🚫 What NOT to Do in Colorado-Top Tourist Mistakes to Avoid | 50 Local Tips from 50+ Years of Experience 🏞️

Switching Gears RV Diary
May 18, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jul 2, 2025

May 18, 2025

Planning a trip to Colorado? Whether you're coming for hiking, skiing, hot springs, or just to explore the Rocky Mountains, there are a few things you really shouldn't do while you're here.

After traveling and living in this stunning state for over 50 years, I’ve seen every tourist mistake in the book. So before you lace up those boots or rent that RV, let me save you the trouble (and embarrassment) with this essential guide to what not to do in Colorado. 💯

🏔️ 1. Don’t Let the Altitude Knock You Out

Colorado is the highest state in the U.S.—and we’re not just talking about weed.

Denver is a mile high, but mountain towns like Breckenridge, Aspen, and Telluride climb well over 9,000 feet.
Altitude sickness is real. Headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath can hit fast.
Don’t skip hydration or rush to that high-ABV craft beer. Alcohol hits harder at elevation.
Pack lip balm, lotion, eye drops, and give yourself a day or two to acclimate.
Still feeling rough? Go lower. It’s not weakness—it’s survival.

🌦️ 2. Don’t Trust Colorado Weather—It’s Bipolar

Welcome to the only state where it can snow during fireworks in July.

Weather swings are wild: you might start your hike in sun and end in a thunderstorm.
Bring layers—even in summer. Temps can swing 40 degrees in a single day.
Afternoon hikes in July? Expect lightning, hail, and wet socks. Start early, finish early.
Yes, it can snow in June. And yes, you’ll still see locals wearing shorts.

🛣️ 3. Don’t Drive Like You’re Still in Florida

Colorado driving is not for the faint of heart—especially in the mountains.

Don’t ride your brakes downhill—use lower gears to avoid overheating.
Got five cars stuck behind you? It’s the law to pull over and let them pass.
Be patient. Mountain roads are narrow, winding, and slow. Plan for delays.
Obey chain laws and check CDOT for road conditions, especially in winter.
Avoid driving after sunset when roads refreeze or animals come out.
Don’t text and drive—it’s illegal to even touch your phone while operating a vehicle.

🚦 4. Don’t Be That Driver

You might think you're a great driver—until you hit the left lane and forget to leave it.

Left lanes on highways are for passing only—and it’s the law on 65+ MPH roads.
Don’t try a left on red unless you’re turning from a one-way to another one-way.
Kids under 8 years or 40 pounds need a booster seat. No exceptions.

🏞️ 5. Don’t Treat Nature Like Disneyland

Colorado’s wilderness isn’t an Instagram backdrop—it’s wild and very much alive.

Don’t hike in flip-flops. Trails are rocky, steep, and sometimes icy.
No cell service? Yep. Download offline maps or prepare to get beautifully lost.
Don’t feed wildlife—especially bears. They’ve broken into cars for donuts and toothpaste.
Store food properly when camping, especially in bear-heavy seasons (like fall).
Don’t blast music at your campsite. Nature doesn’t need your playlist.
Watch for wildlife on roads—especially at dawn and dusk. Hit a deer? Painful. Hit an elk? Game over.

💡 Fun fact: Colorado has the largest elk population in the U.S.

🌿 6. Don’t Light Up Just Anywhere

Yes, weed is legal in Colorado. But that doesn’t mean you can toke up wherever you want.

Don’t smoke in national parks, state parks, trails, or public spaces—those are federal lands, and weed is still illegal federally.
Don’t light up in your hotel room unless you want a huge cleaning bill.
Don’t drive high. DUI laws apply to marijuana, too.
Even better, get a natural Rocky Mountain High

🍴 7. Don’t Miss the Food Scene (Or Time It Poorly)

Colorado’s food and beer scene is 🔥—but plan ahead.

Don’t wait until 7 PM to eat in a mountain town—everything might be closed or full.
Colorado has over 400 microbreweries—go easy. One IPA at 9,000 feet hits like three at sea level.

🧭 8. Don’t Misread the Vibe

Colorado is relaxed—but not sloppy.

Don’t show up in a tux or heels unless you're at a wedding. The dress code is mountain casual.
Don’t try to keep up with locals on the trail—they probably ran 5 miles before breakfast.
Don’t stiff your server—15–20% tips are standard.

📶 9. Don’t Count on Your Phone to Save You

Signal in the mountains? Not likely.

Download offline maps and bring a portable charger.
Don’t rely on Google Maps alone—many remote roads aren’t well marked.
Bring a paper map or GPS backup if you’re heading into the backcountry.

🚐 10. Don’t RV Like a Rookie

Thinking about RV travel in Colorado? Awesome. But come prepared.

Don’t ignore height/weight limits—some roads and bridges can’t support big rigs.
Don’t assume campsites are available—book early, especially in summer.
Boondocking? Weekdays are easier. Weekends get crowded.
Don’t dump waste outside of designated areas. Yes, it happens. No, it’s not okay.
Be a good neighbor—no generators overnight, please.

🧴 Bonus Mistakes Tourists Make All the Time (But You Won’t!)

Don’t forget sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, UV rays at elevation are intense.
Don’t assume every trail is dog-friendly or leash-optional. Check the rules first.
Don’t underestimate construction season—a.k.a. summer. Detours can add hours.
Don’t assume I-70 is always smooth. Between potholes, semis, and weather—it’s not.
Avoid I-70 on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings unless you love traffic jams.
Don’t think Denver = mountains. It’s on the plains. You’ll have to drive to reach the Rockies.
Don’t just stay in Denver. Check out ghost towns, hot springs, and lesser-known gems across the state.

🎒 Be a Smart, Respectful Visitor—and Colorado Will Love You Back

Colorado locals welcome travelers with open arms—as long as you’re respectful, prepared, and flexible. Whether you're off-roading in the San Juans, camping in Crested Butte, or sipping craft beer in Boulder, remember that you're in a state that demands both respect and readiness.

So hydrate, pack smart, plan ahead, and embrace the wild beauty of the Rockies. ❤️🏞️