5 Prettiest Downtown Strips In The Rockies

The Rocky Mountains are the most extensive mountain range in the United States, spanning eight states, and are home to beautiful cities that embrace their rugged spirit. These are among the prettiest downtown strips in the Rockies, known for their vivacious spirit, resort amenities, and vibrant culture. Although these towns are famous for their winter sports, they offer much year-round, including award-winning restaurants, family attractions, and other fun activities.

There is also a lot of history in this region revolving around silver mining, and many of the historical mines and structures have been preserved, adding to the small-town charm. The downtown areas are the community hubs where people can immerse themselves in the unique Rockies culture. Booking a stay in one of the luxurious hotels or bed-and-breakfast inns will put you within walking distance of the main attractions and in the heart of the community.

Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park is a base camp for adventure, bordered by stunning landscapes. It is also famous for its vibrant downtown area, which is filled with restaurants like Claire's Restaurant and Bar and more than 300 shops, including the home goods store Trendz at the Park on Elkhorn Avenue. The walkable downtown has quaint storefronts housing everything from glassware at Patterson Glassworks to outdoor gear at Hyk Mountain Lifestyle and everything in between.

The charming town is also a foodie's paradise, with eclectic offerings like the Big Horn Restaurant, a local favorite since 1972. There are abundant coffee shops to help you fuel up for the slopes, such as Kind Coffee and Coffee on the Rocks. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or an epic shopping journey, downtown Estes Park has you covered.

Ouray, Colorado

Ouray is a beautiful town in Colorado surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. It is known for its friendly downtown and attractions. There is always something to do, from outdoor adventures to art, culture, and shopping. Popular attractions include the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, established in 1927. It has bubbled up from the Uncompahgre River and underground fissures for thousands of years and ranges in temperature from 80 to 150 degrees.

While exploring the downtown area, check out the local history in unique museums such as the Ouray County Historical Museum and Ouray Alchemist Museum. The latter museum is Colorado's largest pharmacy museum and contains beautifully preserved fixtures and exhibits, some as old as 350 B.C. The culinary scene is as diverse as the landscape at places like Taste Ouray (open May 23) and Maggie's Burgers. If you want a friendly downtown community with an eclectic blend of venues, Ouray should be on your radar.

Silverton, Colorado

Silverton is a year-round city in Colorado for outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers, and foodies. The National Historic Landmark is surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. It is a key stop on the San Juan Skyway, a scenic byway that also passes through the nearby ghost town of Animas Forks. Shopping is a local pastime, and the boutiques and shops range from Adelaide's Antiques to Timberline Trading, both found within the walkable downtown area.

Silverton is packed with authentic restaurants that reflect the culture and heritage of the mountain regions. Local favorites include High Noon Hamburgers and coffee shops like Coffee Bear. Booking a room in a historic hotel like the Bent Elbow will keep you within walking distance of Silverton's charms. The hotel was built in 1907, two doors from where it sits today on the notorious Blair Street, once the town's red light district during the mining days. The boutique hotel hosts several annual events, such as a skijoring competition, and provides a trip down Silverton's memory lane.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a world-famous ski resort town in Colorado that is also known for its vibrant downtown strip. When you first step into downtown, you feel transported to the past. The walkable streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings, with the Silver Queen Gondola rising above the beautiful architecture. There are many historical and cultural sites to explore, such as the Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler Opera House, both built by Jerome Wheeler. Hotel Jerome has been hosting guests since 1889 and stands as a landmark structure, a difficult feat in Aspen. The opera house opened in the same year and was part of the "Silver Circuit," attracting international performers who were touring the booming mining region.

Aspen's downtown strip is one of the best in the Rockies and a stunning sight to behold. Downtown has many fine dining options, such as Aurum Food and Wine and Bosq.

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Downtown in Manitou Springs, Colorado, revolves around Manitou Avenue and Fountain Creek. The area is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Several parks reflect the area's elegant ruggedness, like Schryver Park and Soda Springs Park, which host free concerts and other outdoor events throughout the year. An ideal way to spend a day in town is to take a tour that explores the eight natural mineral springs and discover what makes this town so unique.

Another must-see venue in town is the Iron Springs Chateau. Near the notoriously steep Manitou Incline trail, the Chateau is one of America's last melodrama dinner theaters, where the crowd is encouraged to participate. The mountain town is also home to an authentic castle, Miramont, over 125 years old. If you visit, you must also check out the Queen's Parlour Tea Room, where you can enjoy tiny sandwiches and aromatic teas in splendid Victorian style. Manitou Springs promises a memorable visit and is among the best towns to visit in the Rockies.

Visiting the Rockies

The expansive Rocky Mountain region is one of the prettiest mountain ranges in the United States. It is dotted with rugged mountain towns that embrace the region's spirit and culture. While most of these towns are notable for their epic skiing adventures, the historic downtown areas also provide plenty of reasons to visit. These five towns have vibrant and eclectic communities that showcase their heritage through food, arts, and cultural attractions. Whether visiting natural springs or historic mining hotels, these five downtown strips are the best in the Rockies.