Weird Laws Still on the Books in Colorado
In Denver, the Colorado State Capitol stands as a striking monument not just to the state’s history but also to some of the quirkiest laws still on the books. About a mile east of downtown Denver, visitors can tour the building’s gleaming gold-plated dome and learn about Colorado’s legislative history. Inside, the guide often points out the old statutes that have never been fully repealed—like the law that once banned carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, which surprisingly still has some peculiar exemptions. Walking the steps of this historic building on a sunny afternoon, you feel the pulse of the state’s evolving legal landscape, framed by the striking contrast of the Capitol’s classical architecture and the modern skyscrapers just a short walk away.
A stone’s throw south of Denver, in the historic district of Highlands, you’ll find the quaint Tennyson Street, where colorful murals and independent shops give the neighborhood a charming vibe. It’s here that local lore recalls some of the more unusual municipal codes, like the fine for letting livestock wander freely—echoes of Colorado’s frontier days when cattle roamed towns. Today, Highlands is a hotspot for food lovers and art enthusiasts, especially in spring and fall when sidewalk cafes spill out into the street, creating the perfect backdrop to ponder how those old laws shaped small-town life before urban sprawl took over.
Head west about an hour from Denver to Idaho Springs, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, a town that was born during the gold rush and still carries that adventurous spirit. The Argo Mill and Tunnel museum offers visitors a glimpse into mining history, including the quirky legal battles over water rights and claims that seem odd today. From this base, hiking the nearby St. Mary’s Glacier trail—a 1.5-mile round trip with moderate difficulty—provides stunning alpine views and a close encounter with snowfields that linger well into summer. The mix of rugged landscape and the town’s mining heritage recalls a time when the law was as much about survival as order.
In Boulder, about 30 minutes northwest of Denver, the Boulder County Courthouse in the downtown Pearl Street Mall area showcases a blend of civic pride and architectural flair. The courthouse itself holds records and stories of some of Colorado’s most peculiar legal curiosities, including a law that once forbade carrying a dead horse down the main street, a nod to the city’s old days as a western crossroads. Visitors often pair a courthouse tour with a stroll along the Flatirons Vista Trail, a relatively easy 3.3-mile loop offering iconic views of the jagged rock formations that define Boulder’s skyline, best enjoyed in the golden light of late afternoon.
Further south, in the mountain town of Aspen, about three and a half hours southwest of Denver, the Wheeler Opera House is a cultural gem where you can catch a live performance or take a guided tour to learn about its storied past. Aspen’s history includes some unexpected regulations dating back to the late 1800s, such as restrictions on snowball throwing during certain festivals, which seem humorous now but speak to the town’s roots as a close-knit mining community. Winter visitors relish the nearby Maroon Bells Scenic Trail, a 3.3-mile out-and-back path offering some of the most photographed peaks in North America, best tackled in early autumn when the aspens turn a fiery gold.
In the northern town of Fort Collins, roughly an hour north of Boulder, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery blends science, history, and local culture. Exhibits touch on everything from prehistoric fossils to modern environmental laws, some of which reflect Colorado’s long-standing environmental consciousness. Among the stories are odd ordinances, like those governing the use of fireworks in certain neighborhoods, remnants of a more cautious past. After the museum, a walk or bike ride along the Poudre River Trail reveals gentle rapids and lush riparian zones, ideal for family outings in spring or early summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Down south near Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is a natural wonder about 75 minutes from Denver. The park’s towering red sandstone formations draw millions each year, but it also serves as a reminder of some local regulations that govern behavior in natural spaces, such as restrictions on rock climbing certain formations or feeding wildlife. These rules, while strict, help preserve the fragile environment and the unique geological features that set Garden of the Gods apart from other state parks. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer dramatic lighting that enhances the vibrant colors of the rocks against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.
Each of these destinations offers visitors a chance to engage with Colorado’s rich tapestry of place and law, where the state’s sometimes eccentric legal heritage still echoes amid stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. Whether exploring historic courthouses, hiking alpine trails, or wandering through bustling neighborhoods, you’ll find that the quirks of the past are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the present, enhancing the experience of Colorado’s diverse and dynamic character.