7 Signs You’ve Been in Colorado Too Long: How Many Have You Experienced?

Colorado is known for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and laid-back vibe. Whether you’ve spent a few years or a few decades here, it’s easy to fall in love with the Centennial State’s rugged beauty and active lifestyle.

But if you’ve been living in Colorado for far too long, you might notice a few quirks in your behavior, preferences, and outlook on life. You might even find yourself embodying some of the unique traits that only true Coloradans understand.

If any of the following signs sound familiar, it’s safe to say you’ve been in Colorado long enough to catch the “mile-high” fever. Let’s dive into the 7 surefire signs that you’ve been in Colorado for far too long.

1. You’ve Forgotten What Traffic Is (Or Are Completely Unbothered By It)

If you’ve been in Colorado for a while, chances are you’ve grown used to its distinct form of “traffic.” Whether it’s getting stuck behind a herd of elk crossing the road in Estes Park or waiting behind a construction zone near Denver, you’ve learned to take it all in stride. You’ve stopped complaining about road congestion and maybe even enjoy the slower pace. A “traffic jam” in Colorado might be nothing more than a few cars lined up while a moose makes its way across the road. If you’re not phased by these delays, it’s a clear sign you’ve been here long enough!

2. You Think 20-Minute Hikes Are a “Quick” Adventure

When you first moved to Colorado, a 30-minute or hour-long hike might have seemed like a challenging trek. But now, you consider a 20-minute jaunt to a scenic viewpoint a “quick” adventure. You’ve climbed countless peaks, summited the 14ers, and perhaps even tackled a few in one day. As you continue to explore Colorado’s vast natural beauty, your definition of a short hike has evolved—if it doesn’t involve elevation gain or taking a snack break on the summit, it doesn’t even feel like a workout anymore.

3. You’ve Mastered the Art of Layering Clothing

In Colorado, the weather can change on a dime. One moment it’s sunny and 70 degrees, and the next, you’re in the middle of a sudden snowstorm. If you’ve been here too long, you’ve perfected the art of layering clothing. You’ve come to expect the unpredictability of mountain weather and always have an extra jacket, sweater, and pair of sunglasses in your bag. Whether you’re heading up to the mountains for a ski trip or just running errands in town, being prepared for every type of weather condition is second nature to you.

4. You Drink Water Like It’s Your Job

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Living at high altitudes means staying hydrated is a constant priority. The dry air and thinner atmosphere leave you more prone to dehydration, and you’ve learned that drinking water is essential to avoid headaches and exhaustion. It’s not uncommon for Coloradans to have a water bottle constantly by their side.

You’ve probably even joined the “hydration cult,” where you’re always looking for your next drink refill, making sure to stay ahead of the dehydration curve. If you catch yourself sipping water on a hike, in the car, and even at work, you’ve definitely embraced Colorado’s culture of hydration.

5. You’ve Developed a Deep Love for Craft Beer (Or Any Local Brews)

It’s no secret that Colorado is a craft beer haven. With over 400 breweries across the state, it’s practically a requirement to develop a taste for local brews. If you’ve been living in Colorado for a while, you’ve probably become an expert in tasting and appreciating craft beer. You can name your favorite brewery, attend beer festivals like a pro, and even have a preferred beer style (IPAs, stouts, lagers—you name it). You might also love exploring new seasonal brews or experimenting with different breweries every weekend. If you’re constantly on the lookout for the next best pint, you’ve truly embraced the beer culture of Colorado.

6. You Don’t Bat an Eye at Snow in May (Or September)

In Colorado, snow in the spring or fall is totally normal. If you’ve been here too long, you’ve stopped being shocked by a May snowstorm or seeing snowflakes fly in September. You’ve learned to appreciate the unexpected and roll with it, always keeping your winter gear handy even as temperatures rise. In fact, you might not even need to check the forecast before going for a hike or attending an outdoor festival—just throw on a hoodie and a hat, and you’re good to go. Snow in May? No problem.

7. You’ve Become a Mountain Biker or Skier (Or Both)

If you’ve been in Colorado for too long, there’s a good chance you’ve embraced some form of mountain sports. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, or simply exploring the incredible trails that wind through the state, outdoor adventure has become an integral part of your life. Your weekends revolve around hitting the slopes or biking on Colorado’s legendary trails. You’re no longer intimidated by steep mountain terrain or the thought of tackling a challenging run—you’ve turned these activities into your weekend ritual.

Living in Colorado comes with a unique set of experiences and quirks. From mastering the art of layering to embracing the state’s love for craft beer, it doesn’t take long to get caught up in the laid-back, outdoor-centric lifestyle of the Centennial State. If you’ve experienced most or all of these signs, there’s no denying it—you’ve been in Colorado long enough to call it home.

And let’s face it: once you’ve fallen in love with the beauty, adventure, and lifestyle, it’s hard to ever leave! So, how many of these signs apply to you? Let us know if you’ve experienced any of these and embrace your inner Coloradan!

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