6 Coolest Towns in Colorado Plateau for a Summer Vacation in 2024
Spanning across southern Utah, Colorado, northern Arizona, and New Mexico, the Colorado Plateau is one of the most distinctive geographic regions in the United States. It is comprised of extensive tablelands surrounded by highlands and interspersed with narrow stream valleys. The most famous geographic marker of the Colorado Plateau is the Grand Canyon, but the plateau is also home to several other national parks and monuments, including the Arches, Sunset Crater, Mesa Verde, and Petrified Forest.
Hidden throughout these stunning landmarks are cool towns filled with amazing attractions and ambiance for an amazing vacation. They are also easily accessible by car from many major airports including those in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, and Denver. Add on the quaint environment of these small towns in the Colorado Plateau and they offer a cool environment perfect for a summer vacation in 2024.
Cortez, Colorado
Known as the gateway to the Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park while primely situated in the middle of the Four Corners Area, Cortez is a town truly embedded in its Plateau identity. Some of the best things to do in Cortez are to explore the region's natural and cultural heritage by visiting the Cortez Cultural Center and the Canyons of the Ancients Monument, all within an hour of town. Some of the best spots to visit while in town include the Cortez Cultural Center and the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, where one can indulge in local heritage.
Durango, Colorado
About an hour’s drive from Cortez, Durango is an old railroad community known for its outdoor recreation. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes visitors out on a day trip through the San Juan National Forest. AAM's Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours offers white water expeditions out on the Animas River that flows through the town. For history enthusiasts, downtown Durango is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth strolling down. Also downtown are countless restaurants, shops, and cultural centers such as Azul Gallery and Sticks & Stones Handmade. Just 10 miles north of town, the James Ranch offers a one-of-a-kind lodging and dining experience, offering direct farm-to-table 100% grass-fed beef, artisan cheese, raw milk, and hand-crafted meals at its Grill and Market.
Moab, Utah
Moab sits at the intersection of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, surrounded by breathtaking natural red rock formations and the Colorado River. Moab is an excellent crash pad for those eager to explore the surrounding protected landscape and a vacation spot for those looking for a small-town getaway. For those interested in natural history, Moab is full of dinosaur remains and deposits, with fossils dating back as far as 250 million years. One can indulge further at the Museum of Moab and Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park, which is full of preserved fossils and educational resources for visitors, with the latter offering a fossil hike. The Moab area also has three certified International Dark Sky Parks, with some of the darkest night skies across the continental United States. View the Milky Way from anywhere in the region or at sky parks such as Dead Horse Point State Park.
Gallup, New Mexico
This slightly larger community is known for its role as the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad headquarters, founded in 1881. Gallup, New Mexico, holds several accolades, including as the "Indian Capital of the World" for producing more than 70% of the country's Native American Jewelry, the "Adventure Capital of New Mexico," and "America's Most Patriotic Small Town." These nicknames create an endless array of activities that beckon travelers from all over.
Red Rock Park is only eight miles from downtown and is known for its trading posts lined across Route 66. Beginning in early June, each Tuesday through Thursday, the Gallup Summer Indian Dances & Market features New Mexican area tribes playing and dancing to traditional music throughout town. While in town, consider visiting the El Morro Theatre, Gallup Cultural Center, or the Rex Museum to explore this town's rich living culture and arts.
Sedona, Arizona
The most famous town in Red Rock County, Sedona's reputation as a spiritual and artistic hub is well-founded. Sedona is one of the major gateways to the Grand Canyon and is one of the best towns to stay in for those looking to make a day trip out to that natural wonder. While visiting town, some of the best things to do include tapping into your artistic side by taking a pottery class at the Sedona Arts Center, visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, or practicing photography during a sunrise hot air balloon ride. For those looking for a spiritual escape around the Red Rocks, consider visiting a Vortex site such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or the Boynton Canyon Vortexes.
Kayenta, Arizona
The gateway to Monument Valley and full of profound red earth and rock, Kayenta is the closest town to the Navajo Tribal Park. The town's Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise sells the best traditional silver, potter, and woven crafts and goods in the region. Aside from the monuments, some of the best sites around Kayenta include the nearby Mittens monoliths and extensive native rock art panels that adorn the region's rock formations. Within an hour and a half drive are Antelope Canyon, Gooseneck State Park, and Canyon de Chelly.
Despite its broad expanse, many of the greatest wonders and sights in the Colorado Plateau are easily accessible for tourists by car and are optimally suited to those eager to make day trips. Nevertheless, those interested in a quiet vacation within the backdrop of the Plateau will find no shortage of exciting towns across all four of the Plateau's states. Rich with culture, distinct indigenous and settler histories, and a quintessentially American landscape, the Colorado Plateau makes for an ideal vacation spot for adventure seekers, family getaways, and solo spiritual seekers looking to uncover something new.
