Whether you're a Colorado native or a Colorado transplant, there's a great sense of pride in being a Coloradan. I sure feel that way. We are so lucky to live in the best state in the nation, with the best mountains, the best weather, the best people, and so much more. Of course, life in Colorado is not without its quirks. There are certain things about Colorado that make us, well, us - and that's beautiful, too! While reflecting upon that fact, I put together this collection of photos that only Coloradans will understand - because if you're on our winning team, you definitely know what we're talking about!

1. Red Rocks in the Winter

Every Coloradan has visited Red Rocks Ampitheater, whether for a concert, a photography sesh, movie night, or challenging climb just for fun. But locals know it's even better in winter.

2. The Manitou Incline

Only in Colorado does it make sense that some people want to run up 2,768 steps at a 68% grade to get to the top of a mountain. Nevertheless, the Manitou Incline remains one of the most popular spots in the state.

3. Blue Mustang a.k.a Blucifer

Only Coloradans truly understand the incredible feeling of landing at DIA at the end of a long journey to finally greet the iconic Blucifer once again. Welcome home!

4. Mike the Headless Chicken Statue

This strange statue of Mike the Headless Chicken in Fruita is a tribute to one of our state's most beloved tales of survival. Only Coloradans truly understand good ol' Mike.

5. Frozen Dead Guy Days

Yes, we have a festival dedicated to a headless chicken. We also have a festival dedicated to a cryogenically frozen dead man. Frozen Dead Guy Days has since moved to Estes Park from Ned, where it began, but it still retains much of its old charm. Only Coloradans could look at this picture of the coffin races and immediately know what's happening without even needing this caption.

6. Skijoring

Coloradans didn't invent the sport of skijoring, but we sure do love it. Of course - it combines cowboys and skiing! It doesn't get much more Colorado than that.

7. Columbine

When most people hear the word "columbine" they immediately think of one of the saddest tragedies in semi-recent history. However, if you are a Coloradan, you remember that before that happened, a columbine was and is a flower first - and it's our State Flower, too. May the victims of the 1999 tragedy continue to rest in peace.

8. Dinosaur Tracks

Yes, we have dinosaur tracks that you can still see clearly at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison. No big deal; that's just normal for us. Also, paleontologists found the first nearly complete stegosaurus skeleton ever in Cañon City in 1885, and we're darn proud of that fact.

9. Buffalo Bill's Grave

What's the most visited grave in your state? In Colorado, it's Buffalo Bill's. This soldier, hunter, and showman is still a legend after all these years. Pretty cool, if you ask me. You'll find Buffalo Bill's gravesite just a half hour outside of Denver.

10. Mutton Bustin' & The National Western Stock Show

Surely, kids try to wrangle sheep in other states, too, but in Colorado, it's the best part of the "best 16 days in January" at the National Western Stock Show. People come from all over to attend the National Western Stock Show, but we're lucky to have it right here.

11. Undeveloped Hot Springs

There are commercial hot springs and then there are undeveloped, natural hot springs. Lots of places have both but ours are the most beautiful! Anyone seeing this picture will guess pretty quickly that it's of our home state, Colorado!

12. The Stanley Hotel

If you're a Coloradan, then you know what this place is from any angle and in any photo. You also know that the iconic Stanley Hotel is one of the most creepy and most beautiful hotels in the entire nation.

13. Mount Elbert & High Peaks

If you live in Colorado, then you know our mountains are the biggest and best mountains in the nation. Yes, there are some that are taller in other states, but we have the most numerous peaks over 13,000 feet - and it's not even close!

14. CU Boulder Buffaloes

Only if you live in Colorado do you know exactly what's happening here. GO BUFFALOES!

15. Rocky Mountain Oysters

Whether you've been brave enough to try them or not, if you've been living in Colorado for long, you know almost from birth what Rocky Mountain oysters are made of. Yuck!

Ahh, just working my way through these Colorado photos filled me with a huge sense of appreciation and pride for the state in which we live. Hooray for life in Colorado! This is our culture. Thanks for being my neighbor!

Thinking about taking a road trip to revisit some of these incredible things? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List to help you determine what you need to bring along. Safe travels, friends!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/colorado/iconic-landmark-road-trip-co/