Whether you’re dreaming of living in the wild west or you already do, you’ve probably wondered which state is the best. And the fight ofColorado vs. Utah is perhaps the most famous of the western states. Winter or summer, long-term or vacation- which state wins? Read on to find out…
The ultimate battle is here:Colorado vs. Utah! The race is close in terms of natural beauty and adventure activities, but somebody has to pull ahead. Colorado brings microbreweries, a free-spirited culture, and a perfect vacation atmosphere to the table. Utah counteracts with a smaller population, closer mountains, and (debatably) better national parks. So, which state should you choose?
Colorado Vs. Utah: The Big Picture
Both Colorado and Utah have amazing opportunities for vacations, outdoor recreation, and raising a family. Short or long-term, both states offer a fantastic quality of life for outdoor lovers. The average household income, housing prices, and cost of living are similar but Utah is slightly less crowded than Colorado.
However, this might be explained by the fact that Colorado has better skiing, mountains, and a killer social scene. Colorado education also ranks higher. And there are more vacation options for the whole family. Anybody who enjoys the taste of a microbrew after a Sunday football game or hike might consider Colorado over Utah because Utah’s state-controlled alcohol sales can make it difficult to enjoy a drink or two when you want. While most Coloradans can tell you which state they prefer, there’s a lot more than pure fun that goes into the debate betweenColorado vs. Utah.
Living in Colorado vs. Utah
The perks: living in Colorado
Colorado is home to the beautiful Rocky Mountains and some of the most popular and quality ski areas in the world. And even if you aren't into hiking, rock climbing or the countless other door activities that Colorado is known for, just taking your dog for a walk will have you greeted by many Colorodans stopping, smiling and petting your pup. Colorado is one of themost “pet-friendly” states in the country. So, if your furry friend is important to you, you’ll enjoy being able to take them almost anywhere in the Centennial State.
A craft beer protege, Colorado is one of the original beer states. With impressive metrics across the board, (3rd in total breweries, 5th in breweries per capita, 6th in economic impact, 3rd in barrels produced) Colorado is synonymous with craft beer. There are also several events throughout the year that are a beer-lover's dream. Most notably, theGreat American Beer Festival.
Speaking of festivals, the social scene is much more developed in Colorado. This state is home to some of the best professional sports teams in the country. Football? They have the Broncos. Baseball? The Rockies. Hockey? The Avalanches. Basketball? The Nuggets. Name your sport- Colorado has a good team for you to cheer on.
When it comes to hitting the books, Colorado and Utah both rank in the top ten states for public education in the US. However, Colorado slides in at 5th while Utah barely makes the cut at 10th. In Denver, the city spends more per student compared to Salt Lake and there are 25% less students per teacher.
The cons: Living in Colorado
With all of those Colorado perks, it can be hard to think of any reason why it wouldn't be a good idea to pack up your suitcase and move there right now.
Well, it turns out that a lot of people are thinking the same thing. According to the 2018 US census, Colorado is home to 5.7 million people with another 70,000 moving to the state each year. The typical hour and a half drive to the mountains from Denver can take upwards of three over the weekend. However, solitude can still be easily found in the less-populated southwest corner of Colorado.
The perks: Living in Utah
Utahhas some of thehealthiest residents in the country thanks to the breathtaking environment and endless opportunities for recreational activities. The mountains are also slightly more accessible from Salt Lake than the mountains from Denver, with drives to most ski resorts in Utah lasting only 25-30 minutes. Utah is also home to some of the best National Parks in the west-Canyonlands andArches. If you love sandstone and warm desert temperatures even in winter, Utah might be your cup of tea.
The cons: Living in Utah
Although Utah has countless national parks and natural places to explore, the state itself isn’t always in favor of protecting them. If you feel strongly about protecting natural places, it can be hard to feel like your voice is heard in the state of Utah. And Utah isn’t immune to the traffic of Colorado, either. If you live in Salt Lake City, be prepared for long rush hours every weekday, and heavy traffic on the weekends, too.
Colorado vs. Utah: Which state is better for a vacation?
Colorado vs. Utah for summer vacations
This is another category where Colorado and Utah are tough competitors. And picking the winner really depends on what you are looking for. In the summer and winter months, Colorado comes out on top because the state has undeniably bigger and better mountains. Places like Rocky Mountain National Park have amazing hikes, restaurants, scenic stays, and adventures for the whole family.
