7 Rockies Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

Stretching some 3,000 miles, the Rocky Mountains are North America’s longest mountain range, and these mountains offer a wide variety of opportunities for exhilarating adventures. The Rockies also abound in quaint mountain towns that provide a slower and more relaxing pace of life. Yes, you can take advantage of the warmer low season to explore the mountains around the major ski towns, but it’s also possible to marvel at the great natural wonders of the United States’ top national parks, set sail on quiet mountain lakes, and visit a millennium-old indigenous community. With all this in mind, let’s check out these seven Rocky Mountain towns with a slower pace of life.

Big Sky, Montana

As this town’s name suggests, Big Sky is an ideal place to experience the big, beautiful wilderness of the Madison Range of southern Montana. Though the ski runs are closed for the summer season at Big Sky Resort, it opens up for glorious tee times at its 18-hole par 72 golf course. In addition, Big Sky offers an extensive network of mountain bike trails, scenic lift rides up the mountain, and thrilling zipline rides over the forest.

Beyond the resort, Big Sky has far more to explore. If you’d like to get out on the open fresh water of the region’s roaring rivers, Montana Whitewater can hook you up with an incredible whitewater rafting excursion. Or, if you want to work with a different kind of hook, go fly-fishing with Gallatin River Guides and enjoy the bounty of the world-class trout streams of this region. For more aquatic activities, head out to Lake Levinski for some chill canoeing, rafting, and paddleboarding sessions. And for even more rest, relaxation, and refined recreation, treat yourself to a stay at the uber-luxurious Montage Big Sky resort and take advantage of its many on-site amenities and concierge services.

Island Park, Idaho

Island Park may not now be located on an island, but it’s now at the center of some of the Rocky Mountains’ most explosively spectacular natural scenery. Yes, Island Park places you within reach of Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and the other landmarks of Yellowstone National Park. Yet back in town, Island Park itself sits in the world’s largest caldera (Henry’s Fork, which measures some 23 miles in diameter), so you also have plenty of options for amazing adventures nearby.

More specifically, head out to Henrys Lake State Park to fish for cutthroat, brook, and cut-bow hybrid trout at one of the Mountain West’s best trout fisheries, or enjoy the fine waters of this lake on your motorboat, kayak, or paddleboard. If you’d rather explore on high and dry land, hit the hiking trails of Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and if you’re really up for it, try a hike to Mount Jefferson and catch incredible views of the Continental Divide and verdant forests of Idaho and Montana below. And for the ultimate mountain escape, do a glamping trip with Wander Camp, where they will set you up with a fully furnished tent (including a real bed) so you can kick back and enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

Cody, Wyoming

For a different perspective on Yellowstone and the northern Rockies, head to the “Wild West” Wyoming town of Cody. A short drive east of Yellowstone National Park, Cody is another inviting option for a Yellowstone basecamp. Yet around town, Cody has many of its own fascinating landmarks. To better understand Cody’s “Wild West” heritage, mosey over to Buffalo Bill Center of the West to learn the backstory of the region’s Native American tribes, colorful “cowboy” characters like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, and great western artists like Remington and Russell. And for a deeper dive into Cody’s history, the Historic Cody Mural and Museum has a vast collection of artifacts, archives, and art that transport you back to the 19th century frontier days.

If you’re interested in another deep journey into Cody’s history and natural environment, head up to Heart Mountain to tour the site of one of the nation’s largest Japanese-American internment sites during World War II, learn the stories of the people whose lives were upended by their forced relocation here, and wander the great expanse of semi-arid wilderness that this land has returned to. And to complete your Cody-style “Wild West” sojourn, book a stay at the Blackstone Creek Lodge for an authentic guest ranch experience with horseback rides, fly-fishing and whitewater rafting outings, guided hikes into the neighboring Shoshone National Forest, and even guided tours of Yellowstone National Park.

Park City, Utah

Nestled high up the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, about 30 miles east of Salt Lake City, Park City seamlessly blends rugged mountain atmosphere and sophisticated ski town style. For a taste of the region’s rugged beauty, try some of Park City’s extensive network of local trails, including the Mid Mountain Twist, Crest Trail, and Jupiter Peak Loop for challenging yet oh-so satisfying mountain biking. You can also opt for the Willow Lake and Wasatch Crest Trails for long and advanced yet quiet and serene hiking journeys into the mountains.

