My family has lived in the Denver metro area for the better part of 17 years and we still like to do some of the same things every summer. Here are 14 signs you're spending your summer in Colorado!
1. You know to bring layers with you everywhere
It's 90 degrees right now? It'll probably be raining later. The forecast is calling for heavy rain? It might snow. You know to always dress for the unexpected so you wear a tank top and shorts somewhere but you always bring leggings and a sweatshirt in your car.
2. Hiking
Sure, there are hikes in every state. But we all know the best hikes are found in Colorado. Whether you're hiking a trail near your house or you're driving to the mountains and making a day of it, your summer is likely to be spent hiking. Don't forget to check the Manitou Incline off of your bucket list this summer!
3. You've already been to at least one Rockies game
The tickets are especially cheap if you choose to sit in the rock pile, and there are several games a week so there's always a time for you to go! And it doesn't hurt that our Rockies are doing especially well this season. Let's go Rockies!
4. You know that the best concerts and music festivals are found at Red Rocks Amphitheater
We don't need Bonnaroo or Hangout, nothing will ever compare to a night spent at Red Rocks. And we've had practically every artist come perform there, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, John Denver, Zac Brown Band, Jimi Hendrix, pretty much everyone.
5. You're burning through your gas
The suburb that you live in likely doesn't have a ton to do this summer so you've been burning through gas driving to Downtown Denver for shopping and concerts, Colorado Springs and mountain towns for hiking, Boulder to hang out and Pearl Street, and anywhere else your car can take you.
6. You can't get enough of hanging out at the pool and on the lake
As a landlocked state, our nearest ocean is about a 14 hour drive, so instead, we can be found hanging out at one of our many lakes or pools.
7. Your friends from other parts of the country were shocked at our May snowstorm
It's inevitable. We will never not have a May snowstorm. We all hate it but we're also used to it.
8. You know there's nothing that compares to a Colorado sunset over the Rocky Mountains
Look. At. This. I love Alabama, but there's nothing like a blue and orange sunset over Broncos nation.
9. You know that cliff diving into the snowmelt is so much more refreshing that cliff diving into an ocean
If you've ever jumped off of a cliff into 45 degree snowmelt you know the shocking but exhilarating feeling I'm talking about. Jumping into a warm lake or ocean just doesn't quite do the trick.
10. Everyone is an "Outdoors Person"
Mountain biking, swimming, hiking, kayaking, running 5ks and so much more. Everything worth doing in Colorado is done outside.
11. It's not unusual to see wildlife
Like, everywhere! In your little suburb? Foxes, owls, coyotes, bob cats, hawks, to name a few. In the mountains? Bears, mountain lions, elk, big horn sheep, pikas, and so much more.
12. You don't have to worry about how you're dressed. Just copy the Colorado Uniform.
Chacos? Check. Eno hammock? Check. Sunglasses? Check. That's really all you need. You're prepared for an adventure