colorado Diet,” which consists of about 80% kale, 15% quinoa, and 5% of whatever local, organic, gluten-free trend is currently in vogue. You might occasionally sneak in a burger, but you definitely feel guilty about it.

You’ve Had to Cancel Plans Because of a Sudden Avalanche Warning

You know that Colorado weather has a way of keeping you on your toes, and sometimes, you’ve had to cancel plans because of an avalanche warning in the mountains. At this point, you’ve learned to always check your weather app before making any big outdoor plans—just in case you need to rethink that weekend getaway.

You’ve Developed a Habit of Saying, “It’s Not the Altitude, It’s the Attitude”

Living in Colorado means you’ve developed a mental toughness to deal with the altitude, weather, and the constantly active lifestyle. You’ve become so accustomed to the physical demands of this state that you’ve probably used the line “It’s not the altitude, it’s the attitude” as a motivational mantra.

If you’ve been through the ups and downs of Colorado’s unpredictable weather, survived altitude sickness, and learned the art of hiking, skiing, and craft beer tasting, you’ve officially made Colorado your second (or first) home. The mountains, the beer, the endless adventure—it’s a way of life that you can’t escape, even if you tried. But let’s be honest, who would want to?

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