11 Of The Friendliest Towns In Colorado

There are lots of things that make traveling a memorable experience — the sights, the activities, and the regional food, for example. But one thing that always sets a vacation apart from the rest is the people. Encounters with friendly locals will be the highlight of travel stories for years to come. With that in mind, the small towns in Colorado make ideal destinations for avid adventure lovers looking to make memories. The Centennial State is known for having kind and laid back residents that contribute to an overall relaxed and memorable vibe when visiting the area.

Telluride

Telluride, Colorado is home to roughly 2,500 people and was originally known as a mining town. Today, the allure of hiking or skiing on the beautiful San Juan Mountains is what draws visitors in. On the town’s official government website, Telluride describes itself as a “small town with a big heart.” Visitors can enjoy those big heart vibes at the town's annual festivals that are bustling with happy locals.

Annual festivals including Mountainfilm Festival, the Telluride Gay Ski Week, and the Telluride Balloon Festival are particularly fun and filled with friendly, welcoming residents who are happy to share space with travelers. For those who can’t make it in time for a particular festival, there are plenty of local attractions and things-to-do outside of the annual events.

To enjoy the scenery, take a free ride on The Gondola which transports visitors from Telluride to the nearby Mountain Village. The ride is only 12 minutes long but offers incredible views from 10,500 feet in the sky. For a more grounded experience, dive into the town's rich background at the Telluride Historical Museum.

Glenwood Springs

Commonly described as one of Colorado’s most relaxing towns, Glenwood Springs makes an ideal destination for anyone who’s looking to put their feet up and leave their worries behind. Start a trip here the right way by checking in at the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Resort. While here, visitors will enjoy a friendly and accommodating staff, mineral-rich hot springs, workout equipment, scenic overlooks, and private cabanas, among other amenities.

Another well-known attraction in Glenwood Springs is the Hanging Lake Trail. Visitors will need to purchase a permit to explore the area, but once secured, the 1.2-mile trail provides endless enjoyment. Along the trail, hikers can soak up views of turquoise water and the surrounding foliage. There’s also a waterfall — Spouting Rock — that hikers can walk behind along the way.

While the town is filled with modern-day attractions, amenities, and places to eat, it also has a historic background worth exploring. To learn more about the past, visit The Frontier Museum which is housed in a gorgeous Victorian-era home and is a great place to learn about the town's first inhabitants — the Ute people.

Vail

Nothing brings groups of strangers together quite like music, and the Bravo! Vail Music Festival in Vail, Colorado is no exception. This friendly small town hosts the classic musical festival each year at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre, where residents and visitors alike come together, fill the area with lawn chairs, and collectively enjoy an amazing sound experience.

Music isn’t all that Vail has to offer though. The town also boasts one of the most unique botanical gardens in the country. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens sit 8,250 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest gardens in the world. Here, visitors can admire and learn about a wide selection of plants that thrive in mountain conditions such as Himalayan blue poppies, larkspur, yellow mule’s ears, and many more. Another unique experience in Vail is the private gondola dinner experience at Alpenrose. The experience, which takes place in converted gondola cars during the winter, provides a two-course meal, heaters, and is incredibly memorable.

Durango

Durango, Colorado is on the larger side of “small town” boasting a population of nearly 20,000 residents. Despite the size, the town is still filled to the brim with the kind of whimsical, adventurous charm one often expects to find in a small town. Travelers looking to mingle with friendly residents will want to plan their visit for winter during the annual Snowdown festival. The festival features over 100 beloved events including a themed fashion show, live performances, a beautiful parade of lights, and skijoring, just to name a few.

Can’t make it during the winter? Don’t worry, summer is just as full of fun activities. The San Juan Brewfest, for example, takes place in Buckley Park and brings beer lovers together for a day of sipping and enjoying live music. For outdoor enthusiasts, Durango’s hiking trails are ripe for exploring. While there are a handful to choose from, the Horse Gulch Trail System offers something for everyone, regardless of skill level. Along the trails, expect to see smiling faces and locals waving hello.

Ouray

Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray, Colorado is seen as a year-round destination for fun and adventure. Visitors will enjoy views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and can partake in plenty of activities that will have them mingling with residents while enjoying the scenery. Hiking to Box Cañon Falls in the summer, for example, or attending the popular Ouray Ice Festival in the winter are perfect opportunities to experience the town's friendly nature. Those traveling with a vehicle will also have the opportunity to hop on the San Juan Skyway — a scenic and historic byway that gives travelers a chance to relax as they drive through Ouray and the surrounding towns.

