6 of the Quirkiest Towns in Colorado
Colorado is well known for its stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit, factors which have led to its being one of the most visited states in the USA. Many of the over 90 million tourists who visit “Colorful Colorado” each year make a point of visiting some of the state’s quirkiest and most charming small towns, either as day trips from larger cities like Denver and Colorado Springs or as weekend getaways.
For these adventurous travelers, the rewards are plentiful. From the mountainous lakeside setting of Grand Lake to the ski slopes of Crested Butte, these six quirky towns in Colorado offer a fascinating glimpse into an alternate side of the “Centennial State.”
Grand Lake
A stunning two-hour drive northwest of Denver, Grand Lake’s population of only 500 people swells substantially with the countless visitors who travel here to enjoy the scenery. The town’s beautiful Rocky Mountain setting is enhanced further by its location on the shores of Grand Lake, Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake, as well as by nearby Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby, both man-made but equally attractive. This unique setting provides a perfect backdrop for water-based adventures including kayaking, boating, and fishing.
The town's proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park is another advantage. This expansive, 265,000-acre park attracts visitors not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its diverse wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and cougars, along with its extensive network of hiking trails. The most charming part of town, the historic Grand Lake Village, is enjoyable to explore. Besides its rustic architecture, the village boardwalk is a pleasure to wander; lined with craft shops, art galleries, and eateries, it offers plenty of chances to meet friendly locals.
Silverton
Silverton’s location in the San Juan Mountains near the border with New Mexico certainly doesn’t hurt its reputation as one of the best places to visit in Colorado for an authentic (and quirky) small-town experience. The best-known of its attractions is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic train ride featuring photo-worthy views of the San Juan Mountains. These epic 50-mile train rides start in the larger town of Durango and wind their way through canyons and alongside rivers before reaching Silverton, where they stop long enough to allow passengers time to explore on their own.
Silverton's mining history is another unique attraction, with guided tours at the Old Hundred Gold Mine that include an underground journey to experience firsthand what it was like for miners during the gold and silver booms of the late 19th century. Outdoor activities are plentiful in the San Juan National Forest, offering endless options for hiking, mountain biking, and, in winter, snowmobiling and skiing. Ice Lakes Basin, near Silverton, is especially known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and challenging hikes.
Crested Butte
One of the most remote communities in the state, Crested Butte has made a name for itself as the "Last Great Colorado Ski Town," a quirky nickname it earned as the home of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. While this popular ski destination boasts an impressive array of groomed ski and snowboard runs suitable for all skill levels, it's especially popular with die-hard skiers seeking more challenging terrain. Other fun things to do in winter include snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and enjoying its après-ski scene.
Come summer, Crested Butte’s mountain slopes burst into color with so many wildflowers that it has earned another nickname, this time as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” The quirky Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in July provides a perfect excuse to visit, offering guided hikes, garden tours, and photography workshops. Other outdoor activities include mountain biking, with an extensive network of trails ranging from beginner to advanced and all easily accessible. The town also hosts the famous Crested Butte Bike Week, the oldest mountain bike festival in the world.
Ridgway
Ridgway’s nickname as the "Gateway to the San Juan Mountains" is also well-deserved. Located mid-way between Durango and Grand Junction, Ridgway has the distinction of being an officially Certified International Dark Sky Community, one of only 33 such designations worldwide. The secret lies in the town's efforts to minimize light pollution, its exceptionally clear night skies making it perfect for serious astronomers and casual stargazers alike.
Ridgway State Park, just a few miles north of the town, is another major attraction and offers fun activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching at the park's beautiful reservoir, Lake Ridgway. Be sure to add the Creative District to your list of things to do in Ridgway. This historic downtown area has experienced significant revitalization and beautification, making it a charming place to explore, especially for its lively, sometimes quirky arts and culture scene. The town's rich history and its connection to the film industry can also be discovered through local attractions like the Ridgway Railroad Museum.
Telluride
Telluride is another quirky San Juan Mountains town that draws crowds of visitors during the winter. Here, it’s the Telluride Ski Resort that steals the show with top-notch slopes and scenic gondola rides. The breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from these free-to-ride gondolas can also be enjoyed in the summertime, too. Telluride's status as a National Historic Landmark District is another major draw and acknowledges the town’s beautifully preserved Victorian-era architecture.
Enjoyable walking tours of this quaint area will inevitably lead to the historic site of the location of Butch Cassidy's first major bank heist, the San Miguel Valley Bank (now the Mahr Building), which the bandit robbed in 1889. During the summer, Telluride transforms into a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and camping. Telluride also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the famous Telluride Film Festival, which attracts cinephiles and celebrities alike.
Ouray
When it comes to Colorado town nicknames, Ouray boasts one of the best. Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is a picturesque small town in the San Juan Mountains that draws tourists for its stunning Swiss-alpine-like scenery and sightseeing opportunities. Topping most lists of fun things to do in Ouray is visiting the Ouray Ice Park, a world-renowned ice climbing venue that features man-made ice climbing walls in a spectacular natural gorge. In addition to providing unique opportunities for climbers of all skill levels, there are also ice climbing festivals and events to enjoy that draw enthusiasts from around the globe.
Ouray is well-known for its natural hot springs. The town features several hot springs facilities, including the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings, all accessible to the public. For those who enjoy scenic drives and hikes, Ouray is the starting point for the Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway, which offers some of the most breathtaking mountain views in Colorado. Hiking enthusiasts will discover numerous trails around Ouray, leading to waterfalls, high alpine meadows, and sweeping vistas. It’s also worthwhile to learn more about the town’s mining history with a tour of the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine.
The Final Word
Exploring these six quirky towns in Colorado is like stepping into a series of vivid postcards, each with a distinct flavor and charm. From the scenic waterfront of Grand Lake to the historic railway in Silverton, to the wildflower meadows of Crested Butte and the starlit skies over Ridgway, these small towns each embody the spirit of the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains. Learn more and be inspired with this list of the 6 quirkiest towns in Colorado.