In town, Park City offers many of the finer things in life, including eye-catching works by local and national artists at Meyer Gallery, Park City Fine Art, and Main Street Gallery. When you crave some edible works of art, try the daring flavors of Main Street restaurants like Yuki Yama Sushi, Kaneo, and Pine Cone Ridge. Once you’re ready to call it a day, retreat to the relaxing yet refined Pendry Park City, a sleek “new luxury” resort with stylish rooms and suites, a soothing on-site spa, and perhaps the coolest rooftop pool in town.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Sitting just west of the Park Range and the Continental Divide, Steamboat Springs is the perfect Colorado ski town to slow down and enjoy the journey, no matter which journey you opt to take. When you’re eager to explore Steamboat’s great outdoors, hit the town’s growing network of award-winning mountain bike trails, from the easy Panorama and Fiddlehead paths to the expert-grade Gem and BTR trails through the hills and open forest. Or, if you want to go on your own two feet, try a hike to the stunning 280-foot cascade at Fish Creek Falls or the signature rock formations at Rabbit Ears Peak.

While Steamboat Springs has plenty to do on open land, there’s even more to experience on water. In town, the Yampa River is great for kayaking, rafting, and tubing. A short drive north, Steamboat Lake State Park is the ideal spot for boating, sailboarding, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming. And for something more chill, check into the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas for condo-style rooms and suites, a refreshing pool complex, and the full-service Rocky Mountain Day Spa.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge may only be about 80 miles west of Denver, yet this ski town feels far removed from the big city hustle and bustle. Though the winter snow has long melted off the ski slopes, Breckenridge Ski Resort reopens in summer for epic mountain biking expeditions, thrilling rides down the GoldRunner mountain coaster, daring journeys through the Alpineer Challenge Course, and many more fun activities. And some 9,324 feet above sea level, Breckenridge Golf Club offers a 27-hole, par 72 course with incredible, panoramic views.

While Breckenridge has a whole lot to do on dry land, there’s plenty more to experience on nearby open waters. More specifically, this region is prime territory for fly-fishing, and local shops like Breckenridge Outfitters and Mountain Angler offer guided fly-fishing excursions. You can also hit Maggie Pond and Lake Dillon for chill stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking sessions. Whenever you’re done with the day’s adventures, head up to The Lodge at Breckenridge to enjoy the amazing views and relaxing vibes at one of the world’s highest-altitude hotels.

Taos, New Mexico

For over a millennium, Taos has stood tall and harbored its own uniquely creative spirit in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico; this mountain range is often considered to be the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. Some five centuries before Spanish conquistadores first invaded the region, the Tiwa Puebloan people began to build what would become Taos Pueblo, and this indigenous community remains very much intact and regularly offers daily tours through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For another look at local Native American and Hispanic culture, head up to the Millicent Rogers Museum to view their vast collection of 7,000 New Mexico artifacts and works of art, from vintage indigenous-made turquoise jewelry to contemporary watercolor paintings and pottery.

Back in town, Taos has even more to explore. Stop at the Taos Museum at Fechin House to tour a vintage 1923 artist studio that now houses a remarkable collection of Western art, check out a complex of artist studios first established in 1915 at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site, and pop over to the Harwood Museum of Art to view their interesting mix of modern and postmodern works. Finally, make your way to the historic Taos Inn to kick back and relax at this cozy and comfy “living room of Taos.”

Slow Down and Appreciate the Journey in the Rocky Mountains

When you need a break from the often lightning-fast pace of city life, try a getaway to these slow-paced yet oh-so satisfying Rocky Mountain towns. At Big Sky, embark on all sorts of big adventures in Montana’s wide-open spaces. At Steamboat Springs, take a long hike to the roaring waterfalls and the Rabbits Ear rocks, or enjoy some smooth sailing at Steamboat Lake. And at Taos, discover a millennium-old indigenous community and a vibrant contemporary artists village. Across the Rocky Mountains, it’s always a good idea to slow down and experience the many wonders of these small towns.