11 Most Underrated Towns in The Rockies
Everyone’s heard of Aspen, Banff, and Jackson Hole, and sure, they’re wonderful. But if you’re craving Rocky Mountain magic without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, it’s time to look at the places most travelers skip. Tucked between craggy peaks and rushing rivers, these under-the-radar spots serve up hot springs, historic trains, lakeside boardwalks, artsy main streets, and more mountain charm than you can fit into a long weekend.
From rail-riding in Durango to soaking in Salida, paddleboarding on Grand Lake, exploring quirky Rangely, or wandering storybook streets in Fernie and Wallace, these communities prove you don’t have to follow the crowds to get big Rocky Mountain views.
If you’re dreaming of cool mountain air, uncrowded trails, and the thrill of “discovering” a place before everyone else, these are the most overlooked towns in the Rockies, and they deserve a spot at the top of your list.
Durango, Colorado
Durango is the most populous town in La Plata County, Colorado, with a population of just over 19,000 residents according to the latest census. It is famous for its railroad linking it to Silverton, which was once named the country's top scenic railroad by USA Today. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad provides a chance to experience the Golden Age of rail travel. The Silverton Round Trip begins at the Durango Depot and ascends into the Rockies, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan National Forest and the Animas River.
The Cascade Canyon Express journey lasts five hours and follows the same route as the Silverton trip, but it stops at Cascade Canyon, located halfway between Durango and Silverton. For those interested in exploring more, Mesa Verde National Park features the ruins of the ancestral Puebloans. If visitors choose to stay overnight, the historic Strater Hotel offers more than just accommodations: it is a living museum and one of the most iconic hotels in the Western US.
Salida, Colorado
Despite being known as the “Heart of the Rockies,” the town of Salida is often overlooked in favor of Estes Park and Telluride. Salida is home to the largest indoor hot springs facility in the US and also offers world-class rafting and kayaking activities in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. The town also offers prime fishing spots along the Arkansas River. The stretch of the river flowing in and around Salida has around 5,000 trout per mile!
Salida’s historic downtown area houses artisans that create several forms of art, including photography, sculpture, pottery, architecture, fiber arts, and a whole lot more. For the adventurous at heart, there are several zipline and aerial adventure parks where riders can fly above the desert and mountains, taking in the gorgeous view of the landscape below, which includes cliffs, rivers, and wildlife. Those who want to feel the earth move beneath their feet can take to the many hiking trails on a mountain bike.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Grand Lake lies two miles away from the western entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The town sits on the shores of a beautiful lake, also called Grand Lake, which is the biggest natural body of water in Colorado. The lake is great for fishing and sailing and also offers many other water activities. The lake provides magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and wildlife is abundant on and around its shores. There is a sandy beach at Grand Lake that is great for people-watching. Those who want to get their feet wet can paddleboard or row in the waters off the beach area.
Grand Lake incorporates a historical boardwalk where visitors can shop and dine in over 60 stores and restaurants. In the summer, folks can hike up the stunning trails or go mountain biking. During winter, snowmobiling is all the rage.
Rangely, Colorado
Rangely sits on the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway, which is a “prehistoric highway” that runs through canyons and passes dinosaur fossil quarries and museums. This rural town sits at an elevation of 5,298′ in Rio Blanco County and boasts the Rangely Outdoor Museum, which preserves historical buildings and displays the town’s history. It is also the location of The Tank Center for Sonic Arts—an empty water tank that doubles as a concert venue.
The Canyon Pintado National Historic District is the place to be for those who want to learn more about the pictographs and petroglyphs left behind by the Fremont and Ute people. In addition, the Kenney Reservoir lies five miles east of Rangely and offers fishing, boating, cliff-diving, swimming, and kayaking.
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs is the definition of quaint American town and features art galleries, restaurants on the creek, and free concerts. The town is the home of Manitou Springs’ Carnivale, which is a great alternative to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It is also home to the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railroad in the US.
Hikers enjoy the Manitou Incline which rises above the town as it ascends on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains. There is also the Manitou Springs Zipline tour which zips people across the Front Range. Tourists who have been to Manitou Springs describe it as having an Old West feel, while others enjoyed the artsy vibe left over from the “hippie era.” Manitou Springs opens up towards the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center where visitors can enjoy geological rarities and marvel in awe at the sandstone rock formations.
