What Coloradans love about Colorado
We asked Coloradans to send a valentine to the state. Here’s what people love about our home.
Happy Valentine’s Day from The Colorado Sun to you.
“I love the wilderness, the complete freedom that Colorado gives. The ability to disconnect from our online world and actually experience beauty.”
— John A., Denver
“The sunrises are red. The skies, deep blue. The people are real and the beer’s good too!”
— Dan D., Aurora
“I was born here 73.7 years ago and have never lived anywhere else. I have traveled extensively and what I love most is seeing the mountains out of the plane window before landing at DIA. And also when driving from the Eastern Plains back to Fort Collins, where I live, seeing that first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains.”
— Darlene M., Fort Collins
“When we get those warm downslope winds, you see tons of people, biking, hiking, walking dogs and even pickleball tournaments going on in mid-February. Everyone loves the sunshine.”
— Patricia W., Fort Collins
“The blue skies.”
— Sally H., Loveland
“Coloradans love their freedoms from constraint, hate and conformity as much as they love the openness of our environment. We choose to be above board in our decisions as well as above the clouds in our lifestyle.”
— Jim S., Cortez
“Dry floors, towels, dishes!”
— Kate W., Lowry
“The late-afternoon blinding Colorado sun peeking out from behind the blue mountains punctuates beautiful reliefs on peaceful drives through summit county.”
— Hunter S., Denver
“Obviously the mountains and views, but also the climate and the mix of people. It is a vibrant place.”
— Brian M., Lone Tree
“The beauty of the state but also the beauty of the people in our great state. You never will meet a stranger here.”
— Lyn S., La Junta
“It’s so easy to get up into the high alpine — a fragile and beautiful place, where you have to look closely to appreciate the tiny alpine plants and wait patiently to be greeted by a pika or marmot.”
— Audrey W., Boulder
“As a Colorado native of 73 continuous years in this amazing state, the most common comment I hear from people moving here is how friendly, welcoming and cheerful native Coloradans are. That is something to be proud of.”
— Joan S., Wellington
“Love the scenery and the wonderful people.”
— Cathy B., Prescott, AZ
“I love the tall grass prairie, with the moths, bees and birds.”
— Cindy W., Thornton
“I love all of the days of sunshine. It helps boost my mood on tough days.”
— Lucy L., Fort Collins
“The smell of pine trees after a spring rain.”
— Ted M., Black Hawk
“I love that there are people in this state that still value agriculture and that ranchers protect natural landscapes, wildlife, livestock and the cowboy code.”
— Adonna A., Steamboat
“I love that people bring their dogs everywhere! Seeing a dog at Home Depot or a farmer’s market always makes me smile.”
— Nancy H., Fort Collins
“I love that in Colorado we show dignity and respect to everyone.”
— Scott P., Littleton
“The Colorado Sun: The work you all do protects us all! Thank you for showing up each day to ensure journalism, the often overlooked but most essential check and balance, remains strong in Colorado.”
— Sarah R., Loveland
(Editor’s note: Thank you!)
“I love the people. Grew up in Colorado and in the decades since, the wide array of folks makes this a place to stay.”
— Greg W., rural Chaffee County
“I love the rich ethnic mix of my area of Colorado: Hispanic, Italian, Indigenous, German, Slavic, and on and on.”
— Jane F., Pueblo
“Each day I am privileged to peer out my kitchen window to see Mt. Sneffels and the glorious San Juans!”
— Marge M., Montrose
“Sapphire blue mountain lakes whose edges are sprinkled with Columbine and Elephant’s Head flowers. Pure joy to behold.”
— Lisa K., Littleton
“I love the peaches in summer. That first bite of the summer with juice running down my chin is pure perfection.”
— Arna C., Denver
“Everywhere I go, despite a national atmosphere of fear and estrangement, we Coloradans are treating each other as real people, connecting in real time, with a willingness to stay human to each other.”
— Regan C., Hotchkiss
“The cool mountain air in summer which flows down the South Platte into the city at 9 p.m.”
— Tom M., Denver
“I love that each region, and each community, has its own personality that shows our fiercely independent, but friendly and fun way of being. I love the way each place shows the love of their place, and love for our whole combines Colorado.”
— Kate C., I work across the state
“The constantly changing weather that almost always comes with sunshine.”
— Cristen H., Colorado Springs
“I love Colorado for its openness, its sunrises and sunsets, its invitation for a healthy lifestyle.”
— Bobbie P., Golden
“I love the enormous blue sky that fill with billowing white thunderhead on summer afternoons.”
— Marian H., Cortez
“What I love about Colorado is her unwavering commitment to caring for what is hers: her people, her land, her spirit.”
— Denise S., Frederick
“Being centered. Knowing north intuitively and grounding your perspective and aspirations in an almost always visible horizon line.”
— Julie O., Highlands Ranch
“I love the grandeur of the sun going behind a mountain and lighting up the bottom of the clouds or watching the mists slink through the valleys.
“We have awe inspiring beauty in our sunrises and sunsets.”
— Joan C., Williamsburg
“While there are many special Colorado places, the thing I love most is our resident’s willingness to help each other while expecting nothing in return. In my experience, whether it is information, contacts or a helping hand, Coloradans respond like no other state residents.”
— Susan G., Boulder
“Love the place names near Carbondale: TELLURIDE to stop to eat.There should be FAIRPLAY for guests, but sometimes we GYPSUM. Settle down at a MARBLE table. Uncork and sip from fine CRYSTAL. Sup on victuals in a FRYING PAN, served with a ROARING FORK … and pass BASALT.”
— M M.-Z., Evergreen
“The diverse vistas of Colorado create connection among the people lucky enough to call this home. From the big skies in the east, to dizzying heights, to being nestled among aspen and pines — I love the pride and awe we all hold for this beauty.”
— Alice M., Louisville
