In Colorado, pizza makes sense.

This is a tourist state, and what tourist doesn’t want pizza? This is an outdoorsy state, and after a long day in the mountains, what’s better than pizza? Coloradans know what’s better: pizza and beer — a match made in the craft beer heaven that is the Centennial State.

Pizza is everywhere, of course. But some pizzerias have risen above the rest to become household names around the state.

Beau Jo’s, multiple locations

We all know Chicago-style and New York-style. Colorado-style? That’s the claim of Beau Jo’s. The crust rises and rolls like the mountains, popularly dipped in honey. Lesser known but also beloved: the thin crust “prairie pies.” Since the 1970s origins in Idaho Springs, locations have expanded to Evergreen, Fort Collins, Steamboat Springs and the Denver area.

Blue Pan, Denver

Take it from the Food Network’s Guy Fieri: “It’s dynamite.” It’s Detroit-style pizza done right, started by Michigan natives and named for the shallow auto mechanic pan said to have launched the legendary pie. Fittingly, the four corners resemble Colorado on a map. And, true to Colorado, one specialty is called the Prospector, incorporating green chiles with sausage, chopped garlic and sauteed mushrooms.

Fat Sully’s, Colorado Springs and Denver

It’s not your average New York-style pizza. There is nothing average about a 26-inch pizza. If you’re struggling to picture that, consider other pizzerias on this list offer larges of 14-18 inches. If you’ve lived around Denver long enough, you already know. If it’s just you — minus the small army needed to take down the 26 inches — you’ve probably ordered a “big ass slice,” as it’s listed.

High Mountain Pies, Leadville

Curious things happen in the small, blue house-turned-destination restaurant. First: a doughy, homemade crust that would seem difficult to achieve at these elevations (Leadville sits above 10,000 feet). Second: the Crocodile. That’s the name of the pizza slathered in barbecue sauce and cream cheese, topped with shrimp, bacon and jalapeno. And, yes, it’s among the most popular of the very curious go-tos here.

The Hot Tomato, Fruita

Mountain biking brought Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller to western Colorado’s canyon country. They missed the pizza of their home New York. So they brought it to Fruita in 2005, building an institution almost as synonymous with the little town as the singletrack. Like the surrounding trails, you pick the flavor: something classic or funky, such as the seasonal option topped with nearby Palisade peaches.

Secret Stash, Crested Butte

There’s a clear Eastern culture around Crested Butte, what with the Tibetan prayer flags, the backdrop peak appearing fit for Nepal and several mom-and-pop eateries, including the brewpub serving Himalayan. The massively popular pizzeria takes on the theme as well. Our favorite is the Thai pizza, though the Notorious F.I.G. has won awards: figs, blue cheese, prosciutto, asiago, mozzarella and truffle oil.

Slice 420, Colorado Springs

We prefaced this list with the mention of “household names.” Across Colorado, Slice 420 is not that — but it seems on its way. The joint burst onto the Springs’ pizza scene in 2017 and has opened a second location. Fresh ingredients are well showcased with the Sofia, a harmony of hard cheeses, pepperoni, caramelized onions, hot cherry peppers, basil and piped ricotta over an olive oil-garlic base.

Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza, Golden

The line often stretches out the door to Washington Avenue. Waves of visitors join local families who have made Woody’s a favorite gathering place since 1993. The family-owned restaurant has grown since starting with a modest, wood-fired pizza oven. The honey-semolina dough recipe continues, along with the soup and salad bar.