7 Coziest Small Towns in Colorado

The “Centennial State” of Colorado is definitely one of the best places to visit in the USA for those seeking a charming small-town experience. Drawing its nickname from the fact it didn’t join the Union until 100 years after American Independence, Colorado attracts nearly 90 million visitors a year, all of them here for the state’s stunning scenery, its laidback ambiance, and, of course, its cozy small towns.

And if your idea of “cozy” includes having the opportunity to indulge in recreational drugs, you’re in luck. Legalization in 2012 has resulted in a huge surge in Cannabis tourism, with many communities allowing retail outlets and public enjoyment of these substances. Add to this the state’s vibrant wine and beer industries and its endless outdoor activities, and it’s little surprise so many tourists flock to Colorado to unwind.

Whatever your idea of fun, join us as we explore some of the coziest small towns in Colorado.

Salida

Salida’s picture-perfect Rocky Mountain setting on the Arkansas River looks like it came straight out of a postcard… or a painting. Given that Salida is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, you’ll find scenes from around this cozy town captured on canvas and available for view (and for sale) in the many art galleries and studios that dot the downtown area. Places to visit in Salida if you’re interested in the arts include the SteamPlant Event Center, a repurposed power plant that regularly hosts art exhibitions as well as theatrical performances.

For history enthusiasts, the Salida Museum provides a glimpse into the region's past and an intimate look at its people, including the area's indigenous heritage. Interested in stunning natural scenery? Then head to nearby Agnes Vaille Falls, a picturesque spot that serves as a gateway to the Rockies.

Estes Park

A scenic 90-minute drive northwest of Denver you’ll have the distinct pleasure of finding yourself in Estes Park. Popular for its location near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the population of this cozy community of around 6,000 swells significantly as day-trippers from Denver and other surrounding cities descend to explore the Rockies as well as the pretty town itself.

Its location makes Estes Park especially popular with wildlife enthusiasts, who flock here to witness the herds of elk, which can be seen in large numbers usually around the town’s Visitor Center and the Estes Park Golf Course. Moose, bighorn sheep, and even bears are often spotted not too far from the town center, enabling travelers to easily grab a warm beverage in a cozy café as they compare wildlife sightings.

Pagosa

Being surrounded by the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the San Juan National Forest certainly adds to Pagosa Springs’ cozy ambiance. This sense of tranquillity is heightened by the town’s therapeutic geothermal hot springs.

Said to be the world’s deepest hot springs, here you can enjoy relaxing experiences at the Springs Resort and Spa which features an impressive 23 mineral-rich pools along the banks of the San Juan River. Other options for those seeking a cozy couple or solo spring experience can be enjoyed at Overlook Hot Springs Spa and the Healing Waters Resort and Spa.

Silverton

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan Mountains, the aptly named Silverton was once a bustling mining camp that has retained much of its 19th-century charm. Wander Silverton’s downtown area and you’ll spot well-preserved Victorian architecture housing everything from boutique shops to intimate B&Bs like Historic Alma House, an old miner’s hotel built in 1898.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad adds further to the town’s charm, with its classic old steam train operating scenic rides between Silverton and Durango through the spectacular Animas River Gorge. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with the annual Silverton Jubilee Folk Festival held each June.

Paonia

Travel an hour east of Grand Junction and you’ll find yourself in the attractive community of Paonia. Set in the fertile North Fork Valley on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, this off-the-beaten-trail Colorado town is a cozy oasis amidst the surrounding peaks and is well worth a visit. It’s also home to around 10 first-rate wineries, including the family-run Stone Cottage Cellars.

Paonia is also known as a hub for eco-conscious living and has become a popular haunt for artists and musicians. The region’s arts and cultural fabric are celebrated during the annual Mountain Harvest Festival, established in 2001 and held every September.

Carbondale

Set in Roaring Fork Valley, Carbondale owes its name to settlers who ventured here from the town of the same name in Pennsylvania. Its incredibly picturesque setting stems from the many stunning natural features surrounding it, including the 12,965-foot-tall peaks of Mount Sopris, the Crystal River, and the Roaring Fork River. Little wonder, then that Carbondale is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, here to participate in activities such as hiking, biking, and fly fishing, to name but a few.

The best place to enjoy an intimate art experience in Carbondale is in its Creative District. In addition to its many galleries, studios, and performance spaces, the area holds a fun First Friday celebration, a family-friendly event held on the first Friday of each month featuring live music, art openings, and cultural events.

Steamboat Springs

Last but by no means least on our list of cozy towns in Colorado, many visitors are surprised to learn that Steamboat Springs was named by French trappers who mistook the sounds made by a nearby mineral springs for that of a steamship. The name stuck, however, and certainly does have romantic overtones that are echoed in this cozy Colorado town.

In addition to its being a popular ski destination, the hot springs those early trappers found continue to draw crowds. The town's hot springs are in fact a year-round attraction, with the Old Town Hot Springs’ central downtown location being a particularly popular spot. For a more secluded and intimate experience, visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

The Final Word

The best of Colorado’s many small towns offer an intimate, cozy escape from its bigger urban areas like Denver. Boasting spectacular scenery usually framed by the Rocky Mountains, these small communities offer adventurous visitors no end of fun. Find out more and be inspired by this list of the seven coziest small towns in Colorado.