Welcome to beautiful Colorado!! We love visitors (emphasis on visitors), but we'll get real -- we love you if you basically follow these rules for your Colorado spring break:
So you're planning a Colorado spring break trip. Great choice! Nothing better than kicking back in the Mile High, partaking in our legal cannabis economy, and seeing all the beauty our state has to offer! While we hate transplants, we don't mind you stopping by for a little bit!! That is ... if you keep in mind these simple Do's and Don'ts. Do: Enjoy Marijuana It's great! Enjoy Colorado's legalization safely and responsibly! There are tons of spots that hold great deals, and there are more dispensaries than Starbucks here in Colorado so you won't need to search very hard. Just make sure you ... Don't: Think You're Invincible There are still laws surrounding marijuana consumption in Colorado. No, you can't smoke it anywhere you'd like. Don't smoke in your car, and don't smoke in your hotel if it's smoke-free. Just be smart. The same invincibility mentality should go along with edibles. If you've never had edibles before, don't be a hero -- Listen to the budtenders and know there are no stupid questions when it comes to making sure you're being safe and smart with your consumption. If you do end up eating more than you can handle, remember -- you won't die, you're just gonna have a bad time.
Do: Get into the Mountains!
Colorado has over 40 parks open to the public -- we are SURROUNDED by beauty. You would be doing yourself a grave disservice if you didn't explore the mountains and nature at least a little bit. Rocky Mountain National Park is always a great option with tons of beautiful areas to take in nature and take pictures. You can easily drive around or walk on trails to take in the beauty.
Don't: Be a Disrespectful Ass Hat
Respect the trails, people. Don't throw your cigarette butts and trash wherever you want (ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES -- and forest litter). Also, be mindful of other hikers. If the trail is small, make way for those headed up the hill. Also, if you choose to smoke a little in nature, be mindful of where you ash out and if there are others around you. Not everyone in Colorado loves to smoke weed.
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Also, pay attention to and RESPECT trail signs. If there is a sign that says "Stay on Trail," then STAY ON THE DAMN TRAIL. It's a simple concept. I'm sure going off the path may make for, like, the perfect insta-pic, but our parks and spaces are fragile, and it only takes one person to start an epidemic of tramples. Same goes for "No Climbing," namely Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I don't care how small you are or that "oh well, I was only there for a second." No means no. Respect the rocks so they can stay maintained for future generations. You ain't special. You especially don't want to end up on Trail Trash of Colorado.
Do: Get a Lesson
If you plan on hitting the slopes for the first time, DEFINITELY get a lesson. You'll thank yourself in the morning. At the very least get a half-day lesson to get your snow-legs and learn the basics, then take it easy on greens to get the feel. Whether you're only riding one day or the whole weekend, you'll have fun no matter what. It's worth actually learning how to ride.
Don't: Think You're a Hot Shot
If you don't take a ski or snowboarding lesson, you're gonna have a bad time. It's not as easy as it looks and honestly, it's for the safety of both you and the other boarders and skiers around you. Don't be that guy.
Do: Drink Lots of Water
Colorado is a very dry state (especially this season). You need to make sure you are staying hydrated -- not just for your skin's sake, but for your health's sake as well. We are far above sea level, which means the environment here takes a bit more out of you than usual. "Altitude sickness" is a fancy way of saying dehydration. You don't want to be that person that needs to get airlifted off a mild hike because you only brought a plastic water bottle.
Don't: Drink Lots of Alcohol on Day 1
Pretty much for the same reasons listed above. Alcohol dehydrates you, so it's suggested you acclimate a bit before going too hard on the paint your first night out. Take it easy. We're not saying don't drink at all but at the very least pace yourself on night one. You don't want to get the spins right off the bat!
Do: Be Aware of Smokey
If you have eyes you will likely notice Smokey the Bear signs before each mountainous or park area. Smokey lets you know the fire danger and dryness level of the area!
Don't: Ignore Smokey
If fire danger is HIGH (aka in the Red), DON'T START A FIRE. Don't spark up a campfire at your campsite, don't flick your cigs out the window, just don't. Be mindful. We've had an extremely dry season, and we don't need some out-of-towner sparking up some huge forest fire because they "didn't know better."
Do: Visit Our Attractions
There are tons!! This one is pretty self-explanatory, so just visit here: Click around for a bunch of cool spots and some handy tips!
Don't: Just Visit for the 'Gram
Like we said, there are TONS of great state parks to go visit. There are also a good number of monuments and attractions like Garden of the Gods or even the Denver Zoo! Our simple advice, though: Don't just go to take pictures and show off; actually absorb your surroundings and enjoy your vacation!
Do: Chow Down on Green Chile
It's delicious, it's green, and if there wasn't already a strain we would call it Green Crack (let's be honest -- most people do!). If you're in Colorado you should absolutely head to a Mexican or Mexican-style joint and order yourself a smothered burrito and have at it.
Don't: Bitch About the Lack of "Queso"
It's melted cheese, y'all, get over it. Too many of the people I know that moved here or visited have a full-on conniption because there is a lack of "queso." Relax! You don't go to a new place to enjoy the same things you always do at home, right? Right. Eat the green chile.
Do: Enjoy Your Visit!!
We truly hope you enjoy your time here in Colorado!
Don't: Decide to Move Here.
We full.
Aside from our list, we took it to the people of Colorado to see what they had to say about their own personal Do's and Don'ts for visitors:
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Excited for your visit to Colorado? Let us know what your plans are, or shoot us some questions! For all you residents out there, did we miss any Do's/Don'ts? Let us know!
