10 Offbeat Towns to Visit in the Rockies
The Rocky Mountains are a majestic range of mountains running through North America's central region. Renowned for their towering peaks, abundant wildlife, and extensive outdoor adventures, the Rockies invite millions of tourists to experience the grandeur of the mountain wilderness every year. While the pristine scenery is breathtaking, several charming, unconventional towns offer memorable one-of-a-kind experiences. If you're looking for a distinctive place that transcends the ordinary, combining natural beauty with offbeat attractions, join us as we unveil these small towns of the Rockies.
Ouray, Colorado
This small town is the "Little Switzerland of America" for its Old-world charm and alpine architecture. The community sits in a small valley surrounded by towering peaks, and it began as a mining town for settlers seeking silver and gold in the surrounding hills. Over the years, Ouray grew into a thriving resort community as tourists sought the nearby therapeutic, hot mineral springs. Today, this small town focuses most of its energy on attracting tourists to its historic downtown, hot springs, and breathtaking scenery.
Outdoor enthusiasts should visit Ouray's stunning Box Canyon Falls, where Canyon Creek plunges 285 feet. The Perimeter Trail offers a 5.6-mile hike through diverse terrain, with several waterfalls and scenic mountain views. In the historic downtown, the Ouray Alchemist Museum showcases old pharmacy artifacts, and in summer, the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour takes you 1,500 feet into Gold Hill.
The downtown Courthouse has been the site of many movies, including True Grit. Today, there are many quaint shops, galleries, and places to explore. The Ouray Brewery is the perfect place to unwind with a plate of wings and a craft beer with rooftop views.
Phillipsburg, Montana
This charming city is an old mining town from the 1890s, famous for its deposits of Montana sapphires, manganese, and silver. Today, it attracts tourists who want to immerse themselves in its historical heritage, explore the stunning wilderness of the Pintler Scenic Loop, and perhaps find their own treasured gem or sapphire. The Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine offers a fun family experience where visitors can pan for gemstones. Nearby is the Granite Ghost Town State Park, which features the ruins of long-abandoned buildings. Be cautious, as the road to the ghost town is narrow and winding, and you may need to pull over to let other vehicles pass.
The downtown district is filled with shops and locally owned businesses. Spend time exploring Snookies Mercantile for anything you need, Grassroots Gifts for made-in-Montana items, or Stuff and Such Antiques for vintage items. There are plenty of places to eat, but the Phillipsburg Brewing Company is in the fully-restored Sayrs Bank, so you can get some history while sampling a well-brewed beer. Afterward, we'd recommend stopping by the Phillipsburg Creamery for locally sourced artisanal ice cream, including a huckleberry flavor that will blow your mind.
Estes Park, Colorado
The offbeat nature of Estes Park centers around the haunted Stanley Hotel, where author Stephen King got his inspiration for The Shining. Today, travelers can stay at the hotel, take ghost tours, and even wander through the Underground, a unique theater under the original Carriage House where world-class magicians perform. In addition, this community has turned up the quirky dial with the Frozen Dead Guy Days celebration (which had been held in Nederland). The three-day festival celebrates a unique local area resident whose body was kept on ice (literally) for years in an attempt to build a working cryo-chamber for him. There are coffin races, a hearse parade, and a look-alike contest. The local celebration attracts many tourists who seem to delight in honoring the once-frozen remains of a dead guy.
The community is only minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park, offering plenty of trails for exploration if you're not into ghostly tales. The charming downtown Main Street features unique shops and galleries with a mountain feel. Families can enjoy watching the local elk herd, which freely roams the area and sometimes causes traffic delays. For dining, Mama Rose's is the top choice, known for its authentic Old World Italian cuisine.
Silverton, Colorado
This mountain community is an oasis for outdoor adventurers year-round. Silverton sits in a valley of the San Juan mountains and draws its name from the rich silver mines that exploded in the hills during the 1860s. Today, the town is a picture-perfect village with an Old-West feel. Travelers can reach this remote town by driving up the Million Dollar Highway with its jaw-dropping views or riding the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The old-time train carves its way through the Animas Valley and is an excellent way for families to experience the adventure of a steam locomotive.
With several prominent mountain peaks close by, backpackers use Silverton as a base to explore the rugged terrain around the town. With abundant wildlife present, these hikes are glorious opportunities to experience the mountain wilderness in its natural, raw beauty. Downtown Silverton has many Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings filled with shops and tourist haunts. Stay overnight at the Grand Imperial Hotel, a restored Victorian venue with exquisite furnishings and plenty of history. There is excellent skiing during the winter, but don't be surprised if the town shuts down when it snows.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is ideal for those who enjoy an artsy, eclectic, and hippie vibe. This small town, situated just off I-70 about 100 miles from Denver, is nestled in the Tenmile Range, offering year-round outdoor activities. The Mohawk Lake Trail, an 8.4-mile out-and-back hike, is popular and challenging, starting through wildflower meadows and ending with a steep climb to several high alpine lakes. For a less demanding experience, take the scenic chair lift to Alpine Camp on Peak 8, where you can enjoy some of the most stunning views in the Rockies.
The historic downtown has over 200 well-preserved buildings from Breckenridge's role as a mining community. Many museums, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants are thriving in them today. If you travel there during one of the many festivals throughout the year, you will find the residents love to throw a party. Something is always happening, from the Ullr Fest to the International Show Sculpture Festival to the annual Race of the Santas.
