7 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Colorado
Colorado is a landlocked state that attracts tens of millions of visitors each year to its mountains, small towns, and scenic destinations beyond the major cities. Tiny towns like Paonia, known for organic farming and renewable living, show that smaller communities also have interesting spots to discover. In fact, these towns, each having a specific appeal, draw visitors to wander where fewer people have been before. So pack your bags and get ready to find exciting attractions off the beaten paths of the Centennial State.
Paonia
Paonia is distinctly known for its orchards of peaches, apples, plums, and its organic farms. The area also has a high concentration of vineyards and wineries, including five of the popular wineries, such as Alfred Eames Winery, Black Bridge Winery, Stone Cottage Cellars, Azura Cellars, and Endless Endeavor Winery.
The town celebrates its heritage through various festivals throughout the year. The Cherry Days festival is celebrated annually in the week of July 4, featuring family reunions, parades, arts and crafts, and exciting musical performances. In late September, Paonia hosts a three-day event downtown featuring live music, street dances, wine tasting, and an emphasis on sustainable living. For movie buffs, the town also hosts a Film Festival celebrating the beauty of Western Colorado’s landscape, keeping the town buzzing with creative energy.
Creede
Creede, Colorado, is the primary gateway to the high-country headwaters of the Rio Grande and a former silver mining boomtown that turned into a quiet mountain escape. Creede Fork draws visitors with its 40-foot aluminum sculpture, regarded as the World’s largest fork. Developed by artists Chev and Ted Yund, the sculpture has been named the weirdest tourist attraction in Colorado.
The 1891 silver mine, with rock and mineral collecting areas, preserved mine buildings, and a museum providing guided tours, is a spot that must be visited in town. The Bachelor loop is another spot that is worth driving up to scenic views along the route and access to old mining structures that reveal how mining was carried out in the late 1800s. A trip to North Clear Creek Falls is interestingly gratifying with stunning mountaintop views framed by wide open skies and lush greenery.
Westcliffe
Westcliffe is known for dark skies and solar living. The town is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community by the IDA. Visitors can stargaze through the 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope at the free observatory set up by residents. A llama trek near town features open skies, clear ponds, and llamas as companions, making it especially enjoyable for families with kids. To rest a night in town, Alvarado campground is the perfect place with easy access to hikes in the Sangre de Cristo wilderness. Several trails lead to scenic waterfalls and offer stunning views from high overlooks.
Silverton
Originally called Baker’s Park, Silverton sits isolated among high mountain passes and steep peaks in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Its remote setting gives the town a true off-grid feel, while the walkable historic downtown remains one of its biggest draws. Lined with preserved buildings and mountain views in every direction, the streets invite visitors to explore the town, away from the crowds.
Outdoor adventure is the main attraction of the town. Kendall Mountain Recreation Area provides skiing, tree runs, and trails for all skill levels, along with an ice rink and rentals. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad adds historic character with year-round steam train rides through rugged terrain. For hikers, the Ice Lakes Trail stands out for its vivid blue water, wildflowers, and waterfalls, and rewards visitors with unforgettable views.
Naturita
Naturita takes its name from Spanish, meaning “little nature,” a fitting description for this quiet town surrounded by open land and wide skies. Just outside town, the San Miguel River creates a calm setting for reflection or simply sitting beside the water and taking in the scenery. Nearby, the Unaweep-Tabeguache Interpretive Visitors Center adds depth to a visit, sharing insight into the area’s geology, history, and the scenic byway that winds through the landscape.
Daily life here moves at a slow pace; however, it keeps things exciting for visitors. Blondie’s Drive-In is a local favorite, known for hearty breakfasts and a welcoming atmosphere that feels instantly familiar. For those staying overnight, Naturita RV Park has well-kept sites with full hookups, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside while enjoying a quiet, off-grid setting.
Saguache
Saguache, a tiny off-grid town located near the San Luis Valley, is a perfect getaway for a quiet vacation. The town provides access to the Rio Grande National Forest, spanning 1.8 million acres, and includes opportunities for camping and rock-collecting. Another meaningful site is the Soldierstone Vietnam War Memorial, honoring the soldiers and civilians who fought the war alongside the United States during the Vietnam War.
For history buffs, the Saguache County Museum shares stories from the town’s past and artifacts related to Alferd Packer. It is a great place to learn about the earlier generations and regional heritage. Additionally, the historic Ute Theatre adds cultural depth with classic architecture and its role as a gathering place for community events.
Lake City
Perched in the San Juan Mountains, Lake City is named after nearby Lake San Cristobal. The town brings a strong off‑road appeal due to its remote location, and it grew with recognition of its scenic landscapes, the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad line in 1889, and the opening of the Lake Shore Inn at Lake San Cristobal in 1917.
Lake City Ice Park, a must-visit for everyone who loves ice climbing and prefers not to be in crowded places. Open from November to March, the park has a fire pit and a warming hut to keep it warm. For families with children, a wonderful wildlife adventure awaits with over 270 animals painted on wood and rock, and a nine-hole mini golf. To round out a fun day in town, Lake City Brewing Company features great beer and delicious appetizers. With outdoor seating, it is a favorite place for locals to celebrate the important moments of life.
Colorado’s Off-Grid Towns Are Worth the Journey
Discovering Colorado’s tiny off-the-grid towns means embracing the real soul of the state. From Paonia’s organic farms to Silverton’s high mountain passes, honoring the forgotten soldiers at Soldierstone Vietnam War Memorial, and Lake City Ice Park, each town offers something unique to explore. These quiet communities highlight a slower pace of life shaped by nature, history, and self-reliance. Whether drawn by dark skies, remote trails, or creative local culture, travelers leave with a deeper connection to Colorado’s most authentic landscapes and stories.
