Whether you’re moving to Colorado or just here on a visit, you’ll soon discover that the Centennial State isn’t quite like anywhere else on the planet.

Here’s a list of 11 things ‘people don’t get warned about’ before coming to Colorado:

1. Driving can get a bit crazy. Not only does there seem to be endless construction and road repair along key thoroughfares, drivers on Colorado’s many winding roads like to travel fast. And on top of that, there are plenty of roadway hazards to watch out for – drop-offs, rock falls, avalanches, flooding. Oh, and don’t forget about the potential for stop-and-go traffic on I-70 through the mountains, capable of turning a two-hour trip into an all-day adventure.

2. Your nose might bleed. While Colorado is home to mountainous terrain known for its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, many of the most populated areas feature conditions of an arid high-desert climate, including places like Colorado Springs and Denver. This can dry out your nose, skin, and your hair fast. Given how dry it is, it’s always important to keep fire safety at top of mind.

3. Yes, the elevation will affect you. In general, those coming from a lower elevation will experience symptoms that range from exhaustion to extreme nausea, with the effects really getting amplified above 8,000 feet. This will likely be something you notice regardless of your age or fitness level. And don’t forget, the alcohol hits harder, too. Take it easy during your first few days in town and know that it really takes a couple weeks for most to acclimatize.

4. Don’t expect a ‘fancy’ nightlife. Sure, there are nice restaurants and theaters and such in Denver, but outside of Denver, ‘black tie’ spots with a ‘big city’ feel are few and far between. On the typical night out on the town, you’ll be seeing more flannels and baseball caps than button-down shirts, expensive dresses, and ties. Also on that note, breweries and dive bars tend to be favorite hangout spots opposed to night clubs or cocktail lounges in much of the state.

5. No one is really from Colorado. Obviously, that’s an exaggeration, but it’s something like 58 percent of residents were born elsewhere – and that number is from a few years ago, the shift toward more transplants moving in has likely continued since. With this in mind, know that long-term locals can be a bit hesitant to welcome newcomers, with some blaming those moving in from out-of-state for increasing prices and changing the overall vibe.

6. Expect big crowds in very remote places. A lot of people come to Colorado for the great outdoors, and places that are easy to discover and access tend to attract the hordes – even if it seems like they’re in the middle of nowhere. This means you’ll need to get to many trailheads early if you want a shot at a parking spot (and don’t park illegally, this can add difficulties when it comes to search and rescue emergencies and it can also damage the landscape). With that in mind, missing the crowds is also pretty easy as there’s a lot of outdoor recreation space to explore in the state. Granted, missing those crowds might mean a longer drive or a bit more intensive research when it comes to finding a spot.

7. Coloradans are very protective of the local wildlife. And they should be. That said, be very careful about intruding on the natural behavior of animals you encounter in the Centennial State, regardless of its size. While tossing part of your snack to a nearby squirrel might be acceptable in some places, in Colorado, it’s not.

8. Don’t expect air conditioning. While many places in Colorado are chilled with AC during hotter months, older homes and apartments often are not. In some places, such as mountain towns, it’s not that big of a deal, but along the Front Range and Western Slope, temperatures can get scorching. A simple trick is to open the windows at night and close them during the day, but you may still need to plan for another solution.

9. Colorado weather is quite wild. I know, I know… “the weather is wild everywhere.” But Colorado seems to exemplify that cliche in every way. What starts out as a warm and sunny day may bring extreme winds, large hail, downpours of rain with lightning, or even multiple inches of snow. This makes keeping an eye on the radar absolutely crucial for comfort and safety, as well as meaning that packing extra layers is always important while on a hike.

10. Be prepared for dog encounters. They’re everywhere. Coloradans love their pups and will frequently take them to restaurant patios, city sidewalks, and trailheads around the state. Most owners are great at keeping their dogs under control in public, but don’t be surprised if an off-leash pup insists on saying hello on the trail. If you’re bringing your pup to Colorado, don’t contribute to the problem of unruly pups – follow all posted rules and be courteous of others.

11. It’s really hard to leave. Once you’ve experienced Colorado’s mountains, you’ll likely be hooked. Suddenly, everywhere else just seems so… boring. Colorado is a place where a short drive down the road can mean an entirely new adventure. There’s a seemingly endless number of things to do, so many things that it would be tricky to do it all over the course of an entire lifetime. Enjoy!