Buena Vista

In Spanish, Buena Vista means “good view,” which makes it a perfectly fitting name for this small town. While visiting Buena Vista, Colorado, travelers can relax amidst breathtaking scenery which includes the surrounding Collegiate Peaks and blankets of pine, spruce, and fir trees. To make the most of the surroundings, hitting up some of the town's hiking trails is a great idea. The Harvard Lakes Trail, in particular, spans four miles and offers a close-up look at crystal clear alpine lakes.

Those hoping to mingle with excited, happy locals will want to visit on Memorial Day Weekend during the CKS Paddlefest. The annual event is always high-energy and always draws a big crowd. For a chance to encounter locals outside of Paddlefest, pop in for a meal at The Lariat. The well-reviewed restaurant sits in a historic building, serves tasty American-style eats, and often features live music. History buffs will also want to explore the Buena Vista Heritage, which features several historic spots including an old courthouse, a model train set up, and an apple orchard.

Snowmass Village

Like many resort towns, Snowmass Village, Colorado knows how to treat its tourists. An ideal destination in summer or winter, visitors can hit the slopes at the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort during the cold months or join the lively crowds at the Snowmass Rodeo during the warmer months. Another way to enjoy the town's welcoming locals is to attend one of the annual events.

Those in town for New Years Eve will not want to miss the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade which includes a parade of downhill skiers and snowboarders holding red flares as well as a dazzling fireworks display. Since the village is located just 8.3 miles from Aspen, travelers can easily pop over to the city for more fun.

Cañon City

Cañon City, Colorado offers visitors easy access to one of Colorado’s best attractions — The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Home to the highest suspension bridge in the country, this is one tourist attraction travelers won’t want to miss. The park also has the Skycoaster, plus ziplines, aerial gondola rides, and plenty of other attractions that will appeal to thrill-seekers.

The town also offers access to the scenic Skyline Drive, which takes visitors up a cliffside road and provides clear views of the town's landscape. One aspect that makes Cañon City so enjoyable is its climate, which never gets too hot or too cold, earning the town the nickname of "Climate Capital of Colorado.”

Hiking is a great way to enjoy that mild climate and the Tunnel Drive trail is one of the most interesting hikes in town. Stretching two miles, the easy-to-walk trail takes hikers through gorgeous, hollowed out pieces of granite.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte, Colorado is known for great skiing, wildflowers, and a positive atmosphere. Several online accounts paint the town as a welcoming place for members of the LGBTQIA community. The nearby Gunnison Valley Pride event in June is always a fun time for locals and visitors alike. The annual event was founded by Alex Stefan and Malia Jones, two residents of Crested Butte.

Another bright and happy event worth attending is the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. Taking place annually in July, the flower-focused gathering lasts for 10 days and hosts workshops, garden tours, and culinary experiences. Of course, you can’t visit a mountain town like this without checking out the local ski resort. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, shopping, and hosts a range of events throughout the year.

Paonia

With a population of less than 2,000 people, Paonia is home to a small, tight-knit community that’s full of heart. Well, it may not boast a long list of things to do, there are still a handful of attractions worth seeing during a visit here. Moreover, the welcoming energy of the locals makes the town even more appealing.

Travelers can admire local beavers and enjoy outdoor recreation at the Paonia River Park or taste some locally brewed craft beers at the Cabin Fever Craft Brewing. They can also browse the farmers market and pick their own fruit at Orchard Valley Farms & Market. In July, the annual Paonia Cherry Days festival brings the town together for a range of fun events including cherry pit-spitting contests, cornhole, live music, and wood splitting contests.

Steamboat Springs

An ideal winter destination, Steamboat Springs, Colorado has its own trademarked name for snow: Champagne Powder. The term was originally coined by the Steamboat Ski Resort and refers to a special type of snow in the area that boasts a significantly lower water content than the average snow. At the resort, visitors can enjoy activities including scenic gondola rides, night skiing, skating, horseback riding, and snowshoe tours.

The Strings Music Festival, held at the Strings Music Pavilion, is an annual event where visitors can enjoy live performances and connect with the local community. For outdoor lovers, a visit to the nearby Steamboat Lake State Park is a must. In the warmer months, the park is a perfect spot for hiking, swimming, water sports, camping, boating, and bird watching.

Colorado may be best known for its mountainscapes and outdoor adventure opportunities, but don’t sleep on the state's small towns, where friendly faces and welcoming locals aren’t hard to find. Travelers hoping to mingle with residents and have a memorable travel experience will find no shortage of fun, inclusive events held year round that offer everything from live music to niche activities such as cherry pit spitting contests.