7 Easygoing Small Towns in Colorado

Get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities by exploring Colorado’s easy-going small towns, where relaxation is more than just a word; it is a way of life. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, these communities invite visitors to slow down and connect with the outdoors. Known for its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and world-class ski resorts, Colorado offers an abundance of opportunities for adventure in a serene and welcoming environment. With the highest average elevation of any state in the U.S. and a culture rooted in outdoor living, Colorado's small towns offer an ideal mix of charm, scenic beauty, and adventure.

Steamboat Springs

In the renowned mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you can ski down champagne powder snow in the winter and go hiking, swimming, and river tubing in the summer. This easy-going town provides relaxing hot springs, such as Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a hotel with natural, mineral-rich pools sitting in the forest. At the hotel, you can also get a massage to relieve any stress you have. A popular attraction in the area is Steamboat Ski Resort, a scenic mountain featuring almost 3,000 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding. The resort also offers summer activities such as horseback riding, golfing, and hiking. Walk among themed gardens at Yampa River Botanic Park, featuring beautiful sculptures and ponds located in a valley oasis.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is a nature lover's dream, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds this iconic town. As a scenic Rocky Mountain resort town, visitors are provided with year-round recreation. A popular location to spend time is the Sunlight Mountain Resort, where you can ski along one of the 67 trails offered while you enjoy the stunning scenery. Take a dip in one of the many hot springs throughout the area, such as Iron Mountain Hot Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. These public swimming pools are large, long-running hot springs surrounded by mountains. Feel like you are in a dream by looking into the vibrant green waters, cascades, and sheer cliffs at the Hanging Lake Trailhead.

Eagle

Known for its welcoming vibe, Eagle, Colorado, is a place where visitors can spend their days enjoying sunrise hikes along uncrowded trails, relaxing by the river, or soaking up the natural beauty at one of the town’s parks. Spend the day fly fishing at Eagle River, known for its brown and rainbow trout, where the gentle sound of water lapping creates a sense of calm. If you want something more fast-paced, try kayaking or rafting down the river, where you can immerse yourself in nature’s natural beauty. Appreciate the outdoors at the 4.3-acre Eagle River Park project, featuring waves and holes for rafting, tubing, kayaking, and surfing. Another great park is Sylvan Lake State Park, centered around a 42-acre lake, with yurts and cabins for rent.

Vail

From beautiful parks and stunning gardens to ski resorts and amphitheatres, Vail, Colorado, is a relaxing town with plenty to offer. Forget your troubles by hitting the slopes. With over 5,000 acres of skiing trails, Vail Ski Resort, surrounded by a Swiss-style village with night spots, restaurants, and shops, has been a long-time favorite among both visitors and community members. In the summer, watch music and dance performances at the Amp-Vail-Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre, an open-air theatre in a beautiful, lush locale. Visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, a botanical center featuring various alpine plants and flowers that offer a serene setting for exploration and relaxation. Another charming setting can be found at the sprawling Bighorn Park, with expansive open spaces and a lake.

Estes Park

Known as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains National Park, the town of Estes Park, Colorado, is an outdoor wonderland. Extensive hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and stunning mountain peaks are steps away from town, leading to the premier national park. Take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, a cable car that takes riders to the summit of Prospect Mountain, where trails, panoramic views, and a café await. Look up into the sky and see the stars in all their glory at Estes Park Memorial Observatory, which serves as a venue for education. Open star gazing sessions, events, and lectures are available for both visitors and community members. Take a stroll along River Walk Park, winding through the middle of downtown Estes Park, where you can find a variety of shops.

Salida

The town of Salida, Colorado, provides relaxation and inspiration in entertaining ways. For a peaceful day out, the quaint Riverside Park offers picnic tables along the riverside as well as a bandshell, which hosts many community events. Go kayaking or whitewater rafting at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This recreation spot is also a prime location for fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also engage in a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Head over to the Woods High Mountain Distillery and take a tour of the distillery. This rustic pub also has a wide range of creative drinks and its own brand of liquors, gins, and whiskies that are full of flavor and literally one-of-a-kind.

Manitou Springs

The resort town of Manitou Springs is filled with unique attractions like mountain peaks, castles, and cliff dwellings. Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, recovered cliff structures that date back to 1200, featuring a historic museum documenting Native American life. The Rainbow Falls Historic Site offers a quiet trail for hiking, where you can explore a beautiful waterfall, picnic areas, and swimming pools in a graceful setting. Take a tour of the Miramont Castle Museum and the Queen’s Parlour Tea Room, a 1895 chateau with a mix of architecture, a tea room, historical artifacts, and a stunning garden. Buy a ticket aboard one of the world’s highest mountain railways, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, a scenic train ride that takes travelers to the top of Pikes Peak.

Relax and Rewind

From quiet river towns to mountain valleys, the easy-going communities of Colorado demonstrate a lifestyle shaped by simplicity, wellness, and natural beauty. Residents and visitors alike often embody an active, healthy way of life, which contributes to the state’s high ranking of wellness. With a culture focused on mindful living and outdoor recreation, the small towns discussed offer more than just beautiful surroundings; they provide an opportunity to relax, renew, and experience Colorado in a peaceful manner.