First Timer’s Mistakes I See Every Day in Denver (And How to Avoid Them)

Living in Denver, you see the same tourist mistakes over and over. The altitude casualties. The weather surprises. The “I thought it would be different” disappointments.

Here’s every mistake I watch people make, and how to not be that person.

The Altitude Disasters

Mistake: “I’ll be fine, I’m in shape”

Watched a marathon runner get destroyed walking up stairs on day one.

Altitude doesn’t care about your gym routine. You have 20% less oxygen here. Your sea-level fitness means nothing.

Fix: First day, do nothing strenuous. Walk slow. Drink water constantly. Save the hiking for day 3.

Mistake: Getting drunk first night

One beer at altitude = two beers at sea level. That brewery tour becomes a disaster.

Seen too many people ruined on night one, suffering for days.

Fix: Half your normal drinking. Seriously. Water between every drink.

The Weather Failures

Mistake: “It’s summer, I’ll pack summer clothes”

It was 85 degrees yesterday. It’s 45 and snowing today. Welcome to Denver.

Weather here has mood swings. Sun to hail in 10 minutes.

Fix: Layers always. Jacket even in July. Check weather hourly, not daily.

Mistake: Ignoring afternoon thunderstorms

Summer afternoons = thunderstorms. Like clockwork. Usually 2-4pm.

People start hikes at noon, get caught on mountains in lightning.

Fix: Mountain activities before noon. City stuff for afternoons.

The Geography Confusion

Mistake: “Everything’s probably close”

Denver is SPREAD OUT. Cherry Creek to RiNo is 30 minutes. Downtown to airport is 45.

People book hotels in Aurora thinking it’s “Denver.” It’s not.

Fix: Stay central. Assume everything takes 20 minutes minimum.

Mistake: “We’ll just pop over to Aspen”

Aspen is 4 hours away. Vail is 2. These aren’t suburbs.

Someone always wants to “quickly see” mountain towns. That’s your whole day.

Fix: Pick one mountain destination. Make it a full day trip.

The Activity Miscalculations

Mistake: Trying to do everything

Red Rocks, hiking, brewery tour, museum, RiNo, dinner in LoHi. In one day.

You’ll spend it all in the car, exhausted, seeing nothing properly.

Fix: Two major things per day max. Follow a realistic itinerary.

Mistake: Thinking Denver = Mountains

Denver is ON the plains. Mountains are 30+ minutes west. We’re not a mountain town.

People expect Aspen vibes. Denver is a regular city with mountain access.

Fix: Adjust expectations. Enjoy the city AND plan mountain trips.

The Food and Drink Fumbles

Mistake: Only eating at tourist spots

16th Street Mall restaurants. Convention Center chains. Hotel restaurants.

You’re missing Denver’s actual food scene.

Fix: Eat in neighborhoods. RiNo, LoHi, South Broadway. Where locals go.

Mistake: Not trying green chili

It’s our thing. On everything. Breakfast burritos, burgers, everything.

People leave without trying it. That’s like skipping pizza in NYC.

Fix: Order it. On something. At least once.

The Transportation Disasters

Mistake: Relying on public transit

Denver public transit is… not great. Limited routes, weird schedules.

People assume it’s like other cities. It’s not.

Fix: Budget for Ubers or rent a car. Download Lyft AND Uber.

Mistake: Driving to Red Rocks at 10am Saturday

Parking nightmare. Crowds everywhere. Miserable experience.

Any popular spot + weekend + normal hours = disaster.

Fix: Go early or late. 6am at Red Rocks is magical.

The Money Mistakes

Mistake: “Denver will be cheap”

Denver is expensive now. Like, really expensive.

$18 cocktails. $200 hotel rooms. $30 parking. It adds up fast.

Fix: Budget like you’re visiting any major city. Happy hours help.

Mistake: Not having cash for dispensaries

Many dispensaries are cash only. ATMs inside with huge fees.

Fix: Bring cash if that’s your thing. Or find the few that take cards.

The Clothing Catastrophes

Mistake: No sunscreen

Higher elevation = stronger sun. You burn FAST here.

Cloudy day? Still burning. Winter? Still burning.

Fix: SPF everything. Reapply constantly. Seriously.

Mistake: Wrong shoes everywhere

Heels in RiNo (cobblestones). Sneakers on trails (no grip). Flip-flops downtown (gross).

Fix: Comfortable walking shoes for city. Actual hiking shoes for trails.

The Expectation Errors

Mistake: Expecting constant mountain views

You can see mountains FROM Denver. You’re not IN mountains.

Downtown has some views. Most neighborhoods don’t.

Fix: Appreciate city for city. Plan specific mountain trips.

Mistake: “Everyone must be outdoorsy”

Yes, many people hike. Many people also just drink on patios.

Don’t feel pressure to summit a 14er. Plenty of locals haven’t.

Fix: Do what you actually want. Denver has everything.

The Cultural Missteps

Mistake: Native/transplant jokes

“Native” bumper stickers are a thing. Transplant hate is real.

Don’t engage. It’s tired. Everyone’s from somewhere.

Fix: Just don’t bring it up. Nobody actually cares.

Mistake: Weed tourist behavior

Yes, it’s legal. No, people don’t want to hear about it constantly.

Smoking in public is illegal. Being too high in public is annoying.

Fix: Be discrete. It’s normal here, not a novelty.

The Bottom Line

Denver is amazing when you know what to expect. It’s not a mountain town. It’s not cheap. The weather is bipolar. The altitude is real.

But it’s also walkable, sunny, friendly, and has access to everything.

Just avoid these mistakes and you’ll love it here.

Everyone does.

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What Denver mistake did you make on your first visit? We all have at least one.

Related: My Exact 3-Day Denver Itinerary That My Out-of-Town Friends Love – avoid mistakes with a proven plan.