Say These 13 Words Correctly and Every Coloradan Will Know You’re One of Them

Colorado isn’t just mountains, microbrews, and Broncos — it’s a full-on lifestyle. And nothing gives away a flatlander faster than botching the name of a town that locals can say while skiing backwards, half-asleep. If you can pronounce these 13 tricky words just right, you’re ready for high altitude, higher rent, and even higher burrito standards.

Colorado (Call-uh-RAH-doh)

Real locals say “rah,” not “rad-oh.” If you say “rad,” people assume you’re from California. (No offense.)

Buena Vista (BYOO-nuh VISS-tuh)

Forget your high school Spanish class — we do things our way around here.

Saguache (Suh-WATCH)

Looks like a sneeze, sounds like a secret handshake. Locals love watching people butcher this one.

Salida (Suh-LIE-duh)

If you call it “Sah-LEE-dah,” prepare to be gently — but firmly — corrected over a craft IPA.

Fruita (FROO-tuh)

It’s not “Fruity.” It’s not “Froot-uh.” It’s Fruita — and yes, you better love mountain biking if you’re headed there.

Ouray (YOU-ray)

They call it the “Switzerland of America,” but if you call it “Ooo-ray,” you might just get lost trying to find it.

Limon (LIE-men)

It’s not “Lee-mohn” or anything remotely fancy. It’s just “LIE-men” — dry, dusty, and full of truck stops.

Cache la Poudre (Cash luh POO-der)

This river name is where even seasoned Coloradans start to sweat a little.

Alamosa (Al-uh-MO-suh)

Say it like you’ve been sunburnt at the sand dunes, and you’ll fit right in.

Poudre (POO-der)

Yes, it’s still “POO-der,” even though your instincts scream otherwise. Let it happen.

Gunnison (GUN-uh-sun)

Hard “gun,” easy “sun.” Nothing fancy, just pure Western grit.

Manitou Springs (MAN-ih-too Springs)

Say it fast, say it smooth, and then grab yourself some mineral water to celebrate.

Montezuma (Mon-tuh-ZOOM-uh)

Like it sounds, but say it with the weary wisdom of someone who’s dug out their car after a blizzard.

If you nailed all these names without pulling a muscle in your tongue, congratulations — you’re officially one of us. Pack your Subie, load up your dog, and don’t forget your “14er” checklist — you’re ready to summit both the mountains and the language. Just remember: if you mispronounce “Saguache,” someone will correct you… politely, because this is Colorado.

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