For a quirky experience, seek out one of the town's most famous residents, Isak Heartstone, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. This 15' Troll is cleverly made from scraps of lumber and recycled materials, and he loves getting his picture taken. Be sure to eat at Ember or the Hearthstone Restaurant for excellent upscale dining, or Motherloaded Tavern, where you can make your s'mores after sampling its unique menu and cocktails.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace enjoys its notoriety as the only city designated "Center Of The Universe." Today, travelers can seek out the exact spot, designated by a man-hole cover, or visit in the fall when the town celebrates this fact with an annual festival. With numerous other events, like the Craft Beer Fest in the spring or the Wallace Blues Festival during the summer, there is always some celebration.
The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring many turn-of-the-century buildings that host shops, boutiques, and galleries. With its rich history as a silver mining town, families can visit any of the four museums dedicated to mining and local residents' stories. For dining, The Fainting Goat is a recommended taproom and wine bar.
Many visitors come to Wallace to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region. With thousands of miles of pristine trails, there is always another corner of the forest to explore, whether hiking or mountain biking.
Crested Butte, Colorado
If you have ever dreamed of walking through a mountain meadow filled with wildflowers, this little Colorado town is the best place to make that happen. Crested Butte is the "Wildflower Capital of the World" and sits in Gunnison County as a premier destination for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. The town has a Wildflower Festival every July that attracts visitors to over 200 workshops demonstrating everything from wildlife photography to scheduled hikes through the meadows.
During winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland with excellent skiing and snowboarding runs. The Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort attracts all types of outdoor adventurers, offering experiences for every level. Be sure to buy your lift tickets in advance because, the crowds often limit space during the winter season.
Crested Butte is a pedestrian-friendly town with historic buildings, unique shops, and fantastic restaurants. You will want to explore the historic Elk Avenue, the town's main street. Travelers will be surprised at the number of excellent dining choices in a town this small. For example, Secret Stash Pizza won the World Champion Pizza Challenge with the Notorious F.I.G. The best breakfast place is very popular with the locals, McGill's Cafe.
Victor, Colorado
Victor is located just five miles from the larger historic town of Cripple Creek. Along with its neighboring city, this mining district once produced the second-highest amount of gold in the nation during its peak. Today, the small ghost town stands as one of Colorado's best-preserved mining camps, with historic streets showcasing excellent Victorian architecture. The Victor Hotel remains an iconic historic building, blending vintage charm with modern comforts and welcoming mountain hospitality.
Travelers will want to tour the Lowell Thomas Museum, where, during the summer, the kids can get a chance to pan for gold nuggets or precious gems. If you need a place to eat, the Fortune Club Restaurant is a nostalgic diner with great food, and the Mining Claim 1899 Saloon has excellent burgers and beers.
Nearby Cripple Creek has lots of attractions, but one of the most popular family venues happens every summer when the Cripple Creek Players present a melodrama. Expect to "cheer" for the hero and "boo" the villain because that is part of the fun.
Taos, New Mexico
This town is a renowned ski destination, but it also boasts one of the top art districts in the Rockies. The community supports locally made arts and crafts and offers several galleries, shops, and boutiques where travelers can admire and purchase rare finds. The town blends Puebloan and Spanish influences, reflected in the adobe-style buildings, beautiful pottery, and excellent south-of-the-border cuisine.
The Millicent Rogers Museum is a private residence that houses over 5,000 examples of Native American and Hispanic art. The Taos Art Museum at the Fechin House and the Hardwood Art Museum are great places to indulge in fine art. Every year, the town hosts numerous open studio tours and arts festivals, including the Paseo, an outdoor arts celebration every September.
The World Cup Cafe and the Espresso Bar in the Taos Valley Lodge are highly recommended for coffee lovers. If you're craving Mexican food, La Cueva Cafe is a tiny eatery serving delicious dishes.
Park City, Utah
Don't be surprised if you travel to this small town and bump into a celebrity. The town prides itself on being a classic winter destination, but it also hosts the Sundance Film Festival every year. The annual celebration is one of the most significant events of its kind, featuring famous celebrities, directors, and producers from all over the world. With the pristine beauty of the Wasatch Range towering above the city, there are plenty of outdoor activities to experience. During the summer months, the surrounding mountains are a hiker's paradise, with miles of beautiful trails and scenic vistas to explore.
Main Street is a lively center filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, all within beautifully maintained historic structures. Visitors can delve into the town's mining heritage at the Park City Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits that vividly illustrate the past. For a memorable dining adventure, consider the Snowed Inn Sleigh Company, offering a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride to dinner in a cozy, rustic atmosphere complemented by live music.
Closing Thoughts
The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most scenic natural beauty in the world, but for those seeking more than just a walk in the woods, there is a collection of offbeat and charming towns to explore, each boasting its own distinct allure. From the artistic flair of Taos to the quirky atmosphere of Estes Park with its Frozen Dead Guy Days to a giant Troll in Breckenridge, these unconventional destinations redefine the typical Rocky Mountain experience. Whether you plan to stay for a day, a week or even longer, don't miss these perfect spots for making surprising memories with your family and friends.
