10 Nicest Small Towns In Colorado
Where more than 400 breweries serve as gathering spots for locals and visitors alike, Colorado has some of the nicest small towns to visit, complete with spirits to down and experiences to try out. In the Centennial State, you will discover exquisite and dynamic national parks perched high in the Rockies and the San Juan Mountains or amidst the many national forests in Colorado. Each of these nice small towns delivers historic tours and insights for those curious to know more about the legends of the land. Whether you are carving down snow-packed slopes, hiking through pristine wilderness, or exploring historical roots that go back to railroads and mining, each of the nicest small towns in Colorado showcases the Centennial State’s blend of adventure and camaraderie.
Durango
Founded in 1881 as a crucial stop on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Durango remains a gateway to some of Colorado’s nicest experiences. One of its most iconic endeavors and pursuits you can try out is a ride aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where vintage steam engines traverse dramatic canyons and alpine landscapes. Trailblazers can lose themselves in the sprawling San Juan National Forest.
You can also opt to zipline over treetops at Durango Adventures, relax by the serene waters of Lake Nighthorse, or at the banks of the Animas River. The Powerhouse Science Center, once a power plant, offers hands-on exhibits about nuclear physics and energy in an area famous for its pioneering and gold-mining histories. Durango’s cornucopia of amenities, ranging from history, wilderness, and hospitality, makes it a town you will not forget nor regret visiting.
Mancos
Just half an hour from Durango, the nice town of Mancos has prospered as a peaceful outpost near Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a veritable and verdant home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. Visitors can begin their journey at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, then head to the Montezuma Valley Overlook for sweeping views of this archaeological treasure.
The town is also surrounded by outdoor opportunities: one can go hiking and biking through Mancos State Park, a region of unparalleled natural splendor. Likewise, cast a line at Jackson Gulch Reservoir or take on the challenging trails around Weber and Silver Mountains. Known as the “Gateway to Mesa Verde,” Mancos is a thriving community with a deep respect for its cultural and natural heritage, one which you will not doubt remember fondly long after you leave Colorado.
Carbondale
Midway between the cities of Aspen and Glenwood Springs, Carbondale sits along the Crystal River in the Roaring Fork Valley, a humble community that leads to towering peaks and endless trails in the Centennial State. Once known for potato farming and silver mining, this nice and lively small town is now a creative hub where over 200 artists and creatives participate in various activities in the Colorado Creative Corridor. Each July, the Carbondale Mountain Fair brings music, crafts, and community spirit together in a weekend-long celebration.
Meanwhile, the Crystal Mill, a historic structure tucked in the White River National Forest, attracts all sorts of historians to its well-preserved artifacts and articles. For an immersive experience of Colorado’s outdoors, you can pursue the trails in the Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests. At the end of the day, you will come to admire the outdoor beauty and local artistry that Carbondale exudes.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a nice and wondrous town that delivers adventure at every elevation. Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” this mountain destination provides wild and whimsical expeditions into the mountains of Colorado, whether you are skiing in winter or hiking in the summer. Located just south of Carbondale, visitors can go traipsing through the evergreen woodlands of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Grand Mesa National Forests. Elsewhere, the Crested Butte Mountain Resort serves as an amicable gateway to high-altitude thrills and escapades.
For more opportunities to go traipsing in the outdoors, you can follow the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, which leads you through the golden aspen groves of Kebler Pass. For the ambitious, you can ascend to the summit of Mount Crested Butte, which will reward you with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
Ouray
Cradled amidst dramatic peaks in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a high-altitude haven often called the “Switzerland of America.” Its scenic alpine beauty is a close match to the Alps in Europe, and it is as rewarding and unforgettable to experience these terrains for yourself. Hikers can tackle high-elevation trails like the Bridge of Heaven or Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch. Likewise, you can dig into the mining history of Ouray in the Red Mountain Mining District.
Peaks like Mount Sneffels and Uncompahgre Peak entice newcomers to rise to the very top and see the expanse of the Four Corners of America, Colorado being just one of them. Most of all, you can go adventuring into the Uncompahgre National Forest and the Ridgway State Park for swimming, kayaking, and peaceful mountain vistas. The Switzerland of America is no exaggeration, for Ouray lives up to its name with its many alpine charms and amenities worth seeing, whether in the summer or in the winter.