Canon City, Colorado
Canon City squats between the Front Range and Wet Mountains, north of a portion of the San Isabel National Forest. It straddles the Arkansas River, making it easy for tourists to go whitewater rafting and sightseeing. Many activities await nature lovers here, including driving Skyline Drive, riding the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, walking across the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, and soaring on the Royal Rush Skycoaster.
Between Salida and Canon City, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers multiple riverside campgrounds, and the Royal Gorge region around the bridge and park has several well-established campgrounds just a short drive away. Canon City also has many bicycle trails for those who want to experience plants and wildlife up close.
Fernie, British Columbia
During winter, Fernie is any skier’s dream destination. On the outskirts of the town are steep slopes that offer thrilling ski rides once the town gets snowed in. More than 140 slopes receive around 32 feet of snow every year. In the town itself, there are several old buildings to admire, some of which have been standing since the early 1900s. No visit to Fernie is complete without a stop at the Beanpod Chocolate, Coffee, and Gelato where chocolate is still made the old-fashioned way.
Fernie also offers the Fairy Creek Falls, which is accessible via a 2.8-mile hike from Fernie Visitor Information. When the weather turns cold, the magical falls freeze over, and during summer, the cascades are great for cooling down on a hot day. The town is truly a paradise for those who love the outdoors, and just south of Fernie the Ancient Cottonwood Interpretive Trail offers a glimpse into the history of ancient black cottonwood trees, some of which are four hundred years old. There is also the Elk River, where visitors can go kayaking or rafting, and afterward enjoy a picnic on the riverbanks as they watch wildlife go by.
Taos, New Mexico
The town of Taos in New Mexico is located on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rockies. It is only about two miles from Taos Pueblo, the only Native American community designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Homes in Taos Pueblo are still inhabited today. Besides this remarkable landmark, Taos offers activities like hot-air ballooning, hiking, and river rafting. Visitors can also find fishing spots and skiing resorts, along with numerous art galleries and museums. To the northwest, the Rio Grande Gorge, formed millions of years ago, stretches across the landscape. An elaborately designed bridge crosses the gorge along Route 64, and a nine-mile trail runs along its rim.
Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
The municipality of Crowsnest Pass was established in 1979 when five smaller municipalities merged. It is situated next to the Crowsnest mountain pass, beneath the Rocky Mountains. Despite its small size, Crowsnest Pass offers a variety of tourist activities. It features world-class fly fishing locations and top golf courses. History enthusiasts can explore the nearby Hillcrest Mine site, the site of Canada’s deadliest coal-mining disaster that killed 189 people in 1914. For stunning views, visitors can hike up Turtle Mountain. Chinook Lake provides opportunities for paddleboarding and boating, and the Crowsnest Museum showcases the town's cultural history.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, Idaho, is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring huckleberry bushes and pine trees, with the Bitterroot Mountains—an extension of the Rockies—surrounding it. It is one of only four towns in the U.S. fully listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sierra Silver Mine Tours offers a trolley that takes visitors on an educational tour of the town, and they can also explore a real silver mine. Regarding mining history, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail leads to an overlook where the Nicholson mine is visible. Named after fireman Ed Pulaski, who rescued 39 men during a firestorm, the trail is a significant site. For a quirky experience, visitors can check out the “center of the universe,” a manhole located on Bank and Sixth Streets that has drawn attention since 2004. Additionally, the Wallace Stairs offer both a great cardio workout and breathtaking mountain views.
West Glacier, Montana
West Glacier, located at the park's west entrance in Flathead County, Montana, features lush evergreen forests and shimmering lakes, making it a popular destination for tourists and hikers. The area is also home to the Ptarmigan Tunnel, built in 1930 to provide horse riders with panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape. Wildlife such as mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzlies can be spotted along the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. West Glacier is where you find the Going-to-the-Sun Road, route through valleys, waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers. This scenic drive leads to the Trail of the Cedars, a trail renowned for its towering 80-foot cedar trees and stunning vistas.
If prospective visitors are craving some mountain air and taking scenic vacations, they will find themselves enamored with the natural beauty of these small towns in the Rockies. Any one of these towns has something to offer every tourist! Book a trip to one or all of them and experience the best of what mountain life has to offer.
