A post that’s getting quite a bit of attention in the popular ‘AskReddit’ forum asks platform users “Which U.S. state gets glorified in movies but doesn’t live up to it IRL?,” with IRL meaning ‘in real life.’ Garnering more than 1,700 comments, one of the top contenders is sure to shock those in the Centennial State – ranking second behind Texas is Colorado.

A state known for its stunning mountain peaks and rivers, with natural beauty around seemingly every turn, Redditors don’t have much of a gripe with that part of the state – it’s the plains region.

Getting 702 upvotes, the top Colorado-related comment reads: “From movies, it’s nearly impossible to know that half of Colorado is as flat and featureless as Kansas.”

Many others chime in to agree, with a user noting that ‘if there wasn’t a sign, it would be hard to tell you left Kansas at all.’ Another user whipped out the moniker of ‘West Kansas’ for Eastern Colorado, with others pointing out how stark the contrast is between the mountains and plains once Denver is reached. The commentary goes on, but you get the point.

While shots taken at Colorado’s mountainous landscape are few and far between – though one user did point out that Colorado’s peaks don’t have the same saturated appeal as those of the Pacific Northwest or Vancouver – there’s no shortage of people expressing shock in how flat Eastern Colorado is.

Another point of shock expressed by commenters was how Colorado’s desertous landscape tends to get ignored. One watching Colorado solely on the silver screen may believe that the entire state is mountains, while locals know that’s far from the case. Head to the Four Corners region, for example, and Colorado is far from the ski resort view that’s often seen.

While it’s true that Colorado isn’t just stretching peaks from edge to edge, this writer thinks it’s worth noting that the vast majority of Coloradans do have a mountain view to some degree. The sparsely populated Eastern Plains region is rarely seen by most of the state’s residents and while it is, indeed, quite flat, there are still special features to be found that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what people are missing on the Eastern Plains:

Pawnee Buttes: Once called a favorite place of late great photographer John Fielder, these prominent buttes rise out of the landscape in northeast Colorado, reaching a height of about 300 feet.

Bent’s Old Fort: Found near La Junta, Bent’s Old Fort is sure to be loved by those with an interest in history – a reconstruction of a trading post that played a key role in the development of the American West.

Comanche National Grassland: Located in southeast Colorado, this spot is home to the Picket Wire Canyonlands dinosaur tracksite, containing more than 1,900 dinosaur prints.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park: A spot where natural beauty and history collide, the Paint Mines near Calhan offer a stunning badland landscape to explore with prehistoric roots in human life. Those visiting to see these colorful formations should exercise extreme caution when it comes to avoiding damage. Stay on the trail and leave no trace.

Two Buttes: Twin volcanic formations rise out of the landscape in southeastern Colorado. Take in the beauty and peace of the scene at the Two Buttes Reservoir State Wildlife Area (you’ll need a state wildlife area pass or a valid hunting or fishing license).

North Sterling State Park: Looking for a beachy scene in Colorado? Look no farther than North Sterling State Park. It’s a 3,000-acre reservoir with shoreline trail.

Find the full Reddit post here or check out where a few movies have been shot in Colorado here.

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