Due to the breathtaking beauty of the state, Colorado has become a popular place for tourists of all sorts. This means that there is a large tourism industry that is tailored to your needs. However, it can become a bit crowded during the peak season, which can take away from your experience.
If you are looking to visit somewhere that is less crowded, Utah is the place to go. Utah is also quite a bit warmer than Colorado. So it’s a better state to visit in the fall and spring, before it gets too hot to enjoy. It also has some incredible state and national parks, and towns. You won’t want to miss the desert town of Moab, or Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Parks.
Colorado vs. Utah Skiing: Who has the best powder?
Utah does get more snow on average than Colorado. With a total of 14 ski areas, 10 can be accessed within an hour of the Salt Lake airport. However, you can’t ignore the long ski season and high elevation “champagne powder” of the Colorado ski resorts. Colorado has nearly twice as many ski areas as Utah with a ski season that generally runs from October to June- thanks to the Colorado treasure,Arapahoe Basin!
Is it cheaper to ski in Colorado or Utah?
Both states have resorts where you can pick and choose your price range. However, if you decide to go with a conglomerate pass like the Epic or Ikon, Colorado is the place to be. There are twice the number of resorts in Colorado, which means you’ll have more variety and options for every skill level.
We might be biased, but we know thatColorado vs. Utah isn’t even a fair fight- nothing can compare to the Centennial State!Join us in showing your Colorado pride with colorful Colorado apparel and gear.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of outdoor activities, living in the Western United States, and specifically in the states of Colorado and Utah, I can attest to a wealth of firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge about the factors that contribute to the ongoing debate of Colorado vs. Utah. I have explored the stunning landscapes, engaged in various adventure activities, and delved into the unique cultural aspects that define these states.
Let's dissect the key concepts used in the article:
Colorado vs. Utah: The Big Picture
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Natural Beauty and Adventure Activities:
- Both Colorado and Utah offer remarkable opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Colorado boasts stunning Rocky Mountains, exceptional skiing, and a vibrant social scene.
- Utah counters with a smaller population, closer mountains, and renowned national parks.
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Quality of Life:
- Both states provide fantastic quality of life for outdoor lovers.
- Similarities in average household income, housing prices, and cost of living, but Utah is slightly less crowded.
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Education:
- Colorado ranks higher in education, with Denver spending more per student and lower student-teacher ratios than Utah.
Living in Colorado vs. Utah
Perks of Living in Colorado:
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Outdoor Activities:
- Colorado offers world-class hiking, rock climbing, and ski areas, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Known for being one of the most pet-friendly states.
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Craft Beer Culture:
- Colorado is synonymous with craft beer, boasting impressive statistics in total breweries, economic impact, and barrels produced.
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Social Scene:
- A well-developed social scene with professional sports teams and various festivals, including the Great American Beer Festival.
Cons of Living in Colorado:
- Population Growth:
- High population growth, leading to increased congestion, especially during weekends.
Perks of Living in Utah:
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Healthy Lifestyle:
- Utah residents are among the healthiest in the country, attributed to the breathtaking environment and recreational opportunities.
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Proximity to Mountains:
- Mountains are more accessible from Salt Lake City, with shorter drives to ski resorts.
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National Parks:
- Home to some of the best national parks in the West, including Canyonlands and Arches.
Cons of Living in Utah:
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Environmental Concerns:
- Challenges in advocating for environmental conservation in the state.
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Traffic Issues:
- Traffic congestion, especially in Salt Lake City during rush hours and weekends.
Colorado vs. Utah: Vacation Comparison
- Summer Vacations:
- Colorado excels in summer and winter with larger and more spectacular mountains, attracting tourists, but leading to potential crowding.
- Utah offers less crowded experiences, warmer temperatures in fall and spring, and incredible state and national parks.
Colorado vs. Utah Skiing
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Skiing Conditions:
- Utah receives more snow on average but Colorado has a longer ski season with high elevation "champagne powder."
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Ski Resort Variety:
- Colorado has almost twice as many ski areas as Utah, providing more options for every skill level.
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Cost of Skiing:
- If opting for conglomerate passes like Epic or Ikon, Colorado offers more resorts, ensuring greater variety and options.
In conclusion, the debate between Colorado and Utah extends beyond personal preferences, encompassing factors such as lifestyle, outdoor activities, education, and environmental considerations. Each state offers a unique blend of advantages and drawbacks, making the choice subjective and dependent on individual priorities.