Manitou Springs
Just west of Colorado Springs lies the whimsical and wellness-focused town of Manitou Springs, an excellent location for relaxation and adventure. The town is named for its eight mineral springs, which are long revered for their healing properties and are still flowing freely for visitors today. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings—replicas of centuries-old Ancestral Puebloan homes—focus on the spiritual and cultural significance of Manitou Springs. Similarly, the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site paints a vivid picture of early frontier life.
At the vertical Manitou Incline, visitors can ascend a legendary staircase trail with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak. Nearby, the Garden of the Gods dazzles with surreal red rock formations like Balanced Rock and Cathedral Spires, perfect for hiking, photography, and awe-filled gazing. Whether you are exploring caverns at Cave of the Winds or soaking in the many mineral springs that compose the town, Manitou Springs will surely suit your style for adventure.
Pagosa Springs
Situated in the southern Rockies and around 60 miles from Durango, Pagosa Springs is best known for its soothing geothermal attractions and destinations. The town’s centerpiece is the Mother Spring aquifer, the world’s deepest hot spring, whose waters feed several soaking spots, including The Springs Resort, Overlook Hot Springs, and Healing Waters Resort and Spa. Beyond the steam and serenity, you can learn more about Pagosa Springs’ historical significance at the Pagosa Springs History Museum, replete with antique tools, furniture, and local legends like the Oppenheimer chair.
Not far away, Treasure Falls tumbles down 100 feet in a lush alpine setting. Additionally, the Chimney Rock National Monument invites you to step back over 1,000 years to explore the remains of ancient Puebloan dwellings.
Vail
Located beneath the slopes of its namesake mountain, Vail is one of Colorado’s most beloved resort towns. With a pristine and mystical alpine village and world-renowned Vail Ski Resort, Vail draws visitors year-round for winter sports and summer escapes. In colder months, the powder is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and scenic gondola rides.
As the snow melts, Vail transforms into a paradise for hikers and anglers, where one can follow the Booth Falls Trailhead towards dazzling waterfalls suitable for fishing and strolling. Meanwhile, the White River National Forest provides more opportunities for outdoor escapades. As an exquisite and exciting retreat into the wilderness of Colorado, Vail is a vivifying destination worth visiting among the many nice towns to see in the Centennial State.
Telluride
Telluride is a terrific and mesmerizing mountain town in the Rocky Mountains. It formerly served as a Victorian mining town, and one can stroll through Telluride’s historic district, which houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue originally built in 1913. Furthermore, you can admire the artifacts and articles of the Telluride Historical Museum, which preserves local history in a converted hospital built in 1896.
Telluride is famous for being an excellent resort town, in a box canyon surrounded by forested mountain slopes, close to a popular ski-and-golf resort. One can take photographs of scenic spots such as Bear Creek Falls and Lewis Mill, the latter being a former mill high in the Rockies. Most of all, you can go adventuring within the sweeping arboreal landscapes of the Uncompahgre National Forest, a region perfect for hiking and camping. Only about an hour from Ouray, you will find the ride towards and around Telluride an amazing tale to tell.
Steamboat Springs
Deep within the Yampa Valley, the soothing and splendid town of Steamboat Springs beckons newcomers with its plethora of attractions. Home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort, you can go snowboarding and skiing in the snowy mountain slopes surrounding this exhilarating small town, in addition to ascending to the top of at least six mountain peaks like Mount Werner. As the town’s name implies, you can opt to lounge and luxuriate in one of the many geothermal hot springs at the Old Town Hot Springs, which might have a few healing properties that will benefit you.
On the other hand, you might be curious to see the old uranium mine of Steamboat Springs, where this radioactive mineral was first discovered in the mountains of the Yampa Valley. You can always traverse the biodiverse terrain of the area by hiking on scenic trails and treks such as the Mad Creek Trailhead. Similarly, you can head over to the Stagecoach State Park to take in the sights and sensations of a peaceful living.
The name “Colorado” comes from the Spanish term for “colored red,” an allusion to the reddish hues of the region’s rivers and rocks, especially on the Colorado River. Once defined by mining booms and rugged terrain, the nicest small towns in Colorado have grown into vibrant communities where history and hospitality shine. These destinations, bountiful with outdoor adventure and scenic splendor, offer a refreshing experience for those eager for the rural countryside of Colorado. Between hot springs and Puebloan cliff dwellings, each of the nicest Colorado towns provides its own unique way to connect with Colorado’s land and legacy for all to savor and cherish.
