7 Stunning Small Towns In Colorado

Nobody really argues about whether Colorado is a good place to hike. (Of course it is!) However, a few surprising facts might make you realize how much you still have to learn about the state. To the west, you will find fertile valleys where fruit and wine grow incredibly well. South-central Colorado, near Cañon City, is characterized by arid land and winding canyons, perhaps reminding you more of Arizona. Other towns, like Crested Butte, have a surprising burst of color in the summer during the annual wildflower bloom. There is so much more to discover, as well! These seven towns are some of the most stunning to add to your itinerary this year.

Crested Butte

Holding the title of the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte is naturally going to be stunning. There are numerous wildflower hikes that you can embark on during the seasonal bloom, starting with the Lupine Trail. This trail, which is located just a short drive from town, extends for seven miles, featuring several switchbacks along the route that cut through aspen groves and lupine wildflower meadows. Snodgrass Trail is another great option, stretching for 3.6 miles and rated as easy to moderate. As you hike along the path, you will be greeted by colorful wildflowers that bloom between the aspen groves in the summer. You can also plan your visit to Crested Butte during the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which takes place over 10 days in July, featuring 150 wildflower-themed workshops and guided hikes.

Paonia

Located within the West Elks AVA, Paonia is surrounded by some of the highest-elevation wineries in North America. Black Bridge Winery, part of the Orchard Valley Farms Market, is a great place to try some of these unique wines, with a few varieties potentially available, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, cherry wine, Chardonnay, and more. From April through November, you can also spend some time at Big B’s Delicious Orchard, a 30-acre estate with U-pick fruit orchards, an orchard cafe, and a campground. Traveling about a half hour northeast, you will reach Paonia State Park, which is home to a 334-acre reservoir that sits at an elevation of roughly 6,500 feet, perfect for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Silverton

Sitting at an altitude of 9,318 feet, Silverton is surrounded by 13ers: peaks that tower over 13,000 feet in every direction. One of the best ways to view this mountainous countryside is aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which offers a variety of excursion types through the San Juan Mountains. Like other cities in Colorado, the Silverton area also has a fascinating history in mining, evident through sites like Animas Forks, a mining camp ghost town that dates back to the late 19th century, sitting about an hour north of town. The Grand Hotel is another historic site worth checking out, completed in 1883 and, at the time, the largest single-standing structure south of Denver. Today, the hotel continues to receive guests, boasting hotel rooms, a restaurant and saloon, a theater, and more.

Cañon City

Located within the “Banana Belt of Colorado,” Cañon City enjoys fairly warm weather compared to many other Colorado towns. It is also the gateway to the Royal Gorge Region, which attracts countless visitors each year. Travelers hoping to explore this massive gorge should definitely sign up for a ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which takes you through the 1,000-foot-tall canyon and alongside the Arkansas River. You can also tour it with Colorado Jeep Tours, which offers both half-day and full-day gorge tours that take you along the rim. Or opt to do some hiking in Red Canyon Park, an over 600-acre park with red sandstone rock formations, cliffs, and winding canyons.

Ouray

Ouray lies within the San Juan Mountains and has become known as the Switzerland of America. It has also earned the title of the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado, with over 60 recreational activities to enjoy in the surrounding area! Box Cañon Falls Park is easily accessible from town and features a 285-foot waterfall that plunges into a quartzite canyon. For a fairly long hike, you can also check out the Ouray Perimeter Trail, a 5.6-mile route that meanders past four waterfalls, six bridges, and a variety of terrain types. After the hike, plan a soak at the Ouray Hot Springs, a sulfur-free hot springs pool using mineral water that is sourced from Box Canyon.

Lake City

Home to fewer than 500 residents, Lake City is definitely one of Colorado’s lesser-known destinations. However, the beauty that awaits you here is incredible. In the winter, you can explore sites like the Lake City Ice Park, which is just a block south of downtown, consisting of four climbing areas and over 100 climbing routes. Once the weather warms up, you can head to Lake San Cristobal, a great destination for trout fishing, boating, and camping. To fuel up for the day before starting your adventure, grab breakfast at the Breakfast Hangout, which serves hearty dishes like eggs Benedict, avocado toast, waffle-style French toast, and shakshuka.

Estes Park

No article about Colorado is complete without mentioning the Rocky Mountains, and in Estes Park, you will find just that. In minutes from town, you can be at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can explore over 300 miles of hiking trails that wind through a variety of mountain environments and ecosystems. The Estes Park Mountain Coaster is another interesting way to experience the mountains, which winds through the alpine landscapes found in Sombrero Ranch. Extend your trip by spending the night at The Estes Park Resort & Spa, which sits on Lake Estes, with many rooms offering a mountain or lake view.

Colorado's Top Contenders For 2026

Although there are hundreds of beautiful places to visit in Colorado, these seven definitely rank among the top this year. Travelers looking for hot springs and waterfalls will love destinations like Ouray, while mountaineers will love a vacation in Estes Park or Crested Butte. You can alternatively spend a weekend wine tasting in Paonia, which is home to some incredible vineyards! Regardless of the itinerary you choose for your trip this year, you can rest assured that your breath is about to be taken away.