What to Know Before Visiting Colorado: Real Tips You Won’t Find on Google

I’ve been to at least 35-40 states, and Colorado still sits near the top of my list every single time.  It is stunning, peaceful, surprising, and a little disrespectful when it comes to moisture—but I’ll get to that.

If you’re planning a trip soon—or if Colorado has been calling your name from Instagram photos—here’s everything you should know before you land.  This is the real version, the version I wish somebody had told me.

 1.  Hypoxia is Real:  Colorado Will Humble Your Cardiovascular System

Listen. Colorado is beautiful, but she does not play fair with your lungs.  The altitude makes me feel like I have never worked out a day in my life.  One flight of stairs?  I am calling on the Lord by the time I reach the top.  Every time.

I’ve even gone up into the mountains and made the mistake of sipping a margarita.  One margarita.  Y’all…I was calling on the Lord, getting my affairs in order, and rethinking my whole life.

The air is thin, and altitude sickness is real.  A few tips

• Drink more water than you normally do.
• Take it slow your first day.
• Limit alcohol until your body adjusts.
• If you feeling like you are “dying” dramatically after walking 20 steps, it’s not you.  It’s the elevation.

2.  Moisturize, Moisturize, and then Moisturize Again

I am a good old petroleum jelly gal—the real kind, the grandma-approved kind.  Bag Balm works miracles too.  I mix it with a thick lotion and apply multiple times a day, and guess what?  Still not enough.

Colorado will dry out:

• your skin
• your lips
• your cuticles
• your scalp
• your attitude

Your hair?  Lordt.  I typically get box braids (my protective style of choice) because the dryness will have your strands feeling like they’ve been through hell and high water.

And while I’m on this street:
I’m not saying beauty supply stores don’t exist in Colorado….I’m just saying I have never seen one.  So pack your oils, butters, and conditioners.

3.  Colorado Has Its Own Temperature:  Don’t Compare It to Home

Trying to explain Colorado cold to my friends and family (Black) is a task.  It’s not the same as Southern cold.  It’s a drier cold—almost gentler during the day.

I’ve been there in October, out on the balcony in 58 degrees, doing yoga in a sports bra and shorts.  Meanwhile, 58º in Texas requires a coat, gloves, and emotional preparation.

But here’s the twist:
Once the sun drops, the cold disrespects you immediately.  Colorado holds no heat after sunset.

My advice:

• Wear layers during the day.
• Keep a jacket nearby at all times.
• You’ll thank me later

4.  An Outdoors Person’s Paradise (Even If You Aren’t Outdoorsy)

The beauty of Colorado is unmatched.  The sun on the mountains, the bold sky, the endless trails—concrete or dirt—everywhere you turn.

Even if you’re not “outdoorsy,” you’ll feel called outside.  The sunlight alone feels like therapy (and Black women…we need that vitamin D).  There is a soothing rhythm to nature there that quiets your mind without even trying.

Whenever I visit:

• I walk daily, even if it’s just to the store.
• We find a trail to explore and take in the views.
  Come with me as I take a 1-mile hike on the Chautauqua Trail.
• There are always enough people around to feel comfortable
• And it has never been too cold for me to enjoy my tea on the balcony.

Colorado is a place where I breathe deeper, reconnect with myself, and hear God clearly.

5.  Yes, the Black Population is Low—Here’s My Experience

I’m honest about my travels.  I haven’t spent time exploring different neighborhoods—I usually hit a Buffaloes game, grab food, and head into the mountains.

The first time we went up in the mountains, the store had zero Black hair products.  Zero.  None.  And the only Black people I saw were the ones who came with me.

But even with the low population, I’ve never had an issue—or felt any more unsafe or safe—than I do anywhere else as a Black woman.  Over the years, I’ve started seeing more of us out there, especially in the mountains snowmobiling!

So just keep in mind:
Representation may be low, but it’s not nonexistent.
And lack of beauty supply stores?  That part seems very real.

6.  Traffic, Mountain Driving, and Time Zones

Coming from Dallas, I know real traffic.  Houston too—Houston is catching strays, but I stand by it.

Colorado traffic?  I have yet to see anything that can rival our’s.  Now mountain driving…That’s a different beast.  Winding, steep, narrow roads.  My first time, I thought they were going to have to knock me out to get me up there.  Terrified!

Also:

• A 35-mile drive in the mountains can take 2 hours.
• The time zone is one hour behind Dallas.
• I have never adjusted.  Poor Arrington is ready for bed at 7:00 PM every trip—and honestly, I don’t blame him.

7.  Colorado Weather Changes on a Dime

The weather coming off the mountains can switch up quick.  That same sun-soaked afternoon can turn cool, rainy, or windy before you make it back to the car. So, pack a light jacket in your day bag.  Always.

And let’s talk about flights.  That mountain air can make for some interesting turbulence.  Not dangerous, just….character-building.

Colorado is truly one of my favorite places.  I’ve traveled all over this country, and Colorado stays high on my list because of its beauty, peace, and the way it connects me with myself.

If you’ve been considering a trip—Go!  Just moisturize, hydrate, layer up, and respect the mountains.

BTW: Before you hit a mountain drive… test your brakes and your faith.

Let me know—have you been to Colorado, or is it on your list?  What surprised you the most when you visited?  Drop your thoughts in the comments, and share this post with a friend who keeps saying, “One day I’m going to Colorado.”  That day might need to be sooner than later.

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