Colorado is often painted with a broad brush of stereotypes, many of which don’t reflect the reality or diversity of life in the state. Here are ten of the most persistent misconceptions about Colorado—and why they need to be debunked.
1. Everyone in Colorado Is a Ski Bum
While Colorado is home to world-class ski resorts, not every resident skis or snowboards. Many Coloradans have never hit the slopes, and plenty prefer other activities—or just relaxing with a craft beer on a sunny patio.
2. Coloradans Only Wear Flannel and Birkenstocks
The state’s fashion is as varied as its landscape. You’ll see everything from business attire to yoga pants and everything in between. Flannel and Birkenstocks are popular, but hardly universal.
3. Everyone Is a Rugged Mountain Man or Woman
Colorado has its share of outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s also full of city dwellers, suburbanites, and people who would rather brunch than backpack. Urban life is thriving, especially in cities like Denver and Boulder.
4. We’re All About Weed
Recreational marijuana is legal, but most Coloradans aren’t constantly using it. The cannabis industry is significant, but it’s far from the center of daily life for the majority of residents.
5. The Only Food We Eat Is Granola and Kale
While healthy eating is common, Coloradans enjoy a wide variety of foods, from burgers and fries to donuts and pizza. The state’s food scene is diverse and not limited to health food.
6. Everyone Is Super Outdoorsy
Not every resident is out climbing mountains or running marathons. Many people enjoy the outdoors in more relaxed ways, like walking in the park or enjoying a sunset, and some not at all.
7. Colorado Is Just Denver
Denver is the largest city, but Colorado’s personality is shaped by its mountain towns, plains, and western slope. The state is much more than its capital.
8. We’re Always “High”—on Altitude or Otherwise
While Colorado’s elevation is high, residents aren’t perpetually lightheaded or “high.” Most adapt quickly, and life goes on as normal. The legal marijuana scene doesn’t mean everyone is using it, either.
9. Everyone Works in Tech Startups
Colorado’s tech scene is growing, but the economy is diverse, with people working in agriculture, education, healthcare, the arts, and more.
10. We’re All Hippies or Cowboys
There’s a countercultural vibe in places like Boulder, and rural areas do have real ranchers and farmers. But most Coloradans fall somewhere in between, and the “Wild West” image is largely a tourist fantasy.
Bonus: Other Common Myths
- It’s Always Snowy and Cold: Colorado actually enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, and winters can be mild, especially on the Front Range.
- Wildlife Is Everywhere: Wildlife is common near the mountains, but you won’t see mountain lions in every neighborhood.
- Everyone Drives a Subaru or 4×4: While these cars are popular, they’re not required for daily life, especially in urban areas.
- We Only Talk About the Weather: While the weather is famously unpredictable, Coloradans have plenty of other topics of conversation.
- We Ride Horses to School: Colorado isn’t the Wild West of old—most people drive cars and live in modern cities and suburbs.
Colorado is a state of contrasts and diversity, with residents who defy easy categorization. The next time you hear one of these stereotypes, remember: there’s a lot more to the Centennial State than meets the eye.
Sources:
- https://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/debunking-colorado-stereotypes-sort-of/
- https://kool1079.com/myths-coloradans-hate/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agfCZUlcHrQ
- https://thought.is/7-stereotypes-coloradans-hear-all-the